CB555WG and WPC54G v3 future mod questions

Emplyst · 01-01-2007

Hi all, its my first post and english is not my homeland language. So if you see some strange words or messy phrases just tell me and I'll try to correct my mistakes

Anyway happy new year everyone.

Well, now the "Pièce de résitence", I'd like to mod two wireless card that I own. The first one is a CB555WG (by startech) and the other one is a WPC54G (by linksys). I've read enough to know that my card are note designed to plug an antenna but what ever, I like to practice my soldering skill hehe.

CB555WG
What a beautiful card buyed in a strange shop like circuitcity many months ago by my father. I don't really know the quality of this card but I'm just beside my linksys router and the card drop from 100% to 13% really often for no reason.

Influenced by many mod on the web I started to open this jewel. After 15 minutes I finally opened the PCIMA card (dammit theses little boxes aren't easy to open). Here is somes pictures of this card and a little description about the red marks on graphic 2.
graphic 1, the number on ther right side of the cap is "1244-00000410-010"
http://img57.imageshack.us/my.php?im...withcapke4.png
graphic 2
http://img204.imageshack.us/my.php?image=frontvb6.png
graphic 3, here is 3 lines, (line 1) BP MLL E18604, (line 2) 94V-0 (R) [inverted "R"]["I", "J" or inverted "L"] 0541
http://img221.imageshack.us/my.php?image=backss2.png

About graphic 2 red marks

Code:

A1          - Stand for the "Link" led
A2          - Stand for the "Activity" led
B           - I don't know what it is but I belive that is for a bucket
C1 & C2     - Again, I dont really know what it is for but I think it is for an antenna purpose.
D1 & D2     - Theses are "S79" chips.
F           - A tiny little chip, (line 1) 7002, (line 2) 4738, (line 3) 0532.
E1, E2 & E3 - The cap that we can see on graphic 1 is linked to these 3 holes. I think (but I'm not sure) that is for an antenna purpose.
G           - Ralink chipset, (line 1) RT2527L, (line 2) CR2266D0, (line 3) 0533ST.
H           - (line 1)[Symbole wich look like a 0 with a little line in the middle] 40.000, [a little square] FJ548.
I           - Ralink chipset, (line 1) RT2561ST, (line 2) QC61330B0, (line 3) 054ST.
J           - Another little chip, (line 1) [capital "A" with a _ on the top of the letter]JX34.
K           - Chip, (line 1) ATMEL536, (line 2) 93C66A, (line 3) SU27.
L1 & L2     - Two chips numbered "333".

But now I am sure about nothing so before I send this card to the garbage I belived it could be a good idea to ask the question on this forum.

WPC54G v3
You probably already know this card, it is a very popular (I think card) not because it's the best one but because it is easy to find and give good performances (if I compare it to my CB555WG).

The material that I got is 2 little coaxial cable that can fit on a bucket that we can see on this picture of a v2 WPC54G http://www.netstumbler.org/attachmen...3&d=1108196362 at pixel [488, 233]. These cable come from my Dell Latitude 610. I've some pictures of the wireless card that was plugged in it (and some pieces that I can take pick from this card hehe) and of the coaxial cables (see graphics 4 to 8). I got soldering iron and the acid (or base... I never remember) product and for sure some melt. I don't know any electronic specialized shop in my town (Québec city, QC Canada) but if it is very necessary I can take a look. For the RG-6 (tv cable) stuff I can find it with no problems but if we talk about RG-58/U cable I don't think so that I'll find it in a standard hardware shop.

graphic 4
http://img231.imageshack.us/my.php?image=oldfz1.png
graphic 5
http://img231.imageshack.us/my.php?image=oldzoomiu9.png
graphic 6
http://img215.imageshack.us/my.php?i...ellbackum8.png
graphic 7
http://img205.imageshack.us/my.php?i...lcable1qs5.png
graphic 8
http://img84.imageshack.us/my.php?im...lcable2ao3.png

Well, that's all for now, thanks in advance for the help.

Emplyst

see also:
wpc54g version2 external antenna w/ tnc jack & WPC54G version 4 antenna mod

Thorn · 01-01-2007

Please read the rules, and pay attention regarding images.

Emplyst · 01-01-2007

I read the welcome desk rules and I understand theses rules. I think, my post is not going against any rules. I've done search on this forum and google and nobody's talking about the CB555WG. And I didn't ask my question like: I have this card, tell me what to do. I give some suppositions on what I think is the antenna link on the chipset, but I don't have any scholar on chipset manipulation. I would do some test but I'm affraid of scraping my hardware. Concerning the WPC54G I'll probably find this information on the forum, I guess, like for the cable setup. Mea-culpa but I wasn't hoping a HOWTO from the community for this card because I bet that v2-v3 and v4's hardware of this card is probably the same. I was just waiting on somes tips like: you should take a look at RG-58/U cable because they will help you (due the size of this cable) when you will setup the thing. Or something like: RG-58/U is a standard for radio-communication it might be a better choice than it's big brother (RG6).

When you talk about images I guess that the miniatures are not allowed, or you it more common to upload images direcly on the forum's server? I did not see any rule regarding the images...

<edit>
Oh and if it's about my english, just tell me I'll try to find what is wrong in what I said.
</edit>

Emplyst.

Thorn · 01-01-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Emplyst

I read the welcome desk rules and I understand theses rules. I think, my post is not going against any rules.
...

When you talk about images I guess that the miniatures are not allowed, or you it more common to upload images direcly on the forum's server? I did not see any rule regarding the images...

"If you really feel that you have to post a picture, use an HTTP link to your host. Do not use the image [ IMG ] link."

Emplyst · 01-01-2007

I suppose that is not the first time that you say this, by the color and the size of your font. Sorry, I really didn't seen this in the welcome desk.

But, could we return to main subject of this thread?

If we look at red marks on this picture (http://img204.imageshack.us/my.php?image=frontvb6.png) should I link an antenna by the C1 and C2 holes? Or the soldering points in B area is for this purpose (here is a zoom of the B area with named solering points: http://img485.imageshack.us/img485/5...gpointsrb8.png)?

As I sais I have approxmatively zero knowledge in chipset but I love to learn if you have some book or articles that might help me on my quest, just tell me.

Emplyst.

Thorn · 01-01-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Emplyst

I suppose that is not the first time that you say this, by the color and the size of your font. Sorry, I really didn't seen this in the welcome desk.

Apology accepted, although this is exactly why we expect new people to completely read the Welcome Desk, and to lurk before posting. Lurking for months is not unreasonable.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Emplyst

If we look at red marks on this picture (http://img204.imageshack.us/my.php?image=frontvb6.png) should I link an antenna by the C1 and C2 holes? Or the soldering points in B area is for this purpose (here is a zoom of the B area with named solering points: http://img485.imageshack.us/img485/5...gpointsrb8.png)?

As I sais I have approxmatively zero knowledge in chipset but I love to learn if you have some book or articles that might help me on my quest, just tell me.

Emplyst.

If you use the C1 and C2 vias, it may work. However, you may have a problem with the diversity switch. Search on "diversity" in conjunction with "antenna" for more information.

beakmyn · 01-01-2007

Point A, B are more then likely ground as the large green area appears to be the card's ground plane.

Point C appears to be the linking path to point D

Point D connects to something on the other side of the board

Point E,F is a non-populated part, most likely a second de-coupling capacitor similar to the tan one on the left.

C1,C2 are vias to the other side of the board, There part of the internal antennas (one end)

E1, E2, E3 appear to vias to the card's ground plane

D1 is the diversity switching circuit. If you solder in an external antenna you'll need to bypass this (search the forum for how others have done it)

So, if I were a betting man I would solder a u.Fl with the ground tabs on A/B and the center conductor on point C
I'd also remove think about removing the black component (likely an impedance matching resistor), I wouldn't neccesarily remove it without
knowing it's purpose first.

It's possible that by removing the resistor and attaching an external antenna you'll still be able to use the diversity circuit intact since you'll only be removing one internal antenna, but your mileage may vary.

If you've never done this before you'll probably end up lifting a pad/trace or damaging a component on your card rendering it at best severly crippled but more likely broken. You'll need a good quality, variable temperature soldering iron, de-soldering braid and various pointy implements.

Emplyst · 01-02-2007

Thanks for this help guys, I'll give some news when I'll get my soldering stock. With this post I've realise that my current kit is really, really out to date hehe.

Emplyst · 01-02-2007

I've done some search on the forum about the antenna diversity and I fond that thread: Where to solder antenna?

Take a look at the carbus, nearly the same card eh? I guess a smiliar solering will solve my problem...

MikeP928 · 01-02-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Emplyst

I've done some search on the forum about the antenna diversity and I fond that thread: Where to solder antenna?

Take a look at the carbus, nearly the same card eh? I guess a smiliar solering will solve my problem...

Just a suggestion:

Get the newest version of Firefox and turn on spell check.It will help eliminate the appearance of being too lazy to proof your messages or being of cajun IQ levels.

MikeP

01-01-2007	#1 (permalink)
Emplyst Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 5	CB555WG and WPC54G v3 future mod questions Hi all, its my first post and english is not my homeland language. So if you see some strange words or messy phrases just tell me and I'll try to correct my mistakes Anyway happy new year everyone. Well, now the "Pièce de résitence", I'd like to mod two wireless card that I own. The first one is a CB555WG (by startech) and the other one is a WPC54G (by linksys). I've read enough to know that my card are note designed to plug an antenna but what ever, I like to practice my soldering skill hehe. CB555WG What a beautiful card buyed in a strange shop like circuitcity many months ago by my father. I don't really know the quality of this card but I'm just beside my linksys router and the card drop from 100% to 13% really often for no reason. Influenced by many mod on the web I started to open this jewel. After 15 minutes I finally opened the PCIMA card (dammit theses little boxes aren't easy to open). Here is somes pictures of this card and a little description about the red marks on graphic 2. graphic 1, the number on ther right side of the cap is "1244-00000410-010" http://img57.imageshack.us/my.php?im...withcapke4.png graphic 2 http://img204.imageshack.us/my.php?image=frontvb6.png graphic 3, here is 3 lines, (line 1) BP MLL E18604, (line 2) 94V-0 (R) [inverted "R"]["I", "J" or inverted "L"] 0541 http://img221.imageshack.us/my.php?image=backss2.png About graphic 2 red marks Code: A1 - Stand for the "Link" led A2 - Stand for the "Activity" led B - I don't know what it is but I belive that is for a bucket C1 & C2 - Again, I dont really know what it is for but I think it is for an antenna purpose. D1 & D2 - Theses are "S79" chips. F - A tiny little chip, (line 1) 7002, (line 2) 4738, (line 3) 0532. E1, E2 & E3 - The cap that we can see on graphic 1 is linked to these 3 holes. I think (but I'm not sure) that is for an antenna purpose. G - Ralink chipset, (line 1) RT2527L, (line 2) CR2266D0, (line 3) 0533ST. H - (line 1)[Symbole wich look like a 0 with a little line in the middle] 40.000, [a little square] FJ548. I - Ralink chipset, (line 1) RT2561ST, (line 2) QC61330B0, (line 3) 054ST. J - Another little chip, (line 1) [capital "A" with a _ on the top of the letter]JX34. K - Chip, (line 1) ATMEL536, (line 2) 93C66A, (line 3) SU27. L1 & L2 - Two chips numbered "333". But now I am sure about nothing so before I send this card to the garbage I belived it could be a good idea to ask the question on this forum. WPC54G v3 You probably already know this card, it is a very popular (I think card) not because it's the best one but because it is easy to find and give good performances (if I compare it to my CB555WG). The material that I got is 2 little coaxial cable that can fit on a bucket that we can see on this picture of a v2 WPC54G http://www.netstumbler.org/attachmen...3&d=1108196362 at pixel [488, 233]. These cable come from my Dell Latitude 610. I've some pictures of the wireless card that was plugged in it (and some pieces that I can take pick from this card hehe) and of the coaxial cables (see graphics 4 to 8). I got soldering iron and the acid (or base... I never remember) product and for sure some melt. I don't know any electronic specialized shop in my town (Québec city, QC Canada) but if it is very necessary I can take a look. For the RG-6 (tv cable) stuff I can find it with no problems but if we talk about RG-58/U cable I don't think so that I'll find it in a standard hardware shop. graphic 4 http://img231.imageshack.us/my.php?image=oldfz1.png graphic 5 http://img231.imageshack.us/my.php?image=oldzoomiu9.png graphic 6 http://img215.imageshack.us/my.php?i...ellbackum8.png graphic 7 http://img205.imageshack.us/my.php?i...lcable1qs5.png graphic 8 http://img84.imageshack.us/my.php?im...lcable2ao3.png Well, that's all for now, thanks in advance for the help. Emplyst see also: wpc54g version2 external antenna w/ tnc jack & WPC54G version 4 antenna mod

01-01-2007	#2 (permalink)
Thorn Did you do the math? Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Villa Straylight Posts: 10,360	Please read the rules, and pay attention regarding images. __________________ Thorn "Read Altas Shrugged. Compare it to today. Repeat as necessary"

01-01-2007	#7 (permalink)
beakmyn Free Public Wifi Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 4,992	Point A, B are more then likely ground as the large green area appears to be the card's ground plane. Point C appears to be the linking path to point D Point D connects to something on the other side of the board Point E,F is a non-populated part, most likely a second de-coupling capacitor similar to the tan one on the left. C1,C2 are vias to the other side of the board, There part of the internal antennas (one end) E1, E2, E3 appear to vias to the card's ground plane D1 is the diversity switching circuit. If you solder in an external antenna you'll need to bypass this (search the forum for how others have done it) So, if I were a betting man I would solder a u.Fl with the ground tabs on A/B and the center conductor on point C I'd also remove think about removing the black component (likely an impedance matching resistor), I wouldn't neccesarily remove it without knowing it's purpose first. It's possible that by removing the resistor and attaching an external antenna you'll still be able to use the diversity circuit intact since you'll only be removing one internal antenna, but your mileage may vary. If you've never done this before you'll probably end up lifting a pad/trace or damaging a component on your card rendering it at best severly crippled but more likely broken. You'll need a good quality, variable temperature soldering iron, de-soldering braid and various pointy implements. __________________ ┌──────────────────────────────┐ ╞ NS Icons Explained\|et hoc genus omne ╡ └──────────────────────────────┘ Creating yesterday's future, Today! Last edited by beakmyn : 01-01-2007 at 03:24 PM.

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01-01-2007	#3 (permalink)
Emplyst Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 5	I read the welcome desk rules and I understand theses rules. I think, my post is not going against any rules. I've done search on this forum and google and nobody's talking about the CB555WG. And I didn't ask my question like: I have this card, tell me what to do. I give some suppositions on what I think is the antenna link on the chipset, but I don't have any scholar on chipset manipulation. I would do some test but I'm affraid of scraping my hardware. Concerning the WPC54G I'll probably find this information on the forum, I guess, like for the cable setup. Mea-culpa but I wasn't hoping a HOWTO from the community for this card because I bet that v2-v3 and v4's hardware of this card is probably the same. I was just waiting on somes tips like: you should take a look at RG-58/U cable because they will help you (due the size of this cable) when you will setup the thing. Or something like: RG-58/U is a standard for radio-communication it might be a better choice than it's big brother (RG6). When you talk about images I guess that the miniatures are not allowed, or you it more common to upload images direcly on the forum's server? I did not see any rule regarding the images... <edit> Oh and if it's about my english, just tell me I'll try to find what is wrong in what I said. </edit> Emplyst.

01-01-2007	#5 (permalink)
Emplyst Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 5	I suppose that is not the first time that you say this, by the color and the size of your font. Sorry, I really didn't seen this in the welcome desk. But, could we return to main subject of this thread? If we look at red marks on this picture (http://img204.imageshack.us/my.php?image=frontvb6.png) should I link an antenna by the C1 and C2 holes? Or the soldering points in B area is for this purpose (here is a zoom of the B area with named solering points: http://img485.imageshack.us/img485/5...gpointsrb8.png)? As I sais I have approxmatively zero knowledge in chipset but I love to learn if you have some book or articles that might help me on my quest, just tell me. Emplyst.

01-02-2007	#8 (permalink)
Emplyst Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 5	Thanks for this help guys, I'll give some news when I'll get my soldering stock. With this post I've realise that my current kit is really, really out to date hehe.

01-02-2007	#9 (permalink)
Emplyst Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 5	I've done some search on the forum about the antenna diversity and I fond that thread: Where to solder antenna? Take a look at the carbus, nearly the same card eh? I guess a smiliar solering will solve my problem...