Category:

Tutorial

Duration: 8:55

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The new Pi Zero 2 W was just released, so how does it compare to the previous generation, and can we still add an external antenna connector?

In this video, we go over a comparison of the main improvements of the new Pi Zero series board over the previous generation, we benchmark to show the performance improvements, and then show how to add an external antenna to the new board, both using a hot air rework station, and just a regular soldering iron with a chisel tip. Also just for kicks, we see what happens if you don't fully disconnect the PCB antenna (Hint: performance becometh blah).

*GIVEAWAY HAD ENDED*
Congratulations to the winners!
• Eusebiu M. from Romania
• Ben R. from Melbourne, Australia
• Scott K. from California, USA
• Theofanis M. from Larnaca, Cyprus
• Luigi S. from Padua, Italy
Original giveaway link: https://gleam.io/subpl/raspberry-pi-zero-2-w-giveaway

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 2 W - https://www.ebay.com/itm/115117982940

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

Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction
0:21 - Changes in new board
1:13 - Benchmark comparison
2:30 - Adding External Antenna (Hot Air Technique)
4:35 - Adding External Antenna (Soldering Iron Only Technique)
7:34 - Why you should cut the trace
8:29 - Closing remarks

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

Parts used in the video:
$15 - Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W: https://www.adafruit.com/product/5291
$1.91 - 206994-0100 Molex antenna: Mouser or Digikey
$0.69 - CONUFL001-SMD Linx U.FL Coax SMD: Mouser or Digikey

Other videos in this series:
Pi Zero W - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y648CjIiEv8
Pi 3 and older - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZGMGs6RDtc
Pi 4 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTwWnZG8wUY

Music:
"Desert Sunrise" by Chris Huelsbeck.
"Woot the Funk (Why Not?)" by Chris Huelsbeck.
Used under a royalty-free license, please visit www.patreon.com/chris_huelsbeck for more info!