Phone signal using aluminum case

[otipoby]

I have an unlocked Tmobile MDA using a Cingular SIM. I recently purchased an aluminum case (boxwave, PDair, I think they are all the same) to replace the free case. I love the aluminum case in every way except 1. The cell phone reception is MUCH worse with the phone in the case. I have read others get a 1 bar decrease, but in mildly weak areas (2 bars or less), the aluminum case kills the signal. I have actually missed calls. Even when the signal is OK, the case appears to degrade the sound quality over my Moto HS810 headset.

My question is, is their anything I can do about it (and keep the case)? Specifically, can I install an antenna that I can attach to the phone and have it glued to the outside of the case? Or, if I were to cut away part of the aluminum, where should I cut to maximize my reception while minimizing my modification? Has anyone else experienced this problem, and if they have what did they do to resolve it.

I love the case and would hate to part with it. I use it with my BT GPSr and the plexiglass allows me to see the screen without opening the case. My only problem is I forget to open the case sometimes and tap on the plexiglass :oops: .

Any help would be appreciated.

[hanmin]

I don't have a wizard, but most phone will have an option for an external antenna. Look at the back of your phone, and see if there is a round rubber thing that is around 1cm in diameter. That's most probably a connector for an external antenna. I guess you have a connector out from there and take it out of your case or possibly use your case as an antenna. BUT, I'm not sure how dangerous will it be consider the radiation having direct contact with your body.

There are some threads here that mentioned external antenna, whom a user used to get reception for his room/office that is underground.

[kull]

I am using a similar case for my phone too, they are very useful and practical. But I did not face any problems of signal drop. Are you sure its not something else? Unfortunately this case does not have an opening for the external antena point of the phone. You might have to drill one.

[tedder]

I'm getting terrible reception in that case, too. The signal improves when I take the phone out of my pocket- so maybe it is the height or other obstructions?

Hmm. I might have to try a different case.

[edsub]

I too have the PDAir alu case. Definitely makes BT reception worse.
With my previous Himalaya I used to have a clearcase. No probs with that.
Would like that again for the Wizard, but afaik its not available.

[jdbell63]

Hi there. I also have one of these aluminum cases. Your problems never occured to me. I've just fixed other problems thanks to this web site and the ROM developers.

For some reason reception for me on Cingular's network has never really been a problem before. I will keep my eyes open for this new development you all discovered.

Thanks for the heads up.

[jdbell63]

Hi there. This is going to seem odd. My HTC Wizard worked great when I got it. I got an aluminum case for it and it seems that's around when my phone lockup problems seems to have started. Between that and installing the wrong version of Good. Long story short, I took the phone out of the aluminum case last night and as of now (about 12 hours) the phone hasn't frozen at all. I just completed installing latest Good on it and it's still working.

Is it really possible that all my phone freezing lockup problems are tied to the aluminum case? I've heard others complain about BT and dropped calls because of this case, but really. Anyone else heard of anything this bazaar?

[sconnelly]

OMG! I couldn't believe it but it is true, it appears that really is signal attenuation occurring with aluminum cases. I purchased this case: http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=350252703148&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

In case the link no longer works, it is the "HTC G2 Monaco Black Aluminum Case" from ba66s. It is similar to the high quality aluminum case that I purchased for my HTC Touch phone. While the HTC Touch phone did not suffer from signal loss, my HTC Dream (same as G2) definately suffers from signal loss. There is quite a noticable difference between in the case and out of the aluminum case. So far, I have noticed that it primarily means the difference between having a data connection and not having one. I am wondering if it is the 3G network is is mostly affected?

I should point out that the problem is less severe in an area of very strong signal coverage (3 - 4 bars). But the estimated 20% signal loss is significant where there is already a marginal signal (1 - 3 bars max).

Again, my HTC Touch did not seem affected by the aluminum case.... is it b/c of a different signal frequency, or the placement of the antenna that is causing an issue with the Android phone?

[sconnelly]

I really like my aluminum case.... and before I ask for an RMA, I am wondering if the case can be modified by cutting a section out. Can anyone tell me where the antenna is located on the HTC Magic / G2?

[nandobang]

Hello everyone,

I don't have an aluminium case, but I'll share the little I know with you, maybe we can help each other.

I think that your alum case is, sometimes, acting as a Faraday cage, shielding the device from outside signals, as BT, radio, etc. The eletronic signals arrive on the case and disperse themselves there.
As I've readed, some people seem to have good signal after getting the phone off the alum case, that can point to an evidence of this effect.

I'm basing this on guitar shielding. I've done it several times and de concept is the same: shield the eletronic cavity with metalic material so outside interference doesn't introduce any noises to the sound.

Honestly, I would recommend clear cases, or rubber cases. The only option I can see now is to drill a hole and put an external antenna, or to cut the back-upper part of the case, thats where the antenna is located.

Cheers