IOGear GBU221 Bluetooth antenna mod

I had a problem, my Bluetooth range sucked, I use my headset with a VOIP softphone but couldn't wander more than a few feet from my desk without static.

I had a quick look around the net for a solution and found plenty of people modding there USB Bluetooth dongle to use an external WiFi antenna. I couldn't however find any mods for the IOGear dongle I have, so I read what I could and thought what the hell lets just figure it out........its really not that hard.

So here is my down and dirty Bluetooth antenna mod for the IOGear GBU221. Hope it helps someone and sorry about the pics my phone has no macro function.........Enjoy.

Step 1 The strip down

First things first, you know the scoop if you decide to do this or something similar based on my insane ramblings and you screw up your hardware, blow your computer up, electrocute yourself, skewer your hand with a screwdriver, etc, etc, etc its not my fault.

Ok, here we go.

First up you need to crack the case. You will find its just snapped together with plastic clips, I used a small flathead screwdriver but feel free to use whatever implement you like. Be careful not to damage the case or brake any of the plastic clips. If you do don't panic its for that very reason we have duct tape and super glue.

You will be left with a small unassuming circuit board that should look like the pic

On the back on the board at the opposite end of the USB connector you should see a little squiggly track........This is the built in antenna, its not very big now is it?

Comments

[hwally]

I have a huawei E-1556 3g modem I'd like to do the same thing you did. Where can I find a picture of the board to figure out where to solder the antenna wires.

[sparktronics]

I have no idea my instinct would be to crack it open and have a look

[hwally]

I cracked it open but have no idea what to look for as far as where the antenna is and where to solder the wires

[tjmortenson]

Awesome instructable. I have the same one and this extended its range a lot.

[sparktronics]

Glad i could help

[kd4nsv]

You can use a scanner to take closeup pictures if you don't have a camera with macro.

[sparktronics]

I no longer have a scanner because I am modding it to become a UV light box for making PCB, stay tuned for that one :)

[DonQuijote]

i a m curious. does your bluetooth adapter come with widcomm or bluesoleil software?

[sparktronics]

To be honest I am not sure, I am using the windows driver in Vista. Its a broadcom chipset so I would take a guess at Widcomm