How to Make a Bluetooth Antenna

Heighten Bluetooth capability.

"Everything is better with Bluetooth" is a saying that was popularized by the television show "The Big Bang Theory." It's hard to argue with that. Bluetooth is a fast, secure way to transfer digital information. Although useful, increasing the range of a Bluetooth connection by making your own antenna can make the technology even more valuable.

Things You'll Need

• Flat-head screwdriver
• Soldering iron
• Desoldering braid
• Wire cutters
• Wire stripper
• Tie-straps, glue or tape (optional)
• 2 GHz antenna cable

Instructions

1. Pry the Bluetooth case apart with a flat-head screwdriver. Take the electronics module out.

2. Heat up the existing antenna cable with the soldering iron, and gently pull it free of the electronics module.

3. Remove excess solder from the electronics module using a desoldering braid.

4. Remove the outer insulation from the new antenna cable, and trim the outer shield of the coaxial cable with the wire strippers. Add a little solder to the shield to make it more solid.

5. Expose the center conductor wire by stripping the cable 1/2 inch. Leave some plastic between the wire and shield.

6. Slide the wire through the hole, and bend it at a right angle. The shield should lay against the shield pad.

7. Solder the shield and pad together. Turn the board over and solder the center wire in the hole. Remove any excess wire with the wire clippers.

8. Clip the excess wire poking through the hole, then place the module back in the case and reassemble the two halves. Use tie-straps, glue or tape to hold it together if needed.

9. Replace the module in the case and put the case back together. Use zip ties to hold it together.

Tips & Warnings

• When soldering the shield to the pad, be careful not to melt through the insulation.

• Modifying a Bluetooth device in this way can void the warranty of the device.

References

• Popular Science: Bluetooth A Mile Away