Modifying GPS Antenna- Improve Reception

[scorn]

Hi all,
Maybe this has been discussed, but just figured this out.

I got new faceplates for my N95-3. But after installation, my GPS did not work.
As I examined my old parts vs new parts, noticed a copper strip glued to the inside of the bottom base.(Where the usb and power are plugged)

Theres a tiny copper part with 3 prongs on it, near the corner. It connects the main board to the antenna strip on the bottom base
That strip is for the GPS antenna. My new part didnt have that.

So I got some thin wire and a soldering iron. I do mean thin, a strand of wire. Carefully attached the thin wire to the end of that prong and ran it across the bottom of the base. A little solder iron to carefully melt the plastic and make it adhear to the wire.

After doing this I hoped this would solve my GPS problems. It did!!
Much faster connection and so far, no annoying loss of signal.


I know pics would be helpful, but once you take the bottom base off, you will immediately see what Im talking about.

If you attempt this, be very carefull! Parts are very delicate and small.

This was just a quick write up, got questions ask away..

[Jaustin]

Pictures would be really nice to see even if you have to pull them from other sites and add captions or something.

[scorn]

Thats the bottom base. Inside is where the glued on copper conductor is for the GPS antenna. On the inside right corner, is where that 3 prong connector is located.

I will search for more pics later. Its hard to find these things.

[scorn]

The pic I found is getting approved.

In the meantime....

You can test this theory by removing that bottom base and then trying to use the gps function. It wont find a sat.

I will look for more pics to further explain...

[Jaustin]

wow, very interesting ill have to take mine apart this weekend.

[scorn]

After trying different guages of wire, in different locations, this is what I came up with.

Heres a pic of the part we need:

The part is called: "Nokia N95 Bottom Antenna Cover SILVER with Microphone and bottom Antenna Assembly RM-159 "

I couldnt find a pic that shows the inside. But inside of that part is what we are working on.

You will see the stock antenna. Its a glued on copper strip. On the corner you will see the "3 prong copper connector". That connects it to the main board.

Best bet is to get some 22 or 24 guage solid wire. Use some plyers to flatten it out. Thats your antenna.

Now you can route that wire any way you want to achieve a good signal. Just make sure your new antenna is soldered or comes in good contact with the "3 prong connector". The closer is it to the top surface. the better the signal. If you route it in a way that your hand will cover it up when holding the phone, it will not work well.

One more thing; be aware of those 2 clips that you will see. That holds the keyboard in place. If your new antenna is too close to them or too thick, the keyboard will not click into place. Also, if you screw it up or modify this thing beyond function, not to worry, this part can be found and ordered easily.

Im going to try to get some pics up of what I did.

good luck...