Hacking the Microsoft MN-510 USB adapter

peekitty · 05-31-2004

I bought one of these adapters when they went on clearance at the local OfficeMax and after opening it up I realized it would be a good candiate for an external antenna hack. This document is a rough tutorial for adding an external antenna jack to the MN-510.

Disclaimer: this hack will void your warranty, may damage your equipment, and may render your device in violation of FCC regulations. Some of the tools used are very pointy and should not be wielded by those with poor motor skills. If you bork your adapter, burn a big hole in your shoe, or solder an appendage to the workbench, don't come crying to me. Proceed at your own peril.

peekitty · 05-31-2004

The unit is held together by two screws at which are hidden by the nonskid feet.

peekitty · 05-31-2004

With the cover off, we can see:

1. A Centurion Bluechip antenna
2. A Hirose U.FL antenna connector
3. The solder point for the antenna

We're only concerned with point 3, the onboard antenna will continue to provide a diversity function (we hope.)

peekitty · 05-31-2004

After snapping the PCB out of the case, the Intersil Prism chipset is visible. Woohoo! Works with Kismet.

peekitty · 05-31-2004

The donor cable has been relieved of its MMCX fitting, the insulation stripped, and the conductors tinned. The center conductor could be stripped a bit more, but it's enough to work with.

peekitty · 05-31-2004

The new pigtail attached to the board.

peekitty · 05-31-2004

The RP-SMA jack is nearly a perfect fit in the the existing antenna hole, but a small amount of clearancing was done with a small file. I should clearance the PCB a bit with a Dremel to keep it from damaging the heatshrink on the pigtail.

peekitty · 05-31-2004

Almost looks intentional

peekitty · 05-31-2004

The finished product sporting a rubber duck. This adapter will mainly be used with a higher gain antenna on a short pigtail, I have a mag mount in the works so it can ride on the roof while wardriving.

The Others · 05-31-2004

That's nice. A couple of questions though...

You were not tempted to use the hirose connector? I know the connectors are not the easiest thing to source, but, you'd have save the solder. Does the hirose connect to the onboard antenna or the one you added?

How well does the diversity function?

peekitty · 05-31-2004

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Others

That's nice. A couple of questions though...

You were not tempted to use the hirose connector? I know the connectors are not the easiest thing to source, but, you'd have save the solder.

There's no temptation to spend another $25 for a pigtail from Netgate when I have two big rolls of solder on the shelf and a spare RP-SMA pigtail.

Quote:

Does the hirose connect to the onboard antenna or the one you added?

No, it's not connected to anything. If I undestand their function correctly, plugging into the Hirose socket will interrupt the circuit to the other two antennae, so you get no diversity.

Quote:

How well does the diversity function?

I don't really know, I'm hoping the circuitry will take pity on me and favor the higher gain antenna. I bought a second unit that's gone unmodified for a side-by-side comparison, so far the results look promising but I'm still waiting for my SMA->N pigtail to arrive.

wrzwaldo · 05-31-2004

Great documentation! I especially liked your disclaimer. Going to go see if I can snag one to play with.

chuck2 · 05-31-2004

Great job peekitty!

King_Ice_Flash · 06-22-2004

Quote:

Originally Posted by peekitty

The finished product sporting a rubber duck. This adapter will mainly be used with a higher gain antenna on a short pigtail, I have a mag mount in the works so it can ride on the roof while wardriving.

Now that I finally got one of my own, I did my own modification. 2 suction cups were installed on the bottom so I could mount the whole thing to the roof. I thought it looked better than duct taping it to the roof rack.

xtra · 06-23-2004

i just got a MN-710 adapter.

does anyone have a similar hack to the MN-710? the enclosure seems alike to the the mn-510.

05-31-2004	#10 (permalink)
The Others PeaceDriver Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Dos Palabras, Mandoras Posts: 2,920	That's nice. A couple of questions though... You were not tempted to use the hirose connector? I know the connectors are not the easiest thing to source, but, you'd have save the solder. Does the hirose connect to the onboard antenna or the one you added? How well does the diversity function? __________________ all good ends all ?u=273

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

05-31-2004	#12 (permalink)
wrzwaldo I amuse you? Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 9,147	Great documentation! I especially liked your disclaimer. Going to go see if I can snag one to play with.

05-31-2004	#13 (permalink)
chuck2 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Posts: 103	Great job peekitty!

06-23-2004	#15 (permalink)
xtra Registered Member Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 4	i just got a MN-710 adapter. does anyone have a similar hack to the MN-710? the enclosure seems alike to the the mn-510.