Guide: Install external Z-Wave antenna

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yngvejos
Posts: 9
Joined: Fri Mar 17, 2023 9:45 am

Guide: Install external Z-Wave antenna

Post by yngvejos »

I had enough of the poor Z-wave coverage on my Z-net v2, so I decided to do something about it.

Prerequisites:
Solder iron
Solder wire
Desolder braid
868MHz antenna with SMA-connector

I ordered this antenna since it came with a panel mount SMA connector:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/868MHz-5dBi-Wi ... 2749.l2649

To open the Z-net, remove the rubber feet and two screws. The case will separate and you can pull out the PCB. Disconnect the cable from the antenna in the lid. This seems to be a WLAN antenna.

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Locate the Z-wave module and desolder the onboard antenna:

Image

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Strip the insulation on the SMA connector wire and separate the core and braid.
Solder the core to one point and the braid to the other:
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Drill a hole in the case to mount the SMA connector:
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Finished result. Sorry about the mess, I had another project spread out on my desk.
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Before installing the external antenna I had trouble getting feedback when switching on and off some outlets and sometimes the outlets didn't even switch on/off when I sent commands.
It seems like this antenna mod helped a lot. Now I get feedback from all my outlets and the status in telldus live change much faster.
etompau
Posts: 2405
Joined: Fri Mar 17, 2023 9:45 am
Location: Skåne

Re: Guide: Install external Z-Wave antenna

Post by etompau »

Nice work! I guess the reason Telldus (and other producers) have an internal antenna is because of Z-wave certification. The controller must fulfil a range of radio parameters before it can be put on the market and then it's not possible to use a non-standard antenna.
Firefoxx
Posts: 5
Joined: Fri Mar 17, 2023 9:45 am

Re: Guide: Install external Z-Wave antenna

Post by Firefoxx »

If it is a wlan antenna in the unit what is it used fore?
Someone who knows?
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