Add External Antenna to Pi 4 [Detailed Instructions & Analysis]

Channel:

Caleb Begly Fun and Tech

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2,230

Published on January 11, 2021 4:00:04 PM ● Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTwWnZG8wUY

Category:

Tutorial

Duration: 6:11

87,465 views

1,266

In this video, we go over the detailed, step-by-step instructions for adding a U.FL connector to the Raspberry Pi 4 to support external antennas. We then also compare a few different ways of disconnecting the internal antenna to see which one gives the best result.

I modified a few Pis and am making them available in case anyone wants to get one that already has the modification. They are available here (until I run out):
Pi Zero W - https://www.ebay.com/itm/114773309557
Pi 4 - https://www.ebay.com/itm/114773307539

If you already have a Pi and want it modified, check out the service here: https://funandtech.etsy.com

Timestamps:
0:00 Overview and background
0:25 Preheater setup
0:30 Scratch off the solder mask for the ground connectors.
0:46 Soldering
2:32 Check connection
3:00 Modifications for additional variants tested
4:05 Verification experiment design
4:48 Verification experiment results
5:39 Summary and conclusion

WiFi Measurement Script:
https://github.com/techdude/misc/blob/main/measure_wifi.py

Parts used in the video:
$35 - Raspberry Pi 4 Model B (2GB): https://www.adafruit.com/product/4292
$1.43 - 206994-0100 Molex antenna: Mouser or Digikey
$0.69 - CONUFL001-SMD Linx U.FL Coax SMD: Mouser or Digikey

Music during soldering instruction is "Desert Sunrise" by Chris Huelsbeck. Used under a royalty-free license, please visit www.patreon.com/chris_huelsbeck for more info!