yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] buxtahuda:
This was my (and plenty others lol) first idea. If I did it I would just grab some plexiglass from work and make a clear viewing port into my Prime, just behind each antenna area. I'm wondering now if I can't do that, then route the Tycos behind them...

Depends on whether or not creating those breaks in the aluminum will also help cut down on the noise it's reflecting/generating.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] micaman:
I just stumbled upon this on a Hobby store website. Perhaps this will help those who have done the headphone jack mod.

http://www.rcplanet.com/Hobbico_72MHz_Radio_Frequency_Checker_Antenna_p/hcap0341.htm
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] ham67high:
funny cause i was thinking of that since i seen the headphone jack mode. but could not find that anywhere. this might be a good thing. gotta see this in action
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] pileot:
The headphone jack mod didn't seem to do anything for me, tried with wifi and various cables attached to the headphone jack, no noticable improvment on any of the 4 pins. Can someone who has done this explain which is the best route to take with this mod?
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Freestyle72:
1) you are a bad ass, as I was thinking this is the best method to take to resolve the issue, but I didn't have the balls to do what you did.

2) why don't you re-assemble everything and test out functionality with those new windows before you paint and do the whole deal? That way you know if paint affects the signal as well.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Norcalz71:
So I like the thinking on this with the resin cast windows. Did you basically drill the hole and then flood the hole with resin and put a form on the bottom so it would fill the hole and create a window? And then will sand down the overflow smooth to the prime's backplate again? How does it adhere to aluminum? Would definitely be an easier way to get a clean finish then milling a plexiglass window to fit into the cutout.

Definitely try it with the window but with the stock "internals" and antenna to see if just the window alone has a positive effect.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] chivas228:
if i was to cut open a rear hole for the antenna, I would get something like this:

and use the smallest one to poke the line over; flat, small and casual. use the rest on a car or something. I'd then add a case to the prime and call it a day with the wires tucked between the case and the Prime.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] buxtahuda:
Ah, but young padawan, such a decision will net you signal close to as bad as we have already lol

That is, if I'm understanding you right. This is pretty much what Erusman did, but he noted that even external antenna near the Prime's casing will experience severe signal degradation. Only way to have an effective external antenna is to also get it more than ~1/2" away from the case.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] RipplingHurst:
That's was my understanding too.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] pileot:
i have done this to some degree....

I have lots of flat ribbon wire (used to connect between different components in things like DVD drives, etc. ) and have used some on my prime to connect from the pogo pin to easially have a wire outside the prime without poking holes in it while still being able to close it properly.

Basically, if you have a wire going from the pogo pin directly out of the prime, then AWAY from the prime, you will get good reception.

If you move that wire close to the back of the tablet, say within an inch or so, you will lose all or most signal.

As long as its shielded somehow when it leaves the tablet you shouldnt see much problems, just as long as once you go through the gromet you have a straw or something holding the wire away from your tablet instead of up against it.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Wordlywisewiz:
I have proof from a very noteworthy source at Asus about both the wifi and the bootloader!

" The unlock bootloader is actually a pretty vague subject. I believe we still have our legal team working on the terms before release but I am not sure if there will ever be an official release for the tool.

There are a lot of NDAs and legal terms that go along with the tool so our top executive management is discussing the best way to outline the legal terms of voiding warranty upon usage for people who do choose to use it.

In the warranty card that comes with the unit there are specific terms about “Modifying” and “Tampering” that is not covered under warranty conditions. This would also include rooting and unlocking the bootloader.

The wi-fi range is actually not because of the aluminum backing.

We are working on improving the antenna design built within the tablet right now.

Our service team will have a fix in place shortly for this but we would need to work on user’s unit in house at our service center to boost the reception when everything is ready. I will let you know."
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] demandarin:
Pogo pins..like I said originally ;)
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] TheDoctor1971:
probably been posted already elsewhere, but

ASUS has made a statement about gps/wifi etc.

http://news.cnet.com/8301-1035_3-57373634-94/putting-the-transformer-prime-in-perspective/?part=rss&subj=news&tag=2547-1_3-0-20

That having been said, I guess I'll crack mine open at some point and "fix" the GPS antenna. It'd be neat if I had the skill to get a replacement cover 3D printed. *sigh* Pipe dreams.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Erusman:
Statement in Bold is bogus. WIFI range and GPS not working is a direct result of the aluminum backplate. Tested and verified my a number of people in this thread, including myself.

So where did you get this information? Some marketing rep of Asus? :p
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] rmsingh:
Hey Galluccib... any updates?
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Wordlywisewiz:
No it can't be fully the backplate because this new one I got the GPS even locks indoors! The antennas had something wrong with tbem
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] rmsingh:
Obviously the backplate is causing significant signal attenuation. The GPS will not work well unless this issue is addressed first.

SO...... let's get back to modding. What needs to be done to get the signal thru the back plate and into the Prime.:D
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Doktaphex:
You've got something wrong with you! :D
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] tshoulihane:
Conductors do not absorb RF, they reflect it (mostly, there is obviously some resistive loss, but maybe not a lot.)
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] rmsingh:
So what's the solution? Create a window in the back plate?
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Thenits:
Worldlywisewiz, any chance you might open up the prime that works and let us know if there are any obvious changes to the design? You mention the antennae, but are you sure?
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] snakeybidder:
Getting a little bored of you to be honest. Your posting the same thing in loads of posts about your secret source, fibbing to make your self feel better that your toy is not directly affected by the lame metal design.

WE HAVE TESTED THE PRIME BY OPENING IT!!!!!

Go away.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] sklid:
man this thread is huge...

So, I don't know that I scanned the whole of this thread, but there must be some significant physical differences in the prime's construction based on the different results people have had.

My Prime never could see a satellite, no matter where I was (inside/outside/clear sky/etc). Firmware changes never made a difference for me.

I finally decided I didn't care about the warranty anymore and opened mine up...I ran a 22 gauge wire from teh GPS pogopin and experimented with the wire hanging out and connected to the antenna with various amounts of gap between the back plate and the screen. The results *for me* are pretty clear, the back plate is completely shrouding GPS signal.

Maybe firmware will make a difference for some, but I think the only way I'll get GPS is if I pull out my drill :( I was thinking about doing this a little differently, though...I was thinking about going out the front and using a flat piece of copper, painted gloss black. This could blend in reasonably well.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] buxtahuda:
If you think you'll be able to have something that close to the backplate... As thin as the Prime is, I think signal would still be affected, maybe just not as bad though...
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] rmsingh:
Go for it:D I'm looking for a solution as well. I need to know if using an external antenna stuck to the surface of the cover, will work after the prime is closed up. I took mine for a drive today in a leather case and I found that the leather affected the signal as well. Driving outside in leather case > 1 to 3 sats. Driving outside no leather case > 3 to 14 sats. However in all cases none of the sats were above 27dbi. I think the metal cover has to go, either completely or partly. I haven't opened mine yet.. too chicken:)

BTW I've got a C1 unit. Works well except for GPS.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] sklid:
functional, SNR is still horrible

Ok, so this is what I did...removed the pogopin from it's seat, then soldered a shielded antenna wire to that point with the shield to the point to the left (a ground).

I routed the wire above the cameras, then beneath the light sensor/led flash. This board pops off easily when you remove the screw.

There's enough room to send the wire all the way around so that I could strip off the shielding and then just send the core signal wire with it's insulator out through the micro SD slot (which is useless anyway, since I've already lost 2 cards...).

Results are reasonable considering with the stock antenna I would get nothing.

Inside, I was getting about the same performance with the Prime as I was my EVO 4G with my new antenna wire tapped to the table and well away from the prime. With the wire sitting on top the prime, the # satellites in view decreased. Outside, there didn't seem to be a difference (it's night, I couldn't take a decent picture outside, sorry).

I will keep the Prime like this for a little whiel to test, then I may drill out a port in the side of the case for a real GPS antenna...file now, my $600 tablet has a pigtail :)
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] rmsingh:
Since I keep my prime in a leather case i'm wondering if I can tape a pigtail to the surface of the case which will provide some separation from the cover.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] galluccib:
not looking good...

---------- Post added at 07:41 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:32 PM ----------

Sorry not looking good...
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] pileot:
This should be posted on the front page IMO... Its been asked / discovered a dozen times in this thread:

IF YOU HAVE ANY ANTENNA / WIRE AFFIXED DIRECTLY NEXT TO / ALONG THE BACK CASE THE INTERFERENCE WILL BLOCK NEARLY ALL SIGNAL.

If you have any sort of wire / pigtail / antenna AWAY from the back of the case, you will get amazing reception.

Conclusion: Same as everyone else, the back case has to be gone / modified / something.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Erusman:
Good job. However you don't need to solder two connections for the GPS. All you need is just one wire soldered where the GPS pogo pin was at. You can use solid copper wire or standard stranded wire. Stranded wire is more flexable. I have used both and I get same result.

Honestly I think best location to run anything out is the camera location. I use the sdmicro slot more than the camera. If i want a camera I usually use my phone. Up to you though. You could just remove the whole PCB for the camera and pop in a mico pigtail sma connection for GPS and WIFI, etc.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Erusman:
Done. :D

Yes, should have been on OP along time ago.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Norcalz71:
so if this is true, we are saying the backplate itself it 100% emitting some sort of RF interference itself, both internally and externally, and any antenna within its radius of signal if you will would have degrades reception.

Potentially solve-able by embedding an antenna (or THE internal antenna) inside a case and placing a shielding material of some type in the case as well between the antenna and the backplate and then feeding a wire from the case to the prime with a connector. Potentially much cleaner than some wires hanging out.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Erusman:
Well aluminum backplate is not really emitting anything. Your WIFI / GPS signals are basically being blocked by the aluminum. Plus, WIFI / GPS signals are bouncing off etc. causing interference. Basically a dirty signal so to speak. When you move your antenna away you are getting a clean signal. Typical properties of metals and any sort of signal.

But, yes your idea has been brought up a few times. Basically shield around antennas to prevent the bouncing etc interference from happening. I am not sure now good it would work. I know ASUS has some sort of grey foam material they are using on back of factory antenna. Not sure its properties. I know it stops the antenna from grounding against the aluminum. But, it maybe shielding some of that interference as well.

I think the whole aluminum backplate has the Asus engineers a little :confused: as well. Solution is pretty simple to see in future Asus tablets. (i.e. TF700 where top few inches are replaced by plastic instead of aluminum).

This whole thread is about finding different mods that will help fix our WIFI / GPS problems in the prime. My mod is basically an external solution that works for me. However, there are all sorts of ideas in here. I am sure alot of us have spent hours and days thinking about an ideal internal solution. Just a matter of time when someone will find that solution which will work for others.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Norcalz71:
I don't think the bolded statement can be quite right, if having the antenna outside the backplate but still near it is also causing problems. I mentioned it many pages ago, but if the backplate is only blocking/absorbing the signal, then with the antenna on the outside, no matter how close you are to the backplate, then the signal should be nice and strong.

Now if the backplate is generating noise of its own or reflecting other noise, then having the antenna on the outside but near the backplate could be an issue. On the inside, I could understand more "noise" being trapped by the plate and muddying the signal, but on the outside, the only thing that could really put noise to the antenna that is against the outside of the backplate is the backplate itself. If the backplate is generating low-energy noise, then you move the antenna a short distance from the plate and out of the range of the noise and you are good to go. If theres no noise there, then the signal should be nice and clear. It seems there must be noise though.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] pileot:
I agree with Norcalz71, when an external antenna is placed near (like 1 inch or less) the back plate you get pretty much no signal, reguardless if the antenna is inside or outside the prime. That being said, some people claim they have great GPS reception without modding (very few) however none of them have cracked open their prime to see if its different.

I personally think the backplate is picking up some interference from something else.

there was a guy with some 3m RF absorbing stuff was going to line the inside of the prime and test this theory, still have not heard how successful he was. should be interesting!
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] rmsingh:
I have tested this over the weekend. Erusman and others are correct. The back plate is a GPS Signal Killer, as long as the wire is close to the back plate, the signal strength will suffer. I used a 7in piece of wire sticking straight out and touching the pogo pin and had 12 sats with 8 locked in under 8 secs. If I bend the wire parallel to the back plate, the signal dies immediately. I will be ordering a BT GPS Reciever as suggested in this thread.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] dcAndroidFan:
Ok, I've got an honest question that I'm hoping someone can answer based on this thread. A number of posts indicate than if you put an antenna anywhere near the aluminum backplate, you lose signal. If this is the case, why wouldn't it be the same story even if there was a strip of plastic across the top (like the TF700T)? I know the people are clamoring for a replacement backplate like that, but wouldn't it have the same problems, if the aluminum is interfering with signal? Or would the plastic give enough separation from the aluminum to overcome the noise/interference?
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Ready2Mosh:
I have an app called Elixir 2, and in it has an MAgnetic field sensor app, is this thing really working and could it help with the idea the case is creating a field preventing the signals coming through?

Just curious.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] demandarin:
I know right..lol. bit seriously this not about trying to dissaprove the backplate being a factor. As I've been accepted the fact that a metal backplate can affect or hinder wireless performance. MY whole thing was that other factors could be involved also. That the backplate is not the "Only" reason. Whether it be another piece of hardware or a combo of hardware n software. Some people think I think backplate is not a factor or possible issue. I never said that. I just wanted to dig deeper then the plain obvious reason given. Which Asus never really confirmed themselves. All Asus said was that backplate "Could" be affecting GPS signal. Not that it was "definitely without a doubt" the reason. Plus a backplate issue would be less harmful to Asus vs. Them having to say some pogo pins are the culprit. It would look really bad on Asus that something as small as this wasn't put together properly and would probably force them to recall all primes. As there is no way of telling which ones work well n not. They would have to take them all back n fix them. Easy solution was to comment on backplate as possible issue and take GPS off spec. That way, everything is still moving according to their plan. Its also possible that engineers never caught or thought of this new possible issue and xda is the first to unveil it. Who knows?

One thing I've noticed though is that whenever talks up here in the forum get heated, Asus pushes out an update to try to put people at ease..lol. so expect an update any day now, especially once they catch wind of this thread.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Erusman:
Ok here are some pics.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] 1SiK1500:
amazing! what are your thoughts?
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] aznmode:
The pogo pins seems to be long enough to make contact. Where is the GPS?
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] demandarin:
You right...I meant to edit post n say that after thinking about it. But if back opened with contacts broken from backplate then it technically shouldn't be getting a signal at all..lol we do have two antennas though. I wonder if those contacts are to just try to strengthen signal vs.need those connections to work. Cuz its seeming wireless still works with connections broken. Very weird. Asus might have something else going on in there that we haven't seen or heard about yet. So it is a good question to ask Why is wireless still working n picking up signals although the connection is broken from the patch? Meaning pins not even touching contact patches yet wireless still working.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Wordlywisewiz:
Another idea would be to for an extreme antena would be to desoder the connections to the headphone jack then put a small wire from the wifi antenna to the headphone jack and sorry it lol :p then you can make a custom antenna with a standard 3.5mm connector :p lmfao!

Do it!
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Ride525:
Well, last week I was told that there was an update planned for early February......By Technical Product Manager
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Wordlywisewiz:
Maybe they will surprise us with the unlock tool :)
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] ckoadiyn:
Awesome
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] thomslik:
Thanks for the pics! I salute you for going "all in" as others before you didn't have the balls!

Good luck finding a fix.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] killermojo:
Wow, awesome! Really excited to see what you find next
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] _Gir_:
Long enough is one thing but if they don't make a solid contact they're useless/not passing enough current.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Lock-N-Load:
You will recall I also said, fought, argued with others here that the metal back plate was not the key issue. I said it then & I say it now & stood by it. Sure enough later we found out about pogo pins. Plus all the software related anomalies I noticed that would make the metal back plate irrelevant. I also got hated on but just never bought into the Asus's claim & that one tear down everyone liked to regurgitate about the metal back plate being the issue & forget any improvement. Poppy-****.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] demandarin:
I remember. The backplate was an easy scapegoat as its obvious. AS you might have noticed, certain people making sure to stay clear. Can't wait to see how he mods this and his test results. Since Anandtech or nobody will do this kind of teardown with modifications n testing, this is all we got to go on. First priority would be finding a solution. The lesser priority would be proving who's theories were right or wrong. Although it will be sweet once ours come out victorious..lmfao its all good though because check this out. If people would've just hoped on backplate bandwagon n never mentioned pogo pins, this thread may have never surfaced or been thought of. So its good for all that there's other theories and possible different things to blame. The world would be a boring place if everyone thought exactly the same things and agreed on everything.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Erusman:
Exactly. You have a way with words :)

Well did my run to radioshack. Got some alligator clips and other goodies.

I hooked up two red clips to wifi pogo's.

I hooked up one black clip to gps.

I ran various tests. Wifi and GPS on. Everything is on par with all my other

tablets. 32mb 5mb wifi. GPS is up and running all birds 5 to 10 seconds.

(I know the alligator clips aren't the greatest but it gives a signal)

Bluetooth? Well, bluetooth still had problems (driver issue?) ZERO improvement.

I streamed a 1080p video using Diceplayer and bluetooth

headphones. Frames and lag skipping all over the place. Soon as I turned

bluetooth off, video ran smooth as it should. A major wifi / bluetooth fallout

issue. {I am running ICS latest. firmware} so maybe something screwed up

with ICS. I am sure a firmware fix would solve the issue.

Sorry for making baby steps. I know you guys want as much tests as possbile.

With kids and wife nagging.. it gets complicated. lol

Tests I want to run.

1) Wifi range test

2) Solder pogos to factory wifi antenna.. (snap together see what happens)

to test aluminum issue.

3) GPS turn by turn

4) Personal mod. hmmmm perhaps drill hole to connect pogos to a PCB mount.

possible antenna jack recepticle. Hook on external antenna if I ever wanted too.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] xTRICKYxx:
Same here. Some devices just work.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] :
My wireless is also as good as my other devices. To me that just supports the idea that the aluminum back is not the issue. But thanks to this thread we should be able to confirm soon!!!