yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] m3t4lw01f:
What happens to your GPS signals if you move the foil over to the left a wee bit (above the GPS antenna)?

I don't have a problem with Wifi, but I certainly do with GPS, so I'd be interested to see.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] sirnice:
Holy@#$@$ :eek:, I have verified that it works. My dl speed went from 3xxx to over 15000 using speedtest.net app. I will post screen shots......:eek:

screen shots taken just now...
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Erusman:
lol very cool. Looks like you are reflecting your wireless signal into your primes antenna. Forcing it down the throat so to speak :eek:

Cool Parabolic effect. Aluminum foil is great for that.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Doktaphex:
Even seems to work somewhat with anti-static bags. :D
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] TEmp69:
WTF!!!

If this is really true then i'm even more glad i returned my unit. So for my 600€ toy to work i gotta get a 1€ foil-roll, ASUS are you kidding me?
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] PolishPoet:
It doesn't have to go down the back. I have it taped on now nd it goes from the top edge of the screen down. You have to move it from side to side to get the best signal. Again it does not need to go down the back, but to find the best location I originally had the foil going over the back.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Erusman:
Very cool PolishPoet. Yes I imagine if you had it in some sort of Parabolic shape. You could increase / direct the signal even more.

hahahah i love this.

Make a plastic frame with aluminum in it and you can clip on top of prime. Sell them and you will be rich!
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] sirnice:
It appears to block/degrade GPS signal. I'm getting 0 now instead of 2-3 by the window with the foil on. But wifi definitely improved.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Doktaphex:
Works particularly well holding a DVD in place. I guess they are super smooth and reflective so it makes sense.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Moothead2:
Mixed result for me. 1.2MB/s with the foil then 5.8MB/s without the foil and then 6.4MB/s with the foil again.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Doktaphex:
If I use Wifi analyzer as soon as I hold a DVD in place I suddenly see about four other networks that disappear as soon as I take the DVD away. Happens every time without fail. Signal goes from ~70dB to ~55dB
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] 1di9:
I tried it with two layers of a thin sheet of aluminum, the one used for food, but I have not found a noticeable improvement.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Atlas7:
Me to... and I try with binder clip
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] bunnybash:
the foil actually made my speeds worse, both up and down... I don't generally have wifi problems with my Prime though and it's a later C5 model...
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] whycali:
soldering is a waste of time and an unnecessary danger. you can get as good as it gets performance by just enhancing the 3 antenna ground points.

The entire idea of pogo pins as a problem is an idea somebody tossed out there and because they were near the actual problem the misconception took off and grew.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] PolishPoet:
Size and placement. See posts at the beginning if this thread fir what worked best for me.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] whycali:
I know you can improve WiFi non invasively using "the beer can method" I just thought it looked like crap and was embarrassing so I just fixed the actual internal grounding issue without cutting or removing anything from my prime.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] hx4700 Killer:
Interesting develoment for me. I know I posted earlier that I havent really seen this issue. In my house there is a "corner" of the building where I have poor reception, and always have. It is through a floor and doors/walls.

I have a laptop and a netbook that I have tried to use there and the connection is marginal. I tried the prime over the weekend and connectivity was worse than either of the two devices I just mentioned. I have always noted that where my laptop gets signal the prime is often down by one bar in comparison. So in this area connectivity was sporadic to say the least.

I went to the kitchen and got a small bit of foil as suggested and voila, 2 bars signal strength and a steady connection.

Too true that it works!
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] gotchi:
I tested it as well :)

worked awesome with the first test - then I rearranged the foil and now I am not able to put it back on the same spot :(

so - perhaps somebody could make a description with size of the foil and the best position (measured) - should be the same for every prime I assume :)

thanks
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Atlas7:
Look at #99
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] gotchi:
thanks for the others here the link

http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=22838941&postcount=99

let see if it works that way for me as well :)
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] 1di9:
I followed post #99 suggestions and, after some test in different places in my home, I must say that appears to work....I obtained best results not placing alluminium foil even on the back but only on the glass in the front.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] sahilcc7:
Would wifi improve if I put the foil underneath the display, on the wifi PCB itself?
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] darwin123:
i tried the mod according to #99 too and I can confirm that it works as well

i used wifi analyzer to monitor the change in wifi signal

and i have found that if you have another inch of extra foil hanging off the side (or up the top) of your screen to act as extra antannae, it will improve the wifi signal even more.

But it just looks super ugly.

For me, the wifi signal went from around -80db

to -70db with just the foil on the screen

to -60 db with extra bits of foil hanging off the screen.

it works but as i said, to get the maximum result, is superbly unsightly.

sigh....i hate you asus......stupid design
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] nhshah7:
i took this a little further. i opened up my prime and connected a piece of foil to the main wifi antenna and wrapped it around the outside, then taped it to the back (aluminum side, not glass) and i saw a 12-14 db improvement in signal everywhere. simple, silly, but it works (and not as ugly as a free piece of foil).
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] tower_gilead:
tested

working great

tried with reflective tape

no work

put foil back on

improved reception(signal) and speed

see bottom 2 results no foil

middle 2 results add foil in middle of test

top result foil on when test initiated

good job OP

thanks button mash!
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] tower_gilead:
permanent adhesion of space age antenna complete using polymer bonding agent(scotch tape)

coolness enhancement complete

it should be noted that after attachment of 'chastity belt' over receiver area, results are not as good as they were when alloy film was merely placed in the area

will try bonding agent with a porous surface area(a band aid perhaps?) in an attempt to allow tachyon particles to reach the dilithium chamber at a higher rate
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] tower_gilead:
peeled bonding from back of unit and let it stand straight up

original higher results returned

need more coolness enhancement now
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] flueterflam:
Opened it up yesterday and took a couple of folder pieces of foil ~1inch long and ~.15inch wide and stuck each in between the screen and aluminum and the main/aux antennas. Definite increase in signal strength. I think I hit full wifi bars for the first time ever! 20ft away through walls, and I actually get some bars still. Thanks for the tip!
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Dreamcarr:
Did this last night, saw a 5-10db improvement only, but the real difference was in throughput. I used to connect at ~5 mbps on my couch. I'm now at 65mbps.

The tablet wifi is also useable in areas that were previously dead, as well.

I used a quad layer of household aluminum foil, about an inch wide. Positioned it only ~1/2 inch from the right edge of the tablet for the best results.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Pandawg:
This worked for me. I can finally watch YouTube videos on my bed without all the buffering :good:
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Lekzai:
I can confirm the trick in Post #99.

My Wifi signal improved up to 12db in short distance and up to 7db in long distance.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] dmachado:
It definitely works. I had areas in my friends house with no network available, now I have great connection speeds! This has made my life easier! THANK YOU SIR! :D
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] tshoulihane:
How did I miss this? Sounds like an easy thing to try...
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Y2kdancr:
Can some one post a link for the noted improvement?
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] W4UXB:
Quick question the 1&3/8" from the right edge you refer to, is that from the right edge of the foil to right edge of Prime? Or is it from center of foil to right edge of Prime? Thanks.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] rand4ll:
I wonder if using one of these would help since the foil does:

www.amazon.com/Universal-Antenna-Internal-Enhancer-Quality/dp/B004L9BJWY

Seems worth a shot. I have no need for this as mine works fine but would be interested in seeing the results.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] brandonpaz:
Thanks much, this also worked for me, I went through 3 walls and outside to the pool including a concrete Stucko wall. I was able to run test with WIFI analyser and I saw in increase of roughly 10db with the foil on.

I was also getting the exact same speed results on the speedtest.

Brandon
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Doktaphex:
Looks like ASUS' design problems have been fixed, they just need to implement this on the inside of the Prime somehow. :D:D:D
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] tedr108:
I've played around with this for a while now. Just a single layer of aluminum works best for me. Tried doubling it over completely and doubling over just the edges, and this seemed to degrade the signal. Also, definitely adjust the foil back and forth to get your best location. Looking at the pics, PolishPoet's final location is right on.

Followup: A single or double layer does not seem to make any difference ... it's really just about location.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] buxtahuda:
I just wonder if they can... Seems to me this is mainly working due to being outside the glass, as if I know anything. I'd like to see what happens when someone does try this on the inside.

It also seems strange, given Erusman's explanation, that flat things are able to capture the signal to reflect it in the first place... Off to play :D
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Diamondback:
Okay, I tested this one here too and I have to say it kinda works.

But

this has nothing to do with magic, magic mirrors for RF or parabolic antennas.

The only thing you do with your aluminium foil is to

block

the wifi signal completely from the antenna.

Once the Prime notices the reduced signal strength it switches over to the second antenna and uses that one.

It seems the other antenna works

way

better than the one you just blocked.

I am not sure anymore which one is the main and which is the aux antenna, but the

left

seems to work much better than the right one.

I can easily reproduce this effect and get a gain of about 4-7dBm in the range of 72-82dBm of my wifi.

Btw, this effect can be easily reproduced by changing the kernel code and removing the use of the right antenna in the wifi driver. So we can hope for a software side fix here.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] buxtahuda:
Duly thanked!

I didn't think it was reflecting the signal, anyone cover both with foil?

I knew it seemed like a backwards affect to me. So it seems we're back to a defective primary antenna?

*EDIT:

To clarify, I just mean as a possibility of some WiFi connectivity issues.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Erusman:
Yep. Doktaphex used a dvd and got the same result. He isn't blocking. He is reflecting the WIFI waves and forcing them down on the factory antenna locations. Bouncing them off the aluminum. Amplification.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Diamondback:
Covering both, covering none and only covering the left one all gives the same bad result. The only combination which improves anything is left uncovered, right covered.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Doktaphex:
For me covering both gives WAY better reception than only covering 1 or covering none.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Erusman:
For best results you need to use approved Asian cookware :D

Really get in there and give your prime a WIFI signal boost.

Little humor sorry.

Was just looking at this site where you can use a empty beer can to amp your wifi and direct it where you want.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] buxtahuda:
lulz ^^^

Well, time and tests will tell.

I do show barely increased reception when covering one or both, and see another network or two generally out of range.

An internal solution could at least help those complaining of slow throughput with distance.

I'm still most interested in just getting more distance period, but this is something :D
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] nattylite:
Exactly what I thought when I read the OP's post. I didn't think foil worked that way.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] tdrussell:
This definitely works. That's hilarious.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] buxtahuda:
Are our little copper antenna actually tape? Or are they glued? I'm skeptical of removing more than the corner of my GPS that I have. But if I could just throw some electrical tape on a piece of foil and throw it between the copper and glass and we'll see what happens... But I'd like to put it back how I found it, and if it's actual glue I don't see that happening...
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] JoTeC:
You deserve a hundred thanks for this. Good job!

Everyone click a thanks for PolishPoet.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] soulctcher:
Thoroughly repeatable here as well...I saw about a 50-60% increase on my speed tests with this.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] :
This seems most likely to me. Curious if we could get Asus to include a "wifi antenna selector" in the next OTA? Or, I dunno, just release the damned bootloader unlock already!

Trying this for myself makes no difference regardless of the antenna I cover, so mine must both be making good solid contact.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Norcalz71:
Sorry to the rest, BUT this seems most accurate by far.

Putting a piece of aluminum foil which would REFLECT a signal away in front of the antenna is not channeling the signal into the antenna, it is shielding it. You basically made a mini faraday cage and put it in front of the antenna. Think about the order

{Backplate the blocks signal} {internal stuff and antenna} {tin foil that blocks signal}

You have sandwiched the main antenna between two things that as best we can tell totally block a signal, how would the foil possibly be bouncing the signal around and redirecting and amplifying it on the antenna?
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Jonman409:
Anyone know where to find the iw utility? That may allow us to disable diversity and select an antenna.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] benefit14snake:
Un freaking real! Instant throughput AND ping difference. Very nice. Silicone + foil accessory anyone? Lol. Thanks op.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Diamondback:
The thing is that is exactly what I said in my post :p

Did you quote the wrong post? :)

Oh crap you hide something there above the quote :D
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] sirnice:
Engadget.com should put this news on their page. This will make Asus engineers look down-right stupid when a simple foil can fix what a multi-billion dollar company can't even figure out.:confused:
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Norcalz71:
yup you got it.

For others consumption:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parabolic_antenna

If we are assuming the backplate is blocking signals (which I think everyone is at this point), then putting the foil in that place would create a pseudo-parabolic antenna effect for signals coming FROM the back, through the backplate, and being focused to the antenna. Parabolic antennae are highly directional, so the placement of the foil in that area on the glass side would result in a parabolic effect only for those signals coming from the backplate side. It would shield signals from the opposite direction.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] pileot:
OP you mind giving a few more details about what it is exactly you did?
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] dcAndroidFan:
Sweet flaming monkey balls, it works. Speed increases at least double on average in problem areas of my house. And it works even when I put the Minissuit on, which conceals the foil.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] MRCANNADY:
Guys, am I the only one who can't get this to work..how thick should the foil be?? Would appreciate the help. Great find OP!!
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] kchaser:
Can one of you give exact measurements where this should go.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] dcAndroidFan:
I'm using a single thickness, shiny side towards the glass, about 1 1/4 inch wide and about 2 inch from the right edge. Extends down from the top edge to about 1/4 inch from the top edge of the screen. Make sure that it is smooth against the glass, but mine isn't attached in any way. Just folded over from the back.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] tigertechmi:
I've tried it with speed test with several places and have had no luck, so no not the only one. More pictures or a guide of some sort could help.

^ Like that lol
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] MRCANNADY:
Thank you man for the details, I'll try it again :D
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] dcAndroidFan:
Also, play around a little with the distance from the right edge for best results.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] tedr108:
For those who are having trouble with placement, OP's location in his pic in original post is accurate. You will not necessarily see any difference in signal strength. Where you will see the difference is in download speeds. So, all I did was get SpeedTest running and test, then move the aluminum slightly and try SpeedTest again ... repeat as necessary. My downloads speeds increased by 33%, not the 50% that others are seeing.

Those who have a good right antenna are probably not going to see much of a difference.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Keion:
Anyone with .14 try this trick? .14 dubbed my wifi speed so maybe it could go even faster.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] PolishPoet:
I doubled mine up, panted it black and taped it on. It is barely recognizable now. Make a strip about 3/4 in wide fold it over from the back and make sure it's flush against the screen. It's avout 1/8" above the viewable part of the screen. Just move it to left ot right while doing a speedtest and watch for the best results.

Proud Owner of a Transformer Prime on Tapatalk
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] PolishPoet:
I got almost no improvement in signal strength (the was some but only about 5-7 Db) but throughput waa much much better.

Proud Owner of a Transformer Prime on Tapatalk
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] PolishPoet:
What's most amazing is that now my Prime is faster than my laptop, wifes iPad and my phone in the same location. Before the laptop always blew the Prime away. Coming from one VERY happy camper.

Proud Owner of a Transformer Prime on Tapatalk
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] dcAndroidFan:
I cannot overstate how much I am loving the Prime now that Wifi isn't downgrading exponentially in my main living areas. Sweet device and my case covers the foil so there is no perceptible change (like dangling wires).
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] jguidera:
Perhaps a silly thought by why can't they allow for changing the power level on the wifi? I realize there is a tradeoff with power and battery life but at least then we'd have the option.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] 3rdamention:
Aluminum on the back is bad but on the front is good? Unbelievable ASUS.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] MRCANNADY:
Thanks again! If this works for me, I will buy a case for the tablet an be in wifi heaven :D
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Arun01:
Whoa I got full bars on my wifi now.ICS browser + is blazing fast now.This is astonishing!!!!:eek:
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] richardmkovach:
If this idea truly does force that tablet to use its aux antenna, one would think a quick software tweak could change which one is used as the main, and which one is used as the aux. Such a change could fix the problem without degrading the GPS anymore than it already is, and would still allow for the antenna diversity.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Lock-N-Load:
I call BS.. I just ran over 20 tests & nothing is repeatable or reliable. A good result is followed by average & vice versa. Move around foil.. same results. My best test was test 2 before foil! Never able to repeat that result. Always stayed in same location & orientation. I think people are seeing average fluctuations &the fact they are putting their tablets in the landscape mode so wifi antenna is up.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Minhster:
I cant get it to work, am i doing something wrong here? My signal actually decrease
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] chamberc:
It's a joke thread, you didn't take it for real did you?
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] kobe4rings:
I have the solution.

If my calculations are correct, placing the aluminum foil on the semi-alloy titanium unibody of the unit increases the decimals to maximum quantification hence if your wifi connection is 2mbps you will see an immediate bandwidth boost up to but not limited to 1gbps. If everything else fails just trade the unit on craigslist for a bag of skittles.

Any there any colleagues that can corroborate my findings ? LOL :D
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] benefit14snake:
Lol I speed test like 20-30 times a day from the exact same place two stories up on my bed. It DEFINITELY helps. I have 35/35 Fios and usually get about 9-17 with my prime and about 19-22 on my droid razr (laptop owns it at 35-36). Now I get 23-26 with low ping!
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Lock-N-Load:
I just did maybe 30 tests. As said above i cant replicate. A 20mpbs was achieved with no foil. Sometimes I get killer results & sometimes I can get same great results with no foil. Sometimes great results are not repeated seconds later.

Just not buying it, but it was 20 minutes of entertainment.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] NewbieKeepItSimple:
They put the GPS receiver case with an aluminium back and never thought to test it fully before production ... sorry but they didn't strike me as shining beacons of knowledge before this solution.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Colombiano80:
not sure if this has been mentioned or asked, but what if we correlated the fix with the version of software you're on. perhaps those on .14 aren't seeing differences because Asus already did something?
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] pileot:
Best way to test this would be open er up and put a piece of tape or something between the pogo pin and the primairy antenna.... however since people see an INCREASE in signal strength and transfer speed with a good primairy antenna (repeatable, confirmable for pretty much everyone who has tried, has good sound reasoning behind it, can be replicated in any environment) i fail to see how this would work and is anything but a farce.

No real instructions, no measurable increase in performance, speed tests fluxuate and no consistent improvement.

Google: Placebo Effect.

Im sorry sir, but i do call bull****. Well played tho, well played indeed.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] lennie paz:
Just because it doesn't work for you, doesn't mean it won't work for others.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Norcalz71:
some people they fluctuate, some they seem consistent, unless those people are just lying for the sake of lying.