Is it possible to extend a Raspberry Pi's Wifi range with an antenna?

I don't know much about electronics, so any advice would help.

I'm also interested in knowing realistically what the upper limits are for this sort of thing.

19 points · 6 comments · view on lemmy.world

6 Comments

lowspeedchase@lemmy.dbzer0.com · 6 pts · 362d (1 reply)

Why not buy an external wifi adapter with a large antenna? Would be a lot simpler.

Kit@lemmy.blahaj.zone · 2 pts · 362d

I agree with this. And also, if the highest range is your goal, you'll want a directional (not omni-directional) antenna. Even a cantenna might be good for your use case.

fubarx@lemmy.world · 5 pts · 362d

If a Pi Zero-W: https://hackaday.com/2017/03/07/adding-an-external-antenna-to-the-raspberry-pi-zero-w/

All the other models, you can add a USB-based adapter with their own antennas. For really long range, look up Yagi antennas. However, beware there are regulations on antennas.

CameronDev@programming.dev · 4 pts · 362d (2 replies)

Yes, but not easily.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Y648CjIiEv8

You can do it for other boards by cutting traces and soldering the antenna directly. You can buy antennas from Aliexpress.

Unless your a good solderer, itll be very hard.

cmnybo@discuss.tchncs.de · 2 pts · 362d (1 reply)

It's not very hard if you have some experience with SMD soldering. The other boards do have a footprint for a U.FL connector, but you have to scrape off some solder mask for the ground pads.

CameronDev@programming.dev · 2 pts · 362d

Thats a bit like saying "Its easy for an expert" :D If you can do it, thats some mad skills you've got.