Antennae for wireless routers are little more than a coaxial
connector and a short length of wire -- dressed up in a
"durable, COSMETIC" plastic envelope.
In today's gripe session, said "envelopes" have so much plastic
that the friction at the connector isn't sufficient to support
their weight in a desired orientation!
I.e., connectors secured as tight as is prudent (without
risking the solder connections to the PCB) and the antenna just
flop around at the behest of the local gravitational field.
Short of using a (permanent) adhesive to deprive them of the ability
to be adjusted, any other ideas as to how to tweek the mass/friction
tradeoff to make them usable?
<https://m.media-amazon.com/images/S/aplus-media-library-service-media/400a04e1-b409-4479-a339-7b246618aaf1.__CR0,0,300,300_PT0_SX220_V1___.jpg>
I.e., the antenna will rotate "downward" (left/right -- as if the coax >connections were loose) of their own accord, in this photo; movement
*normal* to the the photo is unaffected.
Everyone's preferred aesthetic is different, resulting in some bizarre antenna arrangements. <https://www.reddit.com/r/wifi/comments/1hoz7xe/can_i_break_plastic_antenna/> Unfortunately, the idea orientation for a MIMO (multiple-input and multiple-output) antenna array is each antenna at a different angle
which is generally recognized as ugly. Wireless router manufacturers
off no guidance for proper orientation.
Antennas with internal "patch" antennas work fairly well. However, experience has shown that wireless routers lacking visible antennas
don't sell as well as those with a bizarre tangle of sleeve antennas.
For example, it this abomination a high end wireless router or an art
deco ash tray?
<https://www.google.com/search?q=asus%20rog%20router&udm=2>
Short of using a (permanent) adhesive to deprive them of the ability
to be adjusted, any other ideas as to how to tweek the mass/friction
tradeoff to make them usable?
<https://m.media-amazon.com/images/S/aplus-media-library-service-media/400a04e1-b409-4479-a339-7b246618aaf1.__CR0,0,300,300_PT0_SX220_V1___.jpg>
I.e., the antenna will rotate "downward" (left/right -- as if the coax
connections were loose) of their own accord, in this photo; movement
*normal* to the the photo is unaffected.
Try some shrink tube around the antenna base, covering the SMA
connector (if it has one). It will be ugly, but it won't move much.
If the connector is not accessible, try hot melt glue.
You too can have a wireless router with 8 antennas and an "AI Core": <https://rog.asus.com/us/networking/rog-rapture-gt-be19000ai/>
... the antenna just
flop around at the behest of the local gravitational field.
Don Y <blockedofcourse@foo.invalid> wrote:
... the antenna just
flop around at the behest of the local gravitational field.
Use a dipole, so the weight of the two halves balances at the connector.
On 4/12/2026 12:52 AM, Liz Tuddenham wrote:
Don Y <blockedofcourse@foo.invalid> wrote:
... the antenna just
flop around at the behest of the local gravitational field.
Use a dipole, so the weight of the two halves balances at the connector.
Not my kit. I'm just the local "let's-bring-it-to-Don,-HE'LL-fix-it!".
I try to "make an effort" that is proportional to the item being
rescued. In this case, a $50 a/b/g/n router isn't worth too much
of an effort.
[I resorted to the superglue approach I outlined to Jeff. If it
lasts, great. If not, they can make a replacement purchase.]
Everyone's preferred aesthetic is different, resulting in some bizarre
antenna arrangements.
<https://www.reddit.com/r/wifi/comments/1hoz7xe/can_i_break_plastic_antenna/>
Unfortunately, the idea orientation for a MIMO (multiple-input and
multiple-output) antenna array is each antenna at a different angle
which is generally recognized as ugly. Wireless router manufacturers
off no guidance for proper orientation.
"Whatever is best for your environment"
My APs have internal antennae (except for the one in the garage
whose antennae are outside the house)
Try some shrink tube around the antenna base, covering the SMA
connector (if it has one). It will be ugly, but it won't move much.
If the connector is not accessible, try hot melt glue.
The shrink tubing may work. If I have any of large enough diameter. >Otherwise, I think I will just superglue them in three different
orientations -- this gives 6 different configurations (plus the
"tilt" allowed for each as well as reorienting the entire unit)
I'm not keen on spending any time on it (its not mine)
but want to at least LOOK like I made an effort (before
advising them to replace the thing)
You too can have a wireless router with 8 antennas and an "AI Core":
<https://rog.asus.com/us/networking/rog-rapture-gt-be19000ai/>
"Whatever is best for your environment"
For everyone else, there are wireless mesh networks. I've upgraded a
few customers who were having indoor coverage problems to TP-Link mesh systems:
<https://www.tp-link.com/us/mesh-wifi/> <https://www.tp-link.com/us/deco-mesh-wifi/product-family/>
Notice the lack of exposed antennas.
One really nice feature is seamless roaming, where a user can walk
around the house and not drop the connection. That's very handy for
Wi-Fi calling from a cell phone. Another is that the system is
remotely accessible from the internet for admin and monitoring. Prices
vary considerably. I haven't installed any of the Wi-Fi 7 models yet
because of the high prices. Wi-Fi 6 is good enough for most home
users $100 for a 3 pack: <https://www.target.com/p/tp-link-ax1500-whole-home-mesh-wi-fi-6-3pk-system/-/A-91219895>
My APs have internal antennae (except for the one in the garage
whose antennae are outside the house)
Internal antennas work, but you were asking about coaxial sleeve
antennas.
If you're going to be juggling wi-fi antennas, I suggest you become
familiar with the various wi-fi analyzer apps available for
smartphones. They display the signal strength with which you can
determine if you're making progress. Hint: Temporarily set the
wireless router or access point to a fixed minimum speed when
measuring signal levels.
I mostly use WiFi Overview 360 Pro: <https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=de.android.wifioverviewpro> <https://www.kaibits-software.com/product_wifioverview360pro.htm>
For interference problems, I borrow a spectrum analyzer.
Try some shrink tube around the antenna base, covering the SMA
connector (if it has one). It will be ugly, but it won't move much.
If the connector is not accessible, try hot melt glue.
The shrink tubing may work. If I have any of large enough diameter.
Otherwise, I think I will just superglue them in three different
orientations -- this gives 6 different configurations (plus the
"tilt" allowed for each as well as reorienting the entire unit)
With super glue (cyanoacrylate adhesive), you have one chance to
position the antennas correctly.
It is possible to remove
cyanoacrylate glue with acetone. However, I think it best to use
something removable, such as hot melt glue, which works nicely for
temporary installations. If you just want to freeze the position of
the antenna, maybe try removable Loctite Threadlocker Blue 242.
I'm not keen on spending any time on it (its not mine)
but want to at least LOOK like I made an effort (before
advising them to replace the thing)
Right. Appearances are important. That's why I recommended the Asus
8 legged ROG arachnid monstrosity (link below). Anything that exotic
must surely be better.
You too can have a wireless router with 8 antennas and an "AI Core":
<https://rog.asus.com/us/networking/rog-rapture-gt-be19000ai/>
Gone to purchase some lactase pills. Hopefully, that will make me
less intolerant.
On Sat, 11 Apr 2026 22:18:52 -0700, Don Y
<blockedofcourse@foo.invalid> wrote:
Everyone's preferred aesthetic is different, resulting in some bizarre
antenna arrangements.
<https://www.reddit.com/r/wifi/comments/1hoz7xe/can_i_break_plastic_antenna/>
Unfortunately, the idea orientation for a MIMO (multiple-input and
multiple-output) antenna array is each antenna at a different angle
which is generally recognized as ugly. Wireless router manufacturers
off no guidance for proper orientation.
"Whatever is best for your environment"
For everyone else, there are wireless mesh networks. I've upgraded a
few customers who were having indoor coverage problems to TP-Link mesh >systems:
<https://www.tp-link.com/us/mesh-wifi/> ><https://www.tp-link.com/us/deco-mesh-wifi/product-family/>
Notice the lack of exposed antennas.
One really nice feature is seamless roaming, where a user can walk
around the house and not drop the connection. That's very handy for
Wi-Fi calling from a cell phone. Another is that the system is
remotely accessible from the internet for admin and monitoring. Prices
vary considerably. I haven't installed any of the Wi-Fi 7 models yet
because of the high prices. Wi-Fi 6 is good enough for most home
users $100 for a 3 pack: ><https://www.target.com/p/tp-link-ax1500-whole-home-mesh-wi-fi-6-3pk-system/-/A-91219895>
My APs have internal antennae (except for the one in the garage
whose antennae are outside the house)
Internal antennas work, but you were asking about coaxial sleeve
antennas.
If you're going to be juggling wi-fi antennas, I suggest you become
familiar with the various wi-fi analyzer apps available for
smartphones. They display the signal strength with which you can
determine if you're making progress. Hint: Temporarily set the
wireless router or access point to a fixed minimum speed when
measuring signal levels.
I mostly use WiFi Overview 360 Pro: ><https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=de.android.wifioverviewpro> ><https://www.kaibits-software.com/product_wifioverview360pro.htm>
For interference problems, I borrow a spectrum analyzer.
Try some shrink tube around the antenna base, covering the SMA
connector (if it has one). It will be ugly, but it won't move much.
If the connector is not accessible, try hot melt glue.
The shrink tubing may work. If I have any of large enough diameter. >>Otherwise, I think I will just superglue them in three different >>orientations -- this gives 6 different configurations (plus the
"tilt" allowed for each as well as reorienting the entire unit)
With super glue (cyanoacrylate adhesive), you have one chance to
position the antennas correctly. It is possible to remove
cyanoacrylate glue with acetone. However, I think it best to use
something removable, such as hot melt glue, which works nicely for
temporary installations. If you just want to freeze the position of
the antenna, maybe try removable Loctite Threadlocker Blue 242.
I'm not keen on spending any time on it (its not mine)
but want to at least LOOK like I made an effort (before
advising them to replace the thing)
Right. Appearances are important. That's why I recommended the Asus
8 legged ROG arachnid monstrosity (link below). Anything that exotic
must surely be better.
You too can have a wireless router with 8 antennas and an "AI Core":
<https://rog.asus.com/us/networking/rog-rapture-gt-be19000ai/>
Gone to purchase some lactase pills. Hopefully, that will make me
less intolerant.
Don Y <blockedofcourse@foo.invalid> wrote:
On 4/12/2026 12:52 AM, Liz Tuddenham wrote:
Don Y <blockedofcourse@foo.invalid> wrote:
... the antenna just
flop around at the behest of the local gravitational field.
Use a dipole, so the weight of the two halves balances at the connector.
Not my kit. I'm just the local "let's-bring-it-to-Don,-HE'LL-fix-it!".
I try to "make an effort" that is proportional to the item being
rescued. In this case, a $50 a/b/g/n router isn't worth too much
of an effort.
[I resorted to the superglue approach I outlined to Jeff. If it
lasts, great. If not, they can make a replacement purchase.]
Superglue a lump of lead on the opposite side of the connector to
balance it.
Elastic bands to hold it in place.
Replace the fancy bits with some copper wire that can be bent to the
required position.
On 4/12/2026 10:40 AM, Jeff Liebermann wrote:
"Whatever is best for your environment"
For everyone else, there are wireless mesh networks.˙ I've upgraded a
few customers who were having indoor coverage problems to TP-Link mesh
systems:
<https://www.tp-link.com/us/mesh-wifi/>
<https://www.tp-link.com/us/deco-mesh-wifi/product-family/>
Notice the lack of exposed antennas.
More "boxes" and "wall warts" to hide.˙ I have two APs inside
the house, one for the back yard and one for the garage (to
link to the car).˙ But, they are all relatively well hidden
soas not to look "techy".
[There are 10 other BT radios that are even better at hiding
so you can wear a BT appliance and never be "out of range"]
One really nice feature is seamless roaming, where a user can walk
around the house and not drop the connection.˙ That's very handy for
Wi-Fi calling from a cell phone.˙ Another is that the system is
remotely accessible from the internet for admin and monitoring. Prices
vary considerably.˙ I haven't installed any of the Wi-Fi 7 models yet
because of the high prices.˙ Wi-Fi 6 is good enough for most home
users˙ $100 for a 3 pack:
<https://www.target.com/p/tp-link-ax1500-whole-home-mesh-wi-fi-6-3pk-
system/-/A-91219895>
We tend not to have coverage problems as homes tend to have
pretty "open" floorplans.˙ E.g., I can "see" from one end
of the house to the other -- despite a fake wall that was placed
to try to break up such sight lines.
Extending coverage *outside* the home tends to be a bit more
challenging (hence the AP on the back porch and above the
garage door.
OTOH, I can "see" the SSIDs for several of my neighbors...
My APs have internal antennae (except for the one in the garage
whose antennae are outside the house)
Internal antennas work, but you were asking about coaxial sleeve
antennas.
If you're going to be juggling wi-fi antennas, I suggest you become
familiar with the various wi-fi analyzer apps available for
smartphones.˙ They display the signal strength with which you can
determine if you're making progress.˙ Hint:˙ Temporarily set the
wireless router or access point to a fixed minimum speed when
measuring signal levels.
Not my problem.˙ I just had to prevent the "limp antennae" issue.
If this was working for them previously, it should continue to do so.
Or not.˙ (and I will still be credited for making the effort)
I mostly use WiFi Overview 360 Pro:
<https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?
id=de.android.wifioverviewpro>
<https://www.kaibits-software.com/product_wifioverview360pro.htm>
For interference problems, I borrow a spectrum analyzer.
Try some shrink tube around the antenna base, covering the SMA
connector (if it has one).˙ It will be ugly, but it won't move much.
If the connector is not accessible, try hot melt glue.
The shrink tubing may work.˙ If I have any of large enough diameter.
Otherwise, I think I will just superglue them in three different
orientations -- this gives 6 different configurations (plus the
"tilt" allowed for each as well as reorienting the entire unit)
With super glue (cyanoacrylate adhesive), you have one chance to
position the antennas correctly.
Yes.˙ I connected all three antennae.˙ Ensure they were well secured.
Then, turned the router around so the rear was facing me (to make
those connections more easily accessible).˙ Arranged the antennae as
I wanted them and, as they WANTED to "flop over", propped each into
the desired position.˙ A few drops of superglue to saturate the
"swivel point" and wait a while.˙ Later, unscrewed each connector
by 1/2 turn to expose their undersides.˙ A bit more glue and done!
It is possible to remove
cyanoacrylate glue with acetone.˙ However, I think it best to use
something removable, such as hot melt glue, which works nicely for
temporary installations.˙ If you just want to freeze the position of
the antenna, maybe try removable Loctite Threadlocker Blue 242.
Blue and red only seem to work on *tight* connections.˙ There's
too much slop in these.
I'm not keen on spending any time on it (its not mine)
but want to at least LOOK like I made an effort (before
advising them to replace the thing)
Right.˙ Appearances are important.˙ That's why I recommended the Asus
8 legged ROG arachnid monstrosity (link below).˙ Anything that exotic
must surely be better.
Most people hide their APs exactly because they look so unnatural.
Closets being a prime location.˙ Of course, getting power into
those spaces is a bit of a challenge (all my kit is PoE)
You too can have a wireless router with 8 antennas and an "AI Core":
<https://rog.asus.com/us/networking/rog-rapture-gt-be19000ai/>
Gone to purchase some lactase pills.˙ Hopefully, that will make me
less intolerant.
I have "issues" with some breakfast (dry) cereals.˙ The doctor
suggesting lactose intolerance.˙ I counter with the fact that
I can drink 12+ oz glasses of whole milk with no problem.
Must be something in the cereals...
On 4/12/26 3:06 PM, Don Y wrote:
On 4/12/2026 10:40 AM, Jeff Liebermann wrote:
"Whatever is best for your environment"
For everyone else, there are wireless mesh networks.˙ I've upgraded a
few customers who were having indoor coverage problems to TP-Link mesh
systems:
<https://www.tp-link.com/us/mesh-wifi/>
<https://www.tp-link.com/us/deco-mesh-wifi/product-family/>
Notice the lack of exposed antennas.
More "boxes" and "wall warts" to hide.˙ I have two APs inside
the house, one for the back yard and one for the garage (to
link to the car).˙ But, they are all relatively well hidden
soas not to look "techy".
[There are 10 other BT radios that are even better at hiding
so you can wear a BT appliance and never be "out of range"]
One really nice feature is seamless roaming, where a user can walk
around the house and not drop the connection.˙ That's very handy for
Wi-Fi calling from a cell phone.˙ Another is that the system is
remotely accessible from the internet for admin and monitoring. Prices
vary considerably.˙ I haven't installed any of the Wi-Fi 7 models yet
because of the high prices.˙ Wi-Fi 6 is good enough for most home
users˙ $100 for a 3 pack:
<https://www.target.com/p/tp-link-ax1500-whole-home-mesh-wi-fi-6-3pk-
system/-/A-91219895>
We tend not to have coverage problems as homes tend to have
pretty "open" floorplans.˙ E.g., I can "see" from one end
of the house to the other -- despite a fake wall that was placed
to try to break up such sight lines.
Extending coverage *outside* the home tends to be a bit more
challenging (hence the AP on the back porch and above the
garage door.
OTOH, I can "see" the SSIDs for several of my neighbors...
My APs have internal antennae (except for the one in the garage
whose antennae are outside the house)
Internal antennas work, but you were asking about coaxial sleeve
antennas.
If you're going to be juggling wi-fi antennas, I suggest you become
familiar with the various wi-fi analyzer apps available for
smartphones.˙ They display the signal strength with which you can
determine if you're making progress.˙ Hint:˙ Temporarily set the
wireless router or access point to a fixed minimum speed when
measuring signal levels.
Not my problem.˙ I just had to prevent the "limp antennae" issue.
If this was working for them previously, it should continue to do so.
Or not.˙ (and I will still be credited for making the effort)
I mostly use WiFi Overview 360 Pro:
<https://play.google.com/store/apps/details? id=de.android.wifioverviewpro> >>> <https://www.kaibits-software.com/product_wifioverview360pro.htm>
For interference problems, I borrow a spectrum analyzer.
Try some shrink tube around the antenna base, covering the SMA
connector (if it has one).˙ It will be ugly, but it won't move much. >>>>> If the connector is not accessible, try hot melt glue.
The shrink tubing may work.˙ If I have any of large enough diameter.
Otherwise, I think I will just superglue them in three different
orientations -- this gives 6 different configurations (plus the
"tilt" allowed for each as well as reorienting the entire unit)
With super glue (cyanoacrylate adhesive), you have one chance to
position the antennas correctly.
Yes.˙ I connected all three antennae.˙ Ensure they were well secured.
Then, turned the router around so the rear was facing me (to make
those connections more easily accessible).˙ Arranged the antennae as
I wanted them and, as they WANTED to "flop over", propped each into
the desired position.˙ A few drops of superglue to saturate the
"swivel point" and wait a while.˙ Later, unscrewed each connector
by 1/2 turn to expose their undersides.˙ A bit more glue and done!
It is possible to remove
cyanoacrylate glue with acetone.˙ However, I think it best to use
something removable, such as hot melt glue, which works nicely for
temporary installations.˙ If you just want to freeze the position of
the antenna, maybe try removable Loctite Threadlocker Blue 242.
Blue and red only seem to work on *tight* connections.˙ There's
too much slop in these.
That's why they make green :-).˙ Several part numbers to cover a range of clearances, mostly advertised for bearing retention I think.
Jeff's shrink wrap might have worked (I don't have anything that
diameter) -- but, likely only for a short while as it tends to stretch
when subjected to stresses.
| Sysop: | Jacob Catayoc |
|---|---|
| Location: | Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines |
| Users: | 6 |
| Nodes: | 4 (0 / 4) |
| Uptime: | 493396:30:42 |
| Calls: | 141 |
| Files: | 538 |
| Messages: | 76,283 |
