Adding antenna to bluetooth module in a CF-74

Wondering if anyone has done this mod to add some signal strength and range.
I have done a few searches here and didn't come up with much.

I use a BT headset for audio at work and although the range isn't too bad, I would like to have a wee bit more. I have seen some mods to add a 2.4 ghz antenna, but I haven't found any on the 74.

Does anyone have a PDF of a service manual for a CF-74GCDCDBM? I found a couple but not the exact match.

 

Here you go.. http://tim.id.au/laptops/panasonic/CF-74GCDADBM.pdf .

He also has others too... http://www.tim.id.au/blog/tims-laptop-service-manuals/#toc-panasonic

 

Hi Mark

On a CF-30 I swapped the Bluetooth antenna with the white wifi antenna. This antenna is not in series with the pass-through. It made great improvement on the Bluetooth. I use a bluetooth for audio as you do...MW600 and DR-BT100-CX.

-Nick

 

Thats a thought, I did notice in the manual I do have that there are two cables, a black and a gray (white?). Is that little connector on the BT PCB? I have not opened it up yet, ever. I have CF-72's and can't count the times I've opened them, Had this 74 since new and it works flawlessly now for about 15,000 hours, nothings broke, makes me nervous to open her up!!

 

I imagine Ohlip or Onakriss will jump in and answer this. Can the bluetooth and Wifi share the same antenna? I could use a jumper on one of my u fl connector boards.

 

Hi Shawn

I would not want to try sharing RF. This is just swapping bt and one of the wifi antennas. Like this...

 

Yes, I figured you meant swapping the cable, but as usual my mind began to go........sometimes it goes to a good place and sometimes.....OH WELL....
I am proud to say I can think outside the box....
If they were both receive only, it wouldn't be an issue.

 

As it is the same frequency, u can switch a standard 2.4GHz wlan/wifi antenna into a bluetooth antenna.
So if u want a better signal, I58SR has a good idea because the bluetooth antenna has a bad RF-position at the Toughbook...

 

Hi Mark
On the CF-30 one of the Wifi antennas is white. On your 74 the manual does indicate black and gray. Judging by the service manual. The antenna swap on a 74 is NO GO.

It looks like the CF-74 Bluetooth does not have u fl connectors only FFC. Take a look….

 

Here is a pic of the cf74 bluetooth board in question. ufl connector is in right corner.

 

Hey Shawn

That is cool. I was unable to locate this image. Perhaps there is a still a chance.

 

Still a chance for me? .No way...It's way to late for that..I'm a lost cause..

 

as with most of us on here...

 

I have an antenna with a rather long lead from a Toshiba Tecra I "cannabalized" I may try to install that. I wouldn't mind usng a WWAN housing with antenna I have seen that can be installed on the outside of the lid of a CF-74, not sure if that antenna would be compatible as I think that is cellular.

 

depends on ur country-code of ur ToshibaTecra, which frequency ur WWAN antenna is ( UMTS frequency bands - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia ) . U need a 2.4GHz antenna ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bluetooth#Communication_and_connection ).