Add External Antenna to Pi Zero W [Tutorial]

Channel:

Caleb Begly Fun and Tech

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Published on March 2, 2020 3:00:14 PM ● Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y648CjIiEv8

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Tutorial

Duration: 4:51

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The Raspberry PI Zero is great for embedded wireless projects, but sometimes you need to reposition the antenna or place it outside of a metal enclosure. With a cheap part and a little soldering, this is an easy modification. Once you've added the U.FL coax connector, you can use any normal WiFi antenna (like the ones used in a laptop, or large ones with an adapter). So if your PI has a poor WiFi signal, you just want to improve it for a future project, or you want to use add a crazy directional Yagi or Cantenna, following this guide will make it possible to connect the external antenna of your choice.

If you want a Pi Zero W that already is modified like this, I have some available here: https://www.ebay.com/itm/114773309557

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

Parts used in the video:
$10 - Raspberry Pi Zero W: https://www.adafruit.com/product/3400
$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!

Timestamps:
0:00 Intro to the Pi Zero W
0:16 Discussion of Built-In Antenna
0:48 Materials and Tools
1:09 Soldering Setup
1:41 Modification Instructions
3:57 Final Result
4:31 Outro