yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] GernBlanston:
So, I'm thinking using ultra-thin wire, egress from the reset hole, and if there's enough positive change, run it flat and perfectly straight along the bezel on the seam and conceal using 3M bumper repair or similar semi - flexible epoxy. You can tape that stuff off and remove the tape wet for a clean line. I might need something a bit heavier to stand up to handling, tho.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Ruprect:
I have only seen one sat in the lower spectrum of the green band. I wasn't observing for very long. I dont care about sig strength as long as I have a lock i.e atleast 3 sats in use. I struggled keeping a 3 sat lock before the shim. After shim I don't think I've seen it go below 6 sats in use, usually around 10 visible. The performance for gps is Soooo much better.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] bopfan:
sats yes. wifi?

Did the shim provide any increase in wifi receptivity? Particularly as you move the Prime further away from the router. Thanks
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] jchipper:
I just ordered 1 each of these http://www.taoglas.com/antennas/GPS-GLONASS_Antennas/Internal_GPS_-_SMT_Loop_Antennas/

Taoglas Internal GPS - SMT Loop Antennas

from http://www.digikey.com/

I'm looking forward to testing and seeing if one of these will work internally. ordered it UPS ground so I hope it will be here by Friday...
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] dagrim1:
Damnit, hope I get my plastic opening tools this week and go play around myself as well :) This is awesome!

Also bought one of these just in case: Tyco Mini PCI U.fl cable WiFi Laptop antenna aerial -N4
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] jdudb:
Since there seem to be many theories why there is poor antenne performance once lowered into the recess of the back, I might as well put my theory forward. I think that there is just too much radio noise from the circuits and it is drowning out the signals from both the GPS and WIFI. Maybe the latest tegra chips have excessive electrical noise? Has anyone else thought of putting a grounded insulated shield between the antenna and the main board with holes for the pogo pins? Say a sheet of aluminium foil covered on both sides with sticky back plastic and a small portion left bare so that it can contact the edge where the copper tags are.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] janaha_:
Looking forward to seeing the results.

I will be making an order if yours work.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] e.mote:
>Taoglas Internal GPS - SMT Loop Antennas

I take it you can hand-solder SMT components? I know the technique, but never had the occasion to try.

Anyway, it's not just a matter of slapping the part in and soldering it to the lead. Since the PCB serves as the ground plane, it has to be designed to accept the specific part, ie with a keep-out area. Below is an excerpt for loop ceramic ant from "Antenna Design for Mobile Devices (Wiley, 2011)".

For comparison, below is a pic of the Nook Tablet ceramic wifi antenna. Note the keep-out area.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Ruprect:
Erusman, you need to get this through your head .... RF signals do not need a piece of copper to get from A to B. Propagation, for example, is the fact that there is a big gap between the tv station transmitter and your tv antenna. yes the tv transmitter has megawatts of power behind it but the signals jumps the gap yes?

THAT GAP ON THE PRIMARY ANTENNA IS NOT A FACTORY FLAW

It is designed that way because that gap has one side of it at ground and the other side of that finely tuned gap will 'see' a carrier wave of a predefined band of frequencies. When combined with the other circuitry in the wifi signal reception, it delivers an adequate signal to be further processed down the line.

IT is Designed that way, please drop the faulty pcb talk, it is ridiculous.

As I have stated I have disconnected the AUX antenna and I still get wifi THROUGH THE ANTENNA WITH THE GAP......... FREAKIN AMAZING

Sorry rant over:rolleyes:

---------- Post added at 10:06 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:56 PM ----------

small piece of ESDS bag, I thought of using, but now I`ve by passed the pogo pins, I no longer subscribe to this theory
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] 1SiK1500:
Last night i opened up my prime (which was very easy) i attached an alligator clip to wlan pogo pin. Signal seemed alot stronger than normal but after running side by side comparison test on my Rooted Sensation. The Prime had just a little bit better wifi.

I attached an alligator clip to the GPS pogo pin and Bam!! 8 Sat locks in less than 15-20 seconds. I can confirm that running an external antena will help.

I tried the previously posted "shim" method and had no improvement of wifi. Once i closed the prime up (with shim still installed) i also am back to having NO gps.

I was willing to do this as, i am within my two week return window. Tonight i will try a larger "shim" and if that does not help, i will return it. and purchase another Prime and re-start my two week return period.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Wordlywisewiz:
Guys check this out!

http://mobile.theverge.com/2012/2/7/2776484/rfid-tag-metal-antenna-north-dakota-state-university
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Ride525:
I wonder if Asus is looking at this kind of thing? ;)
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] leppie:
How did RFID get into this thread? Unless you want to work with NFC, stuff for RFID will be useless to WIFI/GPS. Different frequencies should have been a hint.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Erusman:
Like i said I am layman when it comes to electronics. Thanks for the RF instruction. HOWEVER, I find it hard to believe you got WIFI from the Gapped PCB when others have not. Others have covered the RIGHT WIFI PCB all together and had nothing but the LEFT WIFI Gapped PCB working. They had no bars on their WIFI fan. Was getting minimal WIFI. WHY? Because the Left WIFI PCB is not working. I have taken out both PCB and I still had some WIFI as well. I was getting no bars with both WIFI PCB and same results as when only the LEFT WIFI PCB was left in. (Approx 5% of WIFI signal... NO bars on WIFI fan. Speedtest 1.8mbs 500k vs 32mb 5mbs) These are the tests we have done. I thank you for your input. my rant back :rolleyes:
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] dcAndroidFan:
They're probably looking at a lot of things. However, if you look at Gary's latest update on the official BT/WiFi dropout thread, he says "We met again with the wireless engineering group today to discuss the inconsistencies between units that work properly and those that do not along with potential solutions beyond rework or replacement.(emphasis added) "

Seems pretty clear that they're trying at all costs to avoid hardware fixes. At least, that's what "beyond rework or replacement" means to me.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] micaman:
OK, I am once again stating that I have no technical background with this stuff so call this theory ridiculous if you like but I think its the GLUE. Yes the amount of glue that is used to secure the PCB in place Its seems like it would be the only variable in everyone's tablet. The amount of glue and the placement (flow) of the glue would be very difficult to control in the manufacturing process, thus the variable in everyone's prime.

Now the amount/placement of glue is either causing variances to

(a)the physical separation from the aluminum backing or

(b)compression causing a better connection to the pogo pin.

In essence the glue is causing the same effect as the shim some are using.

Considering some have already tried bypassing the pogo and soldering directly to the PCB I'm thinking its (a)

Pics of the backside of the PCB would be great.

Thoughts??? Have I myself been sniffing too much glue :-)
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] buxtahuda:
That's certainly a consideration. But I'm still kind of leaning to Erusman on this, even if that's part of the issue I still think the main WiFi is a no-go. I guess I need to stop blowing smoke and just make up some ghetto opening tools and get to testing, since I'll obviously never find my legitimate ones again.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] micaman:
Sorry, corrected my post. I lean towards (a) not (b). The glue is getting to me again.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] oremy:
openen prime, applied the Xach fix, and closed it (10minutes)

pre fix: outside: 0-1 in view ( a bit more in cold weather :))

inside: hahahahaha 0

post fix: outside: to cold to try ;)

inside (3 meters from window): 7-8 in view and 5-6 in use ....

THANX!!!

+ light bleed gone!

a possible mod ... cant we just not extend the gps antenna with a thin copper sheet and let it come out in between screen and case, than bend forward to isolate it from the back plate? I think if just a bit would come out: bonzaï
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] ham67high:
thats exactly what i said a couple pages back, use the copper sheet and somehow make it longer to kinda be flush with the glasss and the bezel but not to completely stick out of the glass ( to act as a antenna) all this with xachs mod.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] wgr73:
Lol @ people claiming what they said some posts back like they want credit. Anyways...

Xachs method did nothing for me. I'm going to keep messing around with different designs.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] buxtahuda:
Be sure to post 'em! I'm looking most at your headphone-jack-mod and those cool antenna from Erusman as my final decisions. Just put the little antenna under my Skinomi, hopefully the outside of the case has not degradation issues like the inside, but the insulating plastic around the wire would help that anyway wouldn't it?

Oh, and wgr73, did you ever do a driving test with the headphone-jack?

You as well Erusman, driving test with final mod? I'm sure yours won't have an issue lol
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] dpwhitty11:
Here's the dpwhitty11 method:

;)

Solder a thin wire onto wifi pogopin (which in my case got rid of the pogopin.... lol whoops. Doesn't matter though). Then route wire out thru mini HDMI-out.

Images not embedded cuz they're huge... lol

http://i.imgur.com/XLYhQ.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/5zcpe.jpg
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Ride525:
So with wire out of here, does that mean mini-HDMI plug can't be plugged in here?
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] aznmode:
Just wanted to add to the list. Xachs mod didnt work for me either.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] dpwhitty11:
Yeah, there's not enough room to plug it in anymore, but I don't use it and never will which is why I chose to route them there. It was either that or drill holes.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] faxmonkey:
I think we can call this the "Rat Tail" method or Despereaux for short.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] buxtahuda:
Added to compressed thread. Lol, yes it's kind of a rat-tail, but that could easily be trimmed or otherwise manipulated to be more concealed. I personally do use my mHDMI, so a no-go for me, but definite possiblity for some.

If it's about length to match wave-length, couldn't you do a small cable of correct length that's stiff enough to kind of bend into an amorphous shape and place inside the mHDMI slot to almost fill it, maybe let it stick out as much as the mSD filler? Reception from outside the Prime, but mostly in "internal" affair.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] tedr108:
Sorry if I missed this, dpwhitty11, but are you getting good results with this method? (I looked thru several pages here and may have missed where you gave your results.)

Also, just curious... What do you mean "got rid of the pogopin"?
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] jdudb:
To answer my own question I decided to try the above. As I have decent enough WIFI, I am concentrating on the GPS. I made a shield out of aluminium foil covered with scotch tape and put it under the GPS and AUX antenna as in the first photo. I closed it all up and did some tests. The nest photo shows what I usually get indoors with GPS and the final photo shows what I got after the shield. A major improvement! Still not brilliant, 24 feet accuracy was its best and it was not very stable. I was so made up with the result that I tried it with the main WIFI as well. This time the results were disappointing. If anything, worse but like I said I do not have a WIFI problem (and I do have a gap in the main antenna).

I then decided to put the shield under only the GPS. Disaster, I was back to zero again. I tried re-making what I had before and really struggled. Eventually after about a dozen tries of slightly different sizes I made a shield that goes only under the GPS and gave similar results to the first one. All this mucking around has made me think that what I have made is a resonant antenna, not a shield at all.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] dpwhitty11:
Yeah, I'm getting much better range results. Previously I wasn't able to pick up as many wifi networks and my signal strengths with them were about 10-20 dbm higher/worse.

And when I was soldering the wire on there, the pogopin just slipped right off. It's soldered on there too and doesn't use much to hold it on. And my iron is really ****ing hot, so as soon as I put my wire on there, the pin fell right off.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] tedr108:
Thanks for the reply...

Since I have no intention of using the HDMI, I'm leaning towards this mod...unless Erusman has luck with the internal Tyco antenna method. Currently waiting on my plastic opening tools (on order with Amazon).

Re: pogopin ... I'm sure the same will happen to mine. I may work hard at keeping the pogopin in place, however, since it will probably help provide more antenna power by still connecting to the PCB.

The spirit of this thread is what XDA is all about -- thanks to all who have contributed here!
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] buxtahuda:
You know, I keep thinking of just eliminating the PCB's...

But could you use both the included antenna as well as another, pushing signal both through a wire to one and the pogopin to the stock? Or would this just create one giant, crazy antenna?
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] wgr73:
Dude anything outside of the case is 100x better than inside...the case really hampers the signal. I'm betting you'd get great signal with that design.

I didn't get too yet. I will. I don't suspect any issues at all. And Erusman's mod will probably pull great reception while driving :cool:
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] janaha_:
For those struggling with bad connection from pogopin-->pcb.

Wrap some aluminum foil around a wire (5-6 turns)with the same diameter as pogo.

Place it on the pogo and cut it a couple of mills longer than the pogo.

You should now have good contact with the pcb when putting the panel back on.

I'm getting mixed results so I won't call it a permanent fix for me:(
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] buxtahuda:
Foil's just not a great conductor of signal is it? Fine for directing, but not pushing (these words straight from my logic, I have no clue) right? You'd want to use some compound or something a little more substantial in way of metal wouldn't you?

*EDIT: Nevermind, you said wrap wire with it lol, so it's just kind of insulating it? Might as well get some retarded high-gauge wire or something just as wide as the pogo and cut it right to fit the rubber sleeve over the pogo.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] janaha_:
Nope.

The theory is wrap the foil around a wire (insulated) the take the foil off the wire and place it on the pogo.Squeeze to make good contact to pogo and replace the panel.This will make a wider contact area than the top of the pogo.

I was gonna use gold leaf, but I'm out:P
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] dagrim1:
Ugh, what do you guys use to open the prime? I ordered one of these:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260936559744

Which arrived today, but they are too soft... The tips just damage and bend, can't use it to pry apart the prime. Guess I'll order a better set soon.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] janaha_:
I use guitar picks.

0.6mm to get under the panel, then 1mm to open
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] buxtahuda:
Ok, understood. And yes, I'd say the gold leaf would certainly do a bit better.

But you'd need to ensure that constant pressure gets put onto it, right? Otherwise it could lose connection just as badly as the pogos themselves, so a combo of this + xach's to ensure connectivity? Or am I still not actually understanding?
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] dpwhitty11:
Screwdriver (bad idea, don't do that), guitar pick, and my fingernail.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] dagrim1:
Good one, got those here as well... Gonna give those a try, cheers. And thanks for the other replies too ;)
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] e.mote:
http://www.dealextreme.com/p/professional-premium-precision-phone-disassembly-tool-7-piece-set-23050

Use the guitar pick to force the initial crease. Insert one of the wedge tools (what you have) into the crease and slide it along the seam to pop up the front face. Do it slowly. Depending on type of retaining plastic clips used, some may break off.

Alternatively, just look around the house for any hard plastic or nylon (read: anything hard enough to make a crease, but not enough to scar the device lip). If you have a dremel tool, you can sand one down to make a sharp enough edge to force the crease.

Try a metal spatula.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] janaha_:
The pressure will be constant due to the panel forcing down.Think of it as an extended pogo.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] clackity:
orlandofan just posted on the wifi/BT fallout sticky that asus replied to him that they are seeing improved wifi reception with the latest motherboard revision. Any of you guys that tore your prime apart notice a motherboard revision number?
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] janaha_:
All I see is a sticker on the backplate lower right.

Barcode then:

13NA-ZAA0F23 0A 11CO 2087 00 00

13GOK0A2AM0632-30

Nothing regarding revision

Batch is C10KAS

There is a rev number on the panel though (0 -A00)

EDIT : There is a rev number next to the microsd slot (Rev 1.2)
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] clackity:
I don't really have any idea where it would be located. I assumed it would be on the MB itself.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Stocki96:
Isn't it dangerous to open it? Because I want to do it, but still don't know... :(
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] janaha_:
Don't worry. It won't blow up. Following the instructions and you'll be fine (and void warrany) But who will find out:-)
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] monkey10120:
I tried the tin foil method and got 1 sat :-) then it went away. Lol

But its a start.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] roach48:
I don't want to steal a persons thread but I have been reading alot in this post,why are people tearing down this tablet.Are all owners of Asus having some kind of problem if they are I would like to thank you guys for saving me $500.00,now I can buy my second choice a Sony tablet s.

THANK'S
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] junrider:
When people here are telling u android is for modders and tweakers. You didnt expect this did you?... :D
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Wordlywisewiz:
I hope they send me a new one from a new batch for my RMA!
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] monkey10120:
have fun with your tegra 2 android 3.2 device!
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] thomslik:
What's with you guys? You would probably take a steaming turd with a tegra 3 in it and be happy! When did it get to be too much to expect a product to performed as advertised?

These kids today.........................It must be the light beer and MTV...........
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] junrider:
I just loved how we have turned from beta testers to the troubleshooting department. Asus is really proud. I wonder which design mod will be the most effective and aesthetically pleasing.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] buxtahuda:
Lol, I know right.

I'm sure they're looking into things a little more knowledgeably of course, but I'm glad we're all coming up with ways to make our existing, flawed Primes up to par with their adverts :D

I'm curious to see how the new mobo works out. But I'll be keeping this one, don't really want to wait for the whole return process

On a side note, I can confirm that xach's method of just raising the boards a bit does minimally help. I went from 0 sats in view or use, to 13 in view 9 in use without WiFi. About the same with WiFi. Generally low SNR of course, but I at least know I have a working GPS chip, yeah.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] junrider:
I dont have the prime anymore, gave up on it a few weeks ago. But my friend still has his prime and I know it has a weak wifi and no satellite locks... Really tempted to ask him if I can open her up and try the shimmy, but its his first tablet ever so he doesnt really know his could use some modding.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] buxtahuda:
Well, good luck lol I don't mess with friends' devices unless they specifically ask me to. Just in case. Not so much as maintaining respect as it is integrity; would hate to always do fine with my own equipment then by random occurrence of Zeus mess up a buddy's stuff and have to replace it haha
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Reignzone:
So, has anyone else received their commissions check from ASUS, yet?

I mean, after all... their troubleshooting hotline is (indefinitely) routed to 90% of our mobile phones to take (their) calls and provide basic DIY tips to fixing their goof ups.

Ya' dunn goofed, Asus.

Signed, everyone.

Sent from the last remaining Prime; Leader of the Autopads.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] junrider:
Hehe.. I probably wont unless he can accept that I wont take responsibility for any unfortunate mishaps.... Although I find myself squeezing his tablet a few times... Hehehe... I dont think my squeezing helped or I dont have the right touch.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] buxtahuda:
I actually had one incident where squeezing produced a result. 1 sat jumped into view but disappeared before I really registered seeing it lol but it was enough to get me to open it up finally. With just my hands and a couple of guitar picks haha

I wish they were all as easy as this here Prime is.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] jchipper:
I used a old Credit Card, start at the bottom then both sides then just slide the glass toward the bottom and it just pops right out no breaking tabs, no fancy tools just a fingernail and a credit card works like a charm, i can have mine apart in 30 seconds
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] green750one:
Beta tester? Really? Since when? I bought my prime in the expectation that it was a production ready piece of hardware. Software bugs in early adoption of ICS I can deal with, but not hw test units. Unless of course we can return them at the end of the pilot for fully featured units that have passed strict QC checks. For free!
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] oremy:
i would like the give this a shot: copper tape: google it (i cant post url)

principle has been mentioned before

what would be the best: tape this over the glass from inside to outside (5 mm) by placing one side clamped between the pogo-pin and the other out of the case or connecting this or connecting the internal directly to the antenna ...

were the tape could make contact with the case we insulate it with some scotch tape ...
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] oremy:
ok copper tape, no go ...

yes go: place a lot of carton under the antenna print plate like mentioned before :)

thickness of cardboard: 1,46 mm for mine ;)
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] bahoiz:
Hi,

Which one is OK, GPS or WiFi?

Thanks
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] oremy:
GPS i checked, wifi was good already don't know if it improved (did not get worse) ...
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] tshoulihane:
Even copper tape on the front of the glass could make a difference.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Chemas:
That's what i was thinking for last few hours...but i can't try it because i've returned my TFP (waiting for new one).

...to cut copper tape in the same shape/size as Wifi antenna and tape it on the front of the glass.... http://dl.dropbox.com/u/3833233/41.jpg