We use wireless devices to send and receive information without worrying about physical obstacles. In the old days, most consumer-grade wireless devices such as mobile phones, routers and RC controllers came with large antennas. Today some manufactures decided to go with internal or built-in antennas. This is not always beneficial to the consumer. For example, if you have a weak signal in an area, it would be difficult to change the position of the antenna because; you do not know where is it in the casing and you may not be able to place the device in a position. The solution is to add a external antenna.
Category Archives: Consumer Electronics
I like all types of consumer technology products. I specially like smart consumer electronics. What is “smart”? Well, anything that makes your life easier would be smart… isn’t it?
Modification to extend wireless range
Consumer Electronics Design not always beneficial if it retards the primary functions of a device. The internal antennas are such a design concept that causes a lot of headaches for tech guys like me. The primary function of an antenna is to transmit a signal, capture a signal or both. Since most modern equipment are manufactured with plastic casings (as opposed to metal), a lot of manufactures have opted for internal antennas. The advantage; now nothing is sticking out, they can make the equipment more desirable to mainstream consumers by making “beautiful” equipment boxes. I am on the other hand one of those people who would buy a device for its’ practical functionality overlooks.
Modules associations
There are few different companies that manufacture modules for home automation. Even with products from same company, it can be difficult to find all in one solutions to consumers’ need. Through manipulating the behaviors of the modules through the controller, we can accomplish almost anything.
Improvised home automation
The ideal solutions for home automation devices are usually plug-and-play units or modules. They often require just powering the unit and adding to your main controller. I came across unique situation in which a Z-wave, x10 or Insteon modules does not exists, but a solution can be made by combining automation modules with types of electronic/electric units. It is technically an improvising what you can get on the market. However, it does not necessarily means the final outcome of these projects are lower in quality compared to plug-and-play solutions.
Rooting an Android
Some of you may have heard about the term “root” or “rooting” with regards to the Android mobile Operating System. This term is not something new to computer and software geeks. The root is the most fundamental level in a UNIX or Linux based operating system. In order to install some apps and to tweak the behavior of an OS, you need the root access.
Due to various variables, every option listed here may not work for your particular phone.