NEO Coolcam Z-wave plus plug range upgrade

[Papat 4]

Hello folks,

I am a total newbie in the Fibaro domotic system but my humble RF knowledge maybe of help to some of you.

I experienced range issues with my NEO Coolcam plug recently purchased from Aliexpress. After several unsuccessful attempts to reach a plug in a weird location (the socket is surrounded by a big mirror, hence a metallic screen for RF signals), I decided to open one of them to see how the antenna is accommodated in such a tiny shape.

The attached picture speaks for itself... a tiny circular PCB antenna rounded inside for a vertical linear polarized signal... Of course, there is not much possibilities in such a tiny volume but I decided to see what a linear wire of 8cm (1/4th of the wavelength) straight and vertical instead would do. 

Guys, the difference is huge! That plug was previously unable to connect to the closest neighbour just located 5m away and now it locks to all other devices of the room! No lag, no lack of connection anymore...

I am presently modifying all my plugs. 

 

If it is of interest to some of you, I will post the step by step mod procedure here.

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Edited March 27, 2019 by Papat
typo correction

[Petrus 0]

Hello,

 

very interesting. Please post the step by step procedure.

 

 

[enbemokel 7]

+1

[samuel 27]

yes please, manual would be nice

[Papat 4]

So, let's start...

 

Of course, the principle is to make a reversible mod in case you are not satisfied with it. None of the following steps are irreversible.

 

First, remove the screw (there is only 1) located under the colored tape as shown in the picture

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Then remove the blue part by just pulling it out (slightly rotate it to help).

 

You will then see the inside as presented below.

 

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Next step, remove the red wire with a thin soldering iron

 

 

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[Papat 4]

 

Cut a 8,2cm copper wire that will serve as the new antenna.

 

 

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Dig a small hole next to the switch to allow the antenna to leave the switch in vertical position (most sockets have horizontally aligned poles).

 

Solder the new antenna at the same location as the red wire.

 

 

 

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[Papat 4]

 

Pass the antenna through the little hole... that's it!

 

Then you just need to put the blue cover back and secure it with the screw... finished.

 

You should see a much better connection with the neighbour devices.

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In case you are not happy with the result, you just have to put the red wire back in place.

 

Do not forget the most important thing: the new antenna must be vertical (upward or downward) and straight!!!

[enbemokel 7]

Works, thanks for sharing and documentation.

Next I have to check my everspring products ;-)

[LBH 5]

Hello,

 

that's very nice and useful, thank you for sharing!

 

Still have some questions: if I make the antenna length 2x 8.2 cm or 4x8,2cm - can I expect even better signal range or this is not the case? 

And one theory question - why you go for 8.2cm lenght? Isn't for the EU Z-wave frequency 1/4 wavelenght about 8.6cm?

 

thank you 

[Papat 4]

5 minutes ago, LBH said:

Hello,

 

that's very nice and useful, thank you for sharing!

 

Still have some questions: if I make the antenna length 2x 8.2 cm or 4x8,2cm - can I expect even better signal range or this is not the case? 

And one theory question - why you go for 8.2cm lenght? Isn't for the EU Z-wave frequency 1/4 wavelenght about 8.6cm?

 

thank you 

Thanks!

Yes, the 8,2cm is made to cope with the 8,6 cm 1/4 wavelength considering there is always a bit of free conductor length on the PCB. You may try to adjust this length and see if it makes a difference.

What was clear in my case is that the range is way better than the stock configuration with this mod.

[SorenS 0]

Works like a charm. Thanks

[Martin F. 0]

 

Would it be enough if I extended the red wire to 8,2 cm and stretched it out?