this post was submitted on 14 Aug 2025
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I don't know much about electronics, so any advice would help.

I'm also interested in knowing realistically what the upper limits are for this sort of thing.

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[–] fubarx@lemmy.world 5 points 23 hours ago

If a Pi Zero-W: https://hackaday.com/2017/03/07/adding-an-external-antenna-to-the-raspberry-pi-zero-w/

All the other models, you can add a USB-based adapter with their own antennas. For really long range, look up Yagi antennas. However, beware there are regulations on antennas.

[–] lowspeedchase@lemmy.dbzer0.com 6 points 1 day ago (1 children)

Why not buy an external wifi adapter with a large antenna? Would be a lot simpler.

[–] Kit@lemmy.blahaj.zone 2 points 1 day ago

I agree with this. And also, if the highest range is your goal, you'll want a directional (not omni-directional) antenna. Even a cantenna might be good for your use case.

[–] CameronDev@programming.dev 4 points 1 day ago (1 children)

Yes, but not easily.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Y648CjIiEv8

You can do it for other boards by cutting traces and soldering the antenna directly. You can buy antennas from Aliexpress.

Unless your a good solderer, itll be very hard.

[–] cmnybo@discuss.tchncs.de 2 points 1 day ago (1 children)

It's not very hard if you have some experience with SMD soldering. The other boards do have a footprint for a U.FL connector, but you have to scrape off some solder mask for the ground pads.

[–] CameronDev@programming.dev 2 points 22 hours ago

Thats a bit like saying "Its easy for an expert" :D If you can do it, thats some mad skills you've got.