Permanently fixed, externally adapted, superior antenna for treo 650 - Treo Forum

jdeity · 03-04-2007, 03:49 PM

Hello All!

I'm new to the forums, and am looking for any tips or ideas that could be contributed to my current project.

I'm designing a new antenna for my sprint 650. This antenna will be plugged through the external antenna port, and feed into a custom-fabricated antenna that will go over the current antenna nub. The finished antenna will be about 3.5'' tall, and be based on the 1900MHz sprintPCS network.

The picture shows three different diagrams, the first diagram shows the wiring approach (end-fed dipole made from the FME cable), the second diagram shows a rubber ducky/walkie-talkie antenna that will be the new antenna's housing, and the third diagram shows how the FME cable will leave the treo's external antenna adapter port, and feed into a custom hole in the OEM antenna, where it will extend into the rubber ducky.

Any ideas or thoughts would be greatly appreciated! I will keep this updated with pics/thoughts through the project!

comiken205 · 03-04-2007, 07:36 PM

Okay, dumb question. Why are you building this? Are you trying to get better reception, change the look of your TREO, or are you just an inventor with many, many ideas?

jdeity · 03-05-2007, 10:09 AM

better reception. This is my personal phone, but my business line feeds to it. My RSSI levels go to almost 100 (really bad) when I'm in my home. In this area, driving through the streets, I can get an RSSI as good as 60 (that's the best I've gotten. 50 would probably be about as good as you could hope for).

At mid 90's, like at my home, calls are sketchy, and not all come through.

Switching carriers was a thought, but this seems to be a better idea. I keep my same phone and just learn the basics of antennas, and construct a 30$ antenna. Switching would entail paying off sprint to cancel early, selling my treo, finding a new carrier, choosing new plans, new phone, etc etc etc

This should allow me to keep my handset (which is already tweaked/customized perfectly for me) and just fix its problem, instead of starting anew. If I had to get a new phone, even a treo on a new carrier, I'd have to re-do all my stuff on it (unless i 'verizoned' it, but that's probably not much simpler than this project).

comiken205 · 03-05-2007, 11:17 AM

https://www.primecellular.com/index....FRo5gQodMAYdww
Coiler Corporation - Indoor RF Repeaters for Mobile Signal Enhancement

The two links above are for signal enhancement up to 3w and up to 7db. I have been doing my research on these for about 6 months. I kind of been procrastinating since it is costly. But, from my reading and research, they do give some better signal.

But, if your antenna works, and you see a better signal enhancement, let me know. I may buy one from you. I have 700p, should be the same set up, I hope.

jdeity · 03-05-2007, 02:30 PM

Those products seem great, but they don't have the functionality I need. The repeater products you'd use in 1 spot, and it's not connected to your phone. That's great, but I want a boost everywhere; the amplifiers are good too, but again, I want something permanently affixed, not a separate antenna package I have to carry with me.

I'm sorry but I wouldn't be able to offer to build one (not for a price anyone would pay for it anyways lol), *but*, I will be doing a very, very thorough write up on this project, with all of the problems I encountered, with plenty of pictures. And answer emails/pm's for questions. Remember that this antenna is being built towards one specific frequency (1900MHz). That makes this a single band antenna (a single band, end-fed dipole, or 'bazooka', antenna). My phone is currently on sprint, meaning it can roam on 800MHz. My phone seldom roams, and when this antenna is on, the OEM doesn't function (external port overrides the OEM antenna). So, I'll just be using the 1900MHz frequency. If you're using 1 frequency most of the time, you'd maybe want to build an antenna just at that frequency. If you are getting two frequencies regularly, and you build a single band antenna, you'd be boosting signal on one, while sacrificing signal on the other, and probably end up where you began. Also, if you're GSM, I don't know what to tell you.

Basically, my build would work for making a single band antenna at 1900MHz (sprintPCS with roaming turned off), or you could make one for 800MHz (verizon), although that one would be larger. If you wanted to make one for multiple bands, it's definitely a tougher project, I could point you in a vague direction, but it's gonna be tough. This project should be pretty easy, and I'll be ready to start it by the end of the week hopefully (just got shipping confirmation on my cable today).

(remember, if this looks good and is safe on the phone, and by that i mean secured in a way that won't break in a week, then it'll be a significant signal boost, and the project's materials will be under $30. Also, if this does work, teh write up will be so well done that it will be extremely easy to follow. I spent a lot of time learning about this design, but if I execute this as I plan to, I'll have a writeup that will eliminate the need for much research, it'll really be a step by step

)

comiken205 · 03-05-2007, 02:41 PM

Cool,

Well, write me when you get ir dun! I am very interested. I get great signal here at home and around the city. However, I also work out in the wilderness and have very limited cellphone coverage. I know that there are cellphone towers close by but are not set to high or something. I guess I would need an 800MHz. I am on Sprint but roam on Alltell's network. I would be in a vehicle so if it was big I wouldn't have to carry it.

I am very interested. I thought about buying the portable booster and just mount it to my ride, but the cost is out of the question right now. So, your option is much better.

Looking forward to your pics and know how.

late

jdeity · 03-05-2007, 06:09 PM

yeah I'll definitely post when I get it done, wiht links to wherever I'll be putting the real writeup with pics.

If you're only going to use it occasionally, I'd just use a regular antenna that plugs into your external port. You can get quality stuff for under $50 (including adapter cable) that would be plug + play, this project wouldn't be worth its hassle for an occasional antenna. I'll def keep this posted tho. I'd try the 'arc' antenna (I believe that's what it's called), it's basically a multi-band antenna that attaches through your external, like mine (only mine's built as a single band, and designed to be affixed to the treo). Radio shack has discontinued htem, but many stores still have them I believe. That would be better for what you described, as you'd capitalize on all your targeted frequencies.

comiken205 · 03-05-2007, 08:31 PM

Cool! So, I just google "arc antenna" and then research. Okay, thanks jdeity.

However, I am still looking forward to your design.

Lou

jdeity · 03-06-2007, 09:32 AM

eBay: Arc Wireless Antenna For Palm Treo 650 700P 700W 700WX (item 200084174904 end time Mar-06-07 17

45 PST)

This is the antenna plus the treo-specific cable (650 and 700, I believe 600 has a different FME port than the 650/700. I've seen others say this doesn't matter, that they all fit the cable, but wilson antennas makes one for the 600, and one for the 650 + 700, so I'd err on the side of safety).

I can't attest to how well this antenna works, but my fiance works with general electronic stuff, and told me she knows people who have used it with success, and has never heard anything bad about it. I was about to buy that, but then realized 'why not just take the guts from that, and fix them to my phone?', which was basically step one that led me to where I am right now.

comiken205 · 03-06-2007, 08:17 PM

I went in and found a "plethora" of antennas. Now, I don't know which one I want!

03-04-2007, 03:49 PM	#1 (permalink)
jdeity A Few Questions.... Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 8 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Permanently fixed, externally adapted, superior antenna for treo 650 Hello All! I'm new to the forums, and am looking for any tips or ideas that could be contributed to my current project. I'm designing a new antenna for my sprint 650. This antenna will be plugged through the external antenna port, and feed into a custom-fabricated antenna that will go over the current antenna nub. The finished antenna will be about 3.5'' tall, and be based on the 1900MHz sprintPCS network. The picture shows three different diagrams, the first diagram shows the wiring approach (end-fed dipole made from the FME cable), the second diagram shows a rubber ducky/walkie-talkie antenna that will be the new antenna's housing, and the third diagram shows how the FME cable will leave the treo's external antenna adapter port, and feed into a custom hole in the OEM antenna, where it will extend into the rubber ducky. Any ideas or thoughts would be greatly appreciated! I will keep this updated with pics/thoughts through the project! Attached Images

03-06-2007, 09:32 AM	#9 (permalink)
jdeity A Few Questions.... Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 8 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	eBay: Arc Wireless Antenna For Palm Treo 650 700P 700W 700WX (item 200084174904 end time Mar-06-07 1745 PST) This is the antenna plus the treo-specific cable (650 and 700, I believe 600 has a different FME port than the 650/700. I've seen others say this doesn't matter, that they all fit the cable, but wilson antennas makes one for the 600, and one for the 650 + 700, so I'd err on the side of safety). I can't attest to how well this antenna works, but my fiance works with general electronic stuff, and told me she knows people who have used it with success, and has never heard anything bad about it. I was about to buy that, but then realized 'why not just take the guts from that, and fix them to my phone?', which was basically step one that led me to where I am right now.

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03-04-2007, 07:36 PM	#2 (permalink)
comiken205 Moderator Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Maricopa, AZ My Treo: Treo 800w My Carrier: Sprint My OS: Vista Posts: 2,528 Thanks: 198 Thanked 299 Times in 249 Posts	Okay, dumb question. Why are you building this? Are you trying to get better reception, change the look of your TREO, or are you just an inventor with many, many ideas?

03-05-2007, 10:09 AM	#3 (permalink)
jdeity A Few Questions.... Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 8 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	better reception. This is my personal phone, but my business line feeds to it. My RSSI levels go to almost 100 (really bad) when I'm in my home. In this area, driving through the streets, I can get an RSSI as good as 60 (that's the best I've gotten. 50 would probably be about as good as you could hope for). At mid 90's, like at my home, calls are sketchy, and not all come through. Switching carriers was a thought, but this seems to be a better idea. I keep my same phone and just learn the basics of antennas, and construct a 30$ antenna. Switching would entail paying off sprint to cancel early, selling my treo, finding a new carrier, choosing new plans, new phone, etc etc etc This should allow me to keep my handset (which is already tweaked/customized perfectly for me) and just fix its problem, instead of starting anew. If I had to get a new phone, even a treo on a new carrier, I'd have to re-do all my stuff on it (unless i 'verizoned' it, but that's probably not much simpler than this project).

03-05-2007, 11:17 AM	#4 (permalink)
comiken205 Moderator Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Maricopa, AZ My Treo: Treo 800w My Carrier: Sprint My OS: Vista Posts: 2,528 Thanks: 198 Thanked 299 Times in 249 Posts	https://www.primecellular.com/index....FRo5gQodMAYdww Coiler Corporation - Indoor RF Repeaters for Mobile Signal Enhancement The two links above are for signal enhancement up to 3w and up to 7db. I have been doing my research on these for about 6 months. I kind of been procrastinating since it is costly. But, from my reading and research, they do give some better signal. But, if your antenna works, and you see a better signal enhancement, let me know. I may buy one from you. I have 700p, should be the same set up, I hope.

03-05-2007, 02:30 PM	#5 (permalink)
jdeity A Few Questions.... Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 8 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Those products seem great, but they don't have the functionality I need. The repeater products you'd use in 1 spot, and it's not connected to your phone. That's great, but I want a boost everywhere; the amplifiers are good too, but again, I want something permanently affixed, not a separate antenna package I have to carry with me. I'm sorry but I wouldn't be able to offer to build one (not for a price anyone would pay for it anyways lol), but, I will be doing a very, very thorough write up on this project, with all of the problems I encountered, with plenty of pictures. And answer emails/pm's for questions. Remember that this antenna is being built towards one specific frequency (1900MHz). That makes this a single band antenna (a single band, end-fed dipole, or 'bazooka', antenna). My phone is currently on sprint, meaning it can roam on 800MHz. My phone seldom roams, and when this antenna is on, the OEM doesn't function (external port overrides the OEM antenna). So, I'll just be using the 1900MHz frequency. If you're using 1 frequency most of the time, you'd maybe want to build an antenna just at that frequency. If you are getting two frequencies regularly, and you build a single band antenna, you'd be boosting signal on one, while sacrificing signal on the other, and probably end up where you began. Also, if you're GSM, I don't know what to tell you. Basically, my build would work for making a single band antenna at 1900MHz (sprintPCS with roaming turned off), or you could make one for 800MHz (verizon), although that one would be larger. If you wanted to make one for multiple bands, it's definitely a tougher project, I could point you in a vague direction, but it's gonna be tough. This project should be pretty easy, and I'll be ready to start it by the end of the week hopefully (just got shipping confirmation on my cable today). (remember, if this looks good and is safe on the phone, and by that i mean secured in a way that won't break in a week, then it'll be a significant signal boost, and the project's materials will be under $30. Also, if this does work, teh write up will be so well done that it will be extremely easy to follow. I spent a lot of time learning about this design, but if I execute this as I plan to, I'll have a writeup that will eliminate the need for much research, it'll really be a step by step )

03-05-2007, 02:41 PM	#6 (permalink)
comiken205 Moderator Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Maricopa, AZ My Treo: Treo 800w My Carrier: Sprint My OS: Vista Posts: 2,528 Thanks: 198 Thanked 299 Times in 249 Posts	Cool, Well, write me when you get ir dun! I am very interested. I get great signal here at home and around the city. However, I also work out in the wilderness and have very limited cellphone coverage. I know that there are cellphone towers close by but are not set to high or something. I guess I would need an 800MHz. I am on Sprint but roam on Alltell's network. I would be in a vehicle so if it was big I wouldn't have to carry it. I am very interested. I thought about buying the portable booster and just mount it to my ride, but the cost is out of the question right now. So, your option is much better. Looking forward to your pics and know how. late

03-05-2007, 06:09 PM	#7 (permalink)
jdeity A Few Questions.... Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 8 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	yeah I'll definitely post when I get it done, wiht links to wherever I'll be putting the real writeup with pics. If you're only going to use it occasionally, I'd just use a regular antenna that plugs into your external port. You can get quality stuff for under $50 (including adapter cable) that would be plug + play, this project wouldn't be worth its hassle for an occasional antenna. I'll def keep this posted tho. I'd try the 'arc' antenna (I believe that's what it's called), it's basically a multi-band antenna that attaches through your external, like mine (only mine's built as a single band, and designed to be affixed to the treo). Radio shack has discontinued htem, but many stores still have them I believe. That would be better for what you described, as you'd capitalize on all your targeted frequencies.

03-05-2007, 08:31 PM	#8 (permalink)
comiken205 Moderator Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Maricopa, AZ My Treo: Treo 800w My Carrier: Sprint My OS: Vista Posts: 2,528 Thanks: 198 Thanked 299 Times in 249 Posts	Cool! So, I just google "arc antenna" and then research. Okay, thanks jdeity. However, I am still looking forward to your design. Lou

03-06-2007, 08:17 PM	#10 (permalink)
comiken205 Moderator Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Maricopa, AZ My Treo: Treo 800w My Carrier: Sprint My OS: Vista Posts: 2,528 Thanks: 198 Thanked 299 Times in 249 Posts	I went in and found a "plethora" of antennas. Now, I don't know which one I want!

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