Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

My D.I.Y Antenna Fix

I

iHero

macrumors member
Original poster
Nov 9, 2009
58
0
UK
I was thinking of ways to try and break the contact between the two antennas earlier and I had a simple and somewhat dumb idea. Sticky tape/ Sellotape, whatever you want to call it.

I cut a thin strip to make it look a bit neater and I'm 100% genuine that it works for me. A couple of times I managed to make it drop 1 bar but I don't know if that was just a normal strength fluctuation, or possible my hand making the connection to the underside of the iPhone.

I figured it's worth a shot if you're not into cases and "bumpers".

snv33670.jpg

snv33669.jpg

snv33672.jpg
 
Nothing to lose in trying, it takes what, less than 2 minutes?
 
I tried that with mine. Found that it worked somewhat (Bars wouldn't drop quite as low as without tape).

However, the intersting thing was that when I took the tape off (not neat enough for me :) ) it left a 'clean' strip, as if I had removed some dirt or oxidisation from the metal antenna.

I don't think it was dirt that was removed as all the metal antenna was the same darker shade, not just where I would hold the phone, and I haven't had it long enough to get that dirty all around.

Anyone else found the same? Perhaps the antenna will be better insulated when it's built up an oxidised, insulating 'patina'?
 
I guess buying a clear shield like the ultra or invisible shield is more than a good idea!:apple:
 
My iPhone 4 arrives next week (if Orange are to be trusted on their delivery date, Tuesday). That'll be the first thing I try is the death grip. If I experience dramatic signal drop, then I'll try selotape.

dukebound85 said:
sticky residue is always a pain to rub off
Click to expand...

I'm sure us blokes have a lot of experience in this field..
 
Kilamite said:
My iPhone 4 arrives next week (if Orange are to be trusted on their delivery date, Tuesday). That'll be the first thing I try is the death grip. If I experience dramatic signal drop, then I'll try selotape.



I'm sure us blokes have a lot of experience in this field..
Click to expand...

Do take advantage of the UK return policy if needed though. I'm feeling somewhat paranoid about Apple's apparent software fix and am believing its their way of stalling customers until they are out of the return period.

I am expecting my iPhone on Monday. If it has severe connection issues (i.e. complete loss or a significant drop) I will probably return it, just to be safe.
 
I bet cutting out your own invisible shield material and placing it on the side would be a good thickness and not come off and look fairly clean.
 
jhatz said:
I bet cutting out your own invisible shield material and placing it on the side would be a good thickness and not come off and look fairly clean.
Click to expand...

NO 100% IT WILL NOT WORK. The zagg is conductive material - putting it on the sides of the phone will do nothing to prevent the RF issues from occurring. You can take the front piece that covers the front lcd glass and cut strips to try it - you don't even need to do that because you already know the front pieces are conductive (that's why touch responses work even with the IS covering the front glass)

However, if you can get some vinyl tape - that would work.
 
Goo gone will quickly and safely get rid of all sticky residue on almost any surface! Just fyi
 
dukebound85 said:
sticky residue is always a pain to rub off
Click to expand...
That's what she said.






Thanks for the tip, OP. I have a case on and it's handling things pretty well, but I've still had a few occasions where the signal strength has dropped to unacceptable levels. I'll try the tape trick under the case and see where that gets me. :)
 
Clear fingernail polish will work also and be less noticeable. There is a tech product which is like an industrial grade fingernail polish that is used to touch up places on circuit boards, however, I can't remember the name of it.

It would be best because like the fingernail polish it cannot be seen and it lasts a lot longer, almost indefinitely.

A case or bumpers work better because it will also protect your glass phone.
 
dukebound85 said:
Yes, lets goober up a brand new iphone with residue that can be a PITA to get off

Great idea

Geeze, some people and their ideas....
Click to expand...

Goober up? Well hec, do you worry about fingerprints and your oil from your face messing it up too?

Holy crap some of you act like you have a gold bar in your hands that has to be emmaculate to hold its value. It is a friggin PHONE!!!
For god sakes it is tape residue that comes off easy. Pain in the ass? What do you do for a living if THAT is a pain in the ass?
 
Vegastouch said:
Goober up? Well hec, do you worry about fingerprints and your oil from your face messing it up too?

Holy crap some of you act like you have a gold bar in your hands that has to be emmaculate to hold its value. It is a friggin PHONE!!!
For god sakes it is tape residue that comes off easy. Pain in the ass? What do you do for a living if THAT is a pain in the ass?
Click to expand...

I hate sticky residue lol
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back