Extending a 2.4Ghz Antenna

There probably isn't any realistic way of doing this.

If the controller is encapsulated with the antenna you can't find out what's in there without risking destroying it (by removing the encapsualant).

It's just possible someone may have some knowledge of the device - so why not post some pictures in case it can be identified.

Could you fit a better antenna to the transmitter ?

MK

I interpret your description of the issue slightly different than MK. I see the antenna as being outside the package.

The dotted area is the sealed RX controller. There is a short connection to the antenna. Is there sufficient cable length to install an RF connector in the coax? You could then use the existing antenna (connector and extended cable) or a new antenna.

sparkyjack  I agree with michaelkellett  that it may not be practical HOWEVER that never stops us from trying.  Your stubby antenna is most likely a helical antenna.  It's probably directly mounted to the top edge of the controller PCB.  There's a long odds chance that it could be connected by a short run of coax.  Anyway... you could replace the stubby antenna with a SMA-RP connector and then have your choice of commercial WIFI antennas or extension cables to WIFI antennas.  "Easier" would be having a pigtail from the controller PCB and just route it out where the helical antenna used to be.  Something like a bulkhead connector would look more polished.

The bad news is that this all involves opening the case of the controller.  Good luck.

Another option might be to wire a switch to the device, i.e. position the existing device+antenna wherever signal is good, and run the wire to the switch where it is convenient.

(Or extend the wires on the controller, depending on whether it's the transmitter or receiver end that is easier/more practical to extend or not). Extending antennas that are not intended for it can be problematic (will need more info to determine that). Some may be fine, some may not.

It really depends on the devices, detailed photos are needed.

Hi everyone thank you for your quick responses.

colporteur. - Your interpretation is correct

The antenna consisits of only a wire that extends approximately 60mm from the encapsulated module.

The insulated sheath has been remove from approx 30mm from the end of the wire but still has a clear plastic sheath.

Is there any way I can install a RF connector in the coax

So the coax has two insulation layers.  The dark outside skin and a clear inside skin. Inside the clear skin is the coax braid, a center core dialectric and a center conductor.

Your description has an extra insulator between the plastic jacket and Braid.

I have put connectors on coax but only as small as RG-58. I've done BNC on this cable that allows a male and female connection. I have read some content from some pretty experienced antenna guys. Maybe someone with experience might be able to suggest part numbers for a connector.

Unfortunately it will be tricky to place inline connectors. There are quite a range of thin coaxes (some only differing by half a millimeter more or less diameter), so the precise coax diameter needs to be known to determine what connector could fit, and even then, tools or intricate soldering would be needed. Some of the connectors are not available for inline use either. 

Even if it was done, there could be side-effects. 

 I could write a lot more, but long story short, there could be detuning effects, but if the transmitter is only needed to be close to the antenna, then even a lower range detuned antenna might be fine. I don't know though, since there are so many factors outside of any control.

There's just not enough information for me to suggest much more, and I still don't understand why the entire unit can't be moved to be closer to the transmitter, so that the antenna (the most sensitive part of the equipment) doesn't need to be touched.

Also orientation could improve things, e.g. try rotating the device by 90 degrees so antenna is up; it might improve or it might worsen the situation. Plus I've no idea if the white part of the photo is a metal panel. If it is, then antenna perpendicular to the panel would be a good idea, or mount a lot further away from the surface of the panel.

My "solution" to soldering in-line connectors onto coax is to buy a pre-made cable and cut it for what I need.  I then would solder the modified cable in place of the existing run.  SMA on RG316 is just too tiny to be fun.

shabaz's comment on the antenna orientation is real.  I've read that there is 20dB of attenuation between horizontal and vertical polarization (orientation). You could also explore using a directional antenna - if that fits the application.

Hi All,  thank you for the orientation suggestions - have moved it around but no discernable difference.

The White background is just a sheet of white paper to improve the photo.

Unfortunately the Controller is fixed physically, as moving the controller would be the solution.

Attached is a pic of the Clear encapsulated  controller showing the Aerial wire connected to the PCB, however I am not confident enough to be able to remove the encapsulation to get to the aerial connctor.

So I am left with attempting to somehow connecting the Wire Braid and the Centre Conductor  to a Male Aerial Connector.

The outside diameter of the plastic Di-electric Insulator is 0.7mm.

Sounds like it is too detailed an operation to achieve, I am sure this is not the first time this scenario has occured.

Thank you