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Having heard about the screen cracking problems and just generally wanting to protect my new excalibur I searched the Net for a good case.
I found several online stores and ebay sellers carrying a Black Aluminum Case, i even found it on amazon and the reviews looked pretty good.
The case is pretty much identical to this one, maybe some of you have tried it.
I really like the way Case protects the screen and the phone in general while allowing access to all the keys, and it doesn't look half bad if a little bulky.
Unfortunately the belt clip fell apart after just 2 days use though thats not such a deal breaker but I have also just realized that the case decreases my signal strength, in some situations by 3 bars. That i cannot live with, it sort of ruins the point of having a hard accessible case if you have to keep on taking your phone out of it every time you want to make a call.
This is the most active Excalibur forum i have found (and stuff you guys develop is awesome) and i was just wondering if you guys could recommend a good affordable case. I have found a black plastic case and a lot of leather/cloth ones but after this bad experience i would like to see what you guys have to say first.
Thanks
Just use a rubber case, seems to do the job for me and they are fairly cheap on ebay.
For Fathers Day, I got a black/silver carbon fiber case... looks damn sexy with the black wallpaper on Kavanas ROM. No signal probs at all.
There are other options
Dude, I am dead serious about my phone looking sweet. I can tell you do too, hence the aluminum case. So, here's what you do, go back to ebay and get one of those antenna boosters. It's a freakin strip you put on your battery or something, it's toilet paper thin. It takes up no space. Try it. It might help, and then you wouldn't have to sacrifice the cool case. It's worth a shot.
Plus, unless you have extensively tested this theory. I doubt that your case is making your signal quality go down. Since the signal is transmitted so far away and makes it through so many metallic and non-metallic obstacles, yet your phone picks it up. Now, it does all of that, and you think that a 20th of an inch of aliminum is going to stop the signal. Maybe, but I would try something else before trashing the case. Just an opinion. Hope this helps.
RoachX said:
Having heard about the screen cracking problems and just generally wanting to protect my new excalibur I searched the Net for a good case.
I found several online stores and ebay sellers carrying a Black Aluminum Case, i even found it on amazon and the reviews looked pretty good.
The case is pretty much identical to this one, maybe some of you have tried it.
I really like the way Case protects the screen and the phone in general while allowing access to all the keys, and it doesn't look half bad if a little bulky.
Unfortunately the belt clip fell apart after just 2 days use though thats not such a deal breaker but I have also just realized that the case decreases my signal strength, in some situations by 3 bars. That i cannot live with, it sort of ruins the point of having a hard accessible case if you have to keep on taking your phone out of it every time you want to make a call.
This is the most active Excalibur forum i have found (and stuff you guys develop is awesome) and i was just wondering if you guys could recommend a good affordable case. I have found a black plastic case and a lot of leather/cloth ones but after this bad experience i would like to see what you guys have to say first.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
outerdepth said:
Since the signal is transmitted so far away and makes it through so many metallic and non-metallic obstacles, yet your phone picks it up. Now, it does all of that, and you think that a 20th of an inch of aliminum is going to stop the signal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exceptional point!
I have a black aluminum case as well... my signal is just fine...
outerdepth said:
Plus, unless you have extensively tested this theory. I doubt that your case is making your signal quality go down. Since the signal is transmitted so far away and makes it through so many metallic and non-metallic obstacles, yet your phone picks it up. Now, it does all of that, and you think that a 20th of an inch of aliminum is going to stop the signal. Maybe, but I would try something else before trashing the case. Just an opinion. Hope this helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have tried it out in numerous situations, there are of course some situations where i get full bars with the case or with out but there are many (including my home) where with the case i will get 1 -2 bars and seconds after taking it out of the case the signal will go up by 2 or 3 bars. Put in the case, wait a couple of seconds and again the down to 1 - 2 bars. I didn't think a thin sheet of aluminium would effect the signal either, maybe its the lining or even the finish on the case.
Don't those signal boosters eat up the battery?
jacknmary said:
For Fathers Day, I got a black/silver carbon fiber case... looks damn sexy with the black wallpaper on Kavanas ROM. No signal probs at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You wouldn't happen to have any links to that product?
Im sorry...I bought it at the local mall. A phone accessory vendor had it. cost me 20, and I'd be happy to pick one up for you if you wanted to paypal the cash.
Ill post a pic soon...
jacknmary said:
Exceptional point!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes.. it sounds good! But, not a very educated point that's for sure... hehe
outerdepth said:
Dude, I am dead serious about my phone looking sweet. I can tell you do too, hence the aluminum case. So, here's what you do, go back to ebay and get one of those antenna boosters. It's a freakin strip you put on your battery or something, it's toilet paper thin. It takes up no space. Try it. It might help, and then you wouldn't have to sacrifice the cool case. It's worth a shot.
Plus, unless you have extensively tested this theory. I doubt that your case is making your signal quality go down. Since the signal is transmitted so far away and makes it through so many metallic and non-metallic obstacles, yet your phone picks it up. Now, it does all of that, and you think that a 20th of an inch of aliminum is going to stop the signal. Maybe, but I would try something else before trashing the case. Just an opinion. Hope this helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The battery booster idea... yeah. Not happening. Unless you engineer a way to actually improve the phone's internal "antenna" with that sticker (because that's all it is), it's not going to improve anything, but maybe make your battery door wobble less.
The way cell phones transmit their signals is a little different... Our phones don't emit radiowaves with a lot of power. The receiving towers have very high gain amplifiers that amplify these incoming signal VERY much in order to make them usable, and send them out to our phones at a very high power. If our phones emitted with the same wattage, we'd probably have brain cancer in a month. That's why it's important to look at SAR values when shopping for a phone. Our Excaliburs aren't too bad in that category...
You'll notice that ALL mettalic phones have a plastic panel SOMEWHERE on the case. The Iphone for example... black plastic at the bottom. The LG Shine which is all stainless steel, has a plastic cap at the top. These areas is where the antenna "array" is mounted. Why ? Because a mettalic case around it will effectively BLOCK the signal. Our Excalibur's antenna is at the top of phone, so make that area is clear of metallic obstructions in order to get a good signal
Oh and a piece of 1/20 inch aluminum will definitely STOP the signal IF it covers the phone all the way around. It acts like a cage for it. This is why when you open up a phone, you'll see these metal panels over the various radio chips on the phone's motherboard. They're put there to block radio interferance. Now if his case has holes in it, that's where the signal gets in , to the antenna. If those "holes" arent strategically placed, it will make radio waves not reach the antenna at full power, thus making his signal bars drop...
hmmmm.... i use a metal case that completely covers my phone (top included) and i have absolutely no loss in signal strength.... There are currently two types of metal cases for the HTC Excalibur (excluding colors) with minor diffferences between the two:
this one: http://www.pdair.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=10100000_900000_11000048&products_id=5295#thumb , which the top is left open and the edging around the keys are weird (i've owned this one and it sucks cuz your phone has a tendency to slide around)
and this one: http://www.ids.hk/item_detail.asp?C...e&itemID=40D714A9-0AFE-473B-A1D7-6346E7A8AF39 , this is the one i own ( albeit not from that site ) the entire top is covered. and the edging around the keys is a lot better.
Specifically all these cases sell with tag names: Monaco Aluminum Case, Metal Case, Metal Deluxe Case. and Innopocket Metal Case.
The one titled Innopocket Metal Case is the one you're going to want to get. It fits the phone better. and is better constructed.
I have the exact case posted in the opening thread (Monaco with open top). The Dash can move around a little but I am comfortable with this because it helps with screen adjustment depending on your angle of use. I never use the belt clip. I just orient it a certain way and use the original Dash belt holder (extra protection). I like the cool feel of the aluminum vs. the rubbery feel of the Dash. Also unlike the Dash, the aluminum case has little feet to better release sound and help with cooling when lying flat.
In any case I get great signals with or without the case in my area. But I have a friend that has like two levels of screens and mesh on the windows and doors. Kind of like the stuff high tech companies put on the windows to prevent signal theft of computer processors and such. If I open the case inside my signal strength does increase. But I don't complain because many cant even get a signal inside. So I guess it's true that under some circumstances, even the open top aluminum case impedes signal strength.
outerdepth said:
... and you think that a 20th of an inch of aliminum is going to stop the signal. Maybe, but I would try something else before trashing the case. Just an opinion. Hope this helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Guess you've never thought of how a coaxial cable works (Cable TV). The shield on that cable is much smaller than 1/20th in. and it seems to do a pretty good job of keeping foreign signals out.
jacknmary said:
For Fathers Day, I got a black/silver carbon fiber case... looks damn sexy with the black wallpaper on Kavanas ROM. No signal probs at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
oh wow i had an exact case for my dash when i had it
pudgedaddy said:
hmmmm.... i use a metal case that completely covers my phone (top included) and i have absolutely no loss in signal strength.... There are currently two types of metal cases for the HTC Excalibur (excluding colors) with minor diffferences between the two:
this one: http://www.pdair.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=10100000_900000_11000048&products_id=5295#thumb , which the top is left open and the edging around the keys are weird (i've owned this one and it sucks cuz your phone has a tendency to slide around)
and this one: http://www.ids.hk/item_detail.asp?C...e&itemID=40D714A9-0AFE-473B-A1D7-6346E7A8AF39 , this is the one i own ( albeit not from that site ) the entire top is covered. and the edging around the keys is a lot better.
Specifically all these cases sell with tag names: Monaco Aluminum Case, Metal Case, Metal Deluxe Case. and Innopocket Metal Case.
The one titled Innopocket Metal Case is the one you're going to want to get. It fits the phone better. and is better constructed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The case i have is identical to your first link except the back of my case has less holes (top right of the back). I wonder if making some holes in the same area would help.
How do you find the belt clip for the case you bought? Is it hardy enough for regular use?
Thanks
RoachX said:
The case i have is identical to your first link except the back of my case has less holes (top right of the back). I wonder if making some holes in the same area would help.
How do you find the belt clip for the case you bought? Is it hardy enough for regular use?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did your case not come with a belt clip? Heck i'd give you 2 two i have if you were down the street from me. I don't use them. Not that i hate the reliability, but i'm very skiddish having "my baby" left out in the open to get lost. But if you're didnt come with one, chances are it would work with any variation. The back of both cases i posted have a screw hole in the miggle of the back of it that a metal nub screws into. Thats what lock onto the clip when its on your belt. Without that screw hole or metal nub, you're dead in the water
Oh it came with a clip, and said clip fell apart after a days use :-(. I'm looking at the version of the case you have the clip mechanism looks different.
I was just trying to help, so sorry if anyone feels mislead.
Well, it would seem that if I want to get a response out of someone, all I should do is say something slightly objectionable, MAN.
A simple no, I don't think that's how it works could have done the job. It's cool I have thick skin. LOL!
I do wanna add, though, that metals do not possess the exact same properties across the board. What I mean is, iron and aluminum are both metals, but aluminum is not magnetic because it is not a ferrous metal such as iron or one of its alloys, steel. I do want to add also, that I understand the radio chip concept and the metal cage placed around it to keep interference out. This does not mean that the chip cage is made of aluminum. I am not saying that it is, but I doubt it. Isn't aluminum used as an antenna for radios? Just saying, you think if it makes a good radio antenna or tv antenna, that it would make a good cellular radio antenna.
OrganicM said:
The battery booster idea... yeah. Not happening. Unless you engineer a way to actually improve the phone's internal "antenna" with that sticker (because that's all it is), it's not going to improve anything, but maybe make your battery door wobble less.
The way cell phones transmit their signals is a little different... Our phones don't emit radiowaves with a lot of power. The receiving towers have very high gain amplifiers that amplify these incoming signal VERY much in order to make them usable, and send them out to our phones at a very high power. If our phones emitted with the same wattage, we'd probably have brain cancer in a month. That's why it's important to look at SAR values when shopping for a phone. Our Excaliburs aren't too bad in that category...
You'll notice that ALL mettalic phones have a plastic panel SOMEWHERE on the case. The Iphone for example... black plastic at the bottom. The LG Shine which is all stainless steel, has a plastic cap at the top. These areas is where the antenna "array" is mounted. Why ? Because a mettalic case around it will effectively BLOCK the signal. Our Excalibur's antenna is at the top of phone, so make that area is clear of metallic obstructions in order to get a good signal
Oh and a piece of 1/20 inch aluminum will definitely STOP the signal IF it covers the phone all the way around. It acts like a cage for it. This is why when you open up a phone, you'll see these metal panels over the various radio chips on the phone's motherboard. They're put there to block radio interferance. Now if his case has holes in it, that's where the signal gets in , to the antenna. If those "holes" arent strategically placed, it will make radio waves not reach the antenna at full power, thus making his signal bars drop...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also, I wasn't expecting this kind of a reponse out of you, xticon, oops, xciton. Wow, very insightful. Could you please explain to me the purpose of this "shield" as far as the coaxial cable is concerned. I always thought it was there as a ground or to create a potential difference for the signal. Guess, I am wrong. Could and would you please clarify, since I appear to be retarded. Thanks, buddy!
xciton said:
Guess you've never thought of how a coaxial cable works (Cable TV). The shield on that cable is much smaller than 1/20th in. and it seems to do a pretty good job of keeping foreign signals out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Belt clips attached to the phone always break or come apart somehow. I'm with Pudgedaddy, I would never leave my baby dangling over the edge like that. LOL
Did everyone watch Apple's press conference today? If not it's available on engadget:
http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/16/live-from-apples-iphone-4-press-conference/?sort=newest&refresh=0
So since every smartphone has a weakspot I'd like to know where the EVO's weakspot is. Has anyone found it? Maybe Apple doesn't think the EVO is a smartphone, therefore it has not weakspot?
update:
Just to be clear, "weakspot" is referring to a way to hold the phone to get the signal strength to go down.
I heard if you stuff it in your rectum, you drop more calls.
eec007 said:
Did everyone watch Apple's press conference today? If not it's available on engadget:
http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/16/live-from-apples-iphone-4-press-conference/?sort=newest&refresh=0
So since every smartphone has a weakspot I'd like to know where the EVO's weakspot is. Has anyone found it? Maybe Apple doesn't think the EVO is a smartphone, therefore it has not weakspot?
update:
Just to be clear, "weakspot" is referring to a way to hold the phone to get the signal strength to go down.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you cup the top of Evo with your hand, Evo will lose signal
Its near the top of the back of the phone. Try covering it with you hand (the camera, leds, speaker area)
I do this and drop 2 bars immediately
It is towards the top. Im kinda surprised that any phones have side antennas when the phone is gripped from the sides
After scratching the damn thing today, I'd say the jutting 8MP camera in the back of the bloody thing.
Slightly marred the sweet red paint job...guessing they opted for aluminum versus stainless steel. Boo.
haha if i hold a evo in a completely unnatural way cupping the top of the phone while holding the bottom with my other hand for stability, it drops two bars, but not the call....proof the iphone 4 design is flawless.....what a BS press conference
Don't act like you weren't the one trying it out!
supdawg said:
I heard if you stuff it in your rectum, you drop more calls.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my Evo
Inside of a bomb shelter.
supdawg said:
I heard if you stuff it in your rectum, you drop more calls.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
WIN reply is WIN
supdawg said:
I heard if you stuff it in your rectum, you drop more calls.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
don't believe everything you hear. someone should test this out. hahaha
siwelk said:
Its near the top of the back of the phone. Try covering it with you hand (the camera, leds, speaker area)
I do this and drop 2 bars immediately
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I must have a sprint tower above my head cause I can't get the signal strength bars to budge from full no matter how I hold it.
dehelflix said:
haha if i hold a evo in a completely unnatural way cupping the top of the phone while holding the bottom with my other hand for stability, it drops two bars, but not the call....proof the iphone 4 design is flawless.....what a BS press conference
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This must be quite awkward to hold a phone call this way
Sent from my Nexus One using Tapatalk
We will never share the Evo's weakspot with you... We must protect it for the good of mankind =P
I don't have a weakspot... unless my Innocase is preventing me from finding it. No matter how I hold the phone I have the same bars.
Yea, Apple only showed the few newer phones that had the drop in bars when held the same way as iPhone 4.
Is this good design by HTC to have it near the top where you never hold it naturally? Or just the way it worked out? Since everyone in the industry is fighting this problem as Jobs said, wouldn't they develop the phone so the antenna would not get blocked or attenuated when held naturally?
I don't know enough about that kind of engineering stuff, just some things I have been wondering. Anyone else have thoughts on this?
Actually in the manual somewhere it tells you where to avoid covering the phone. If I remember correctly it's by the volume rocker?
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
davesters81 said:
Yea, Apple only showed the few newer phones that had the drop in bars when held the same way as iPhone 4.
Is this good design by HTC to have it near the top where you never hold it naturally? Or just the way it worked out? Since everyone in the industry is fighting this problem as Jobs said, wouldn't they develop the phone so the antenna would not get blocked or attenuated when held naturally?
I don't know enough about that kind of engineering stuff, just some things I have been wondering. Anyone else have thoughts on this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im going to say it was a good design move by HTC. The Bold 9700, Eris, and Omnia II (the three phones he tested signals with) were all released last year. He didn't make references to the iPhone4's more direct competitors (HD2, Incredible, Evo, Droid X) because they don't have this problem.
I covered the phone up all sorts of ways, sans the rectum thing, and the best I could get it to do was drop a bar on the WiFi strength. Network coverage was never phased?
The best way to take an Evo out quick is a pointed object real quick to the center of the screen. That's definitely the Evo's weak spot.
Technically does putting any case on work against reception? Reason I ask is because I am with a new company here in Canada called Wind mobil and they are still putting towers up so signal strength isint that great to begin with I just dont want to make it worse.
ludeboye said:
Technically does putting any case on work against reception? Reason I ask is because I am with a new company here in Canada called Wind mobil and they are still putting towers up so signal strength isint that great to begin with I just dont want to make it worse.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i have it on mine and seen no problem's .so you should be good to go !
lucky 69 said:
i have it on mine and seen no problem's .so you should be good to go !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
how much bulk does it add? just enough?
and is it a very nice fit?
adds 1.5x the thickness, just bulky enough so it doesnt slip out of my hand
my only complain is the power button is bit hard to locate with the case; but overall im pretty happy with it
I know aluminum cases can affect signal strength but rubber and plastic, I dont think so. I have the tough case and I found that the vibrant gets really warm inside of the case. My phone was randomly resetting itself and the touch screen was not resonding to my touches. So i took the case off the phone and Voila, the phone acts normal again. So to all the tough case owners out there, if your phone is acting up, try taking the case off and see if it returns to normal. And just for clarification, I work in a 70 degree enviornment so it has not spent any time anywhere where there is excessive heat. My assumption based on this whole episode is that the vibrant, which is a very warm phone to begin with doesnt have any way to dissipate heat inside of the tough case.
dee32181 said:
I know aluminum cases can affect signal strength but rubber and plastic, I dont think so. I have the tough case and I found that the vibrant gets really warm inside of the case. My phone was randomly resetting itself and the touch screen was not resonding to my touches. So i took the case off the phone and Voila, the phone acts normal again. So to all the tough case owners out there, if your phone is acting up, try taking the case off and see if it returns to normal. And just for clarification, I work in a 70 degree enviornment so it has not spent any time anywhere where there is excessive heat. My assumption based on this whole episode is that the vibrant, which is a very warm phone to begin with doesnt have any way to dissipate heat inside of the tough case.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hmm... not my case... although the phone does get quite hot from extensive game playing from time to time while in the case (i blame the rubber thing in the tough case), but never experience random reset or screen not responding
Wykedx said:
how much bulk does it add? just enough?
and is it a very nice fit?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ya it don't add much bulkyness at all !the case look's thicker in the picture's than it is! i was surprised my self !yes it is just enough phone feel's better to me with the case.i did like how thin the phone is but this case help's me have a better hold of it .as for the fit .you can't go wrong very well made and fit is perfect .i was a little hasty when i seen the price but know it is well worth the cash for it !well hope this helps ya
I live in Florida an have left my phone on my dash on very hot days with the tough case. SetCPU has shown over 135° temps and my phone hasnt rebooted one time.
dee32181 said:
I know aluminum cases can affect signal strength but rubber and plastic, I dont think so. I have the tough case and I found that the vibrant gets really warm inside of the case. My phone was randomly resetting itself and the touch screen was not resonding to my touches. So i took the case off the phone and Voila, the phone acts normal again. So to all the tough case owners out there, if your phone is acting up, try taking the case off and see if it returns to normal. And just for clarification, I work in a 70 degree enviornment so it has not spent any time anywhere where there is excessive heat. My assumption based on this whole episode is that the vibrant, which is a very warm phone to begin with doesnt have any way to dissipate heat inside of the tough case.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my vibrant using tapatalk.
Well the point of my post is only for people who are experiencing the same problems that i had (which hasnt happened again). If your phone isnt experiencing these sort of problems then this post wasnt for you. So for people to comment on the fact that their phones work perfectly are missing the point of the post. That is unless they just like hearing themselves speak lol.
Does putting a case on make the phone work harder to get reception on a technical level that is? Like I said my carrier is new to the country and has some dead spots and is working to put more towers in (windmobile) thats why my major concern is reception (battery drain).
The point of the post that has no relevance to the op? The case mate cases have their own thread going in this same section.
By the way, my signal is no different than before I put the case on.
Sent from my vibrant using tapatalk.
ludeboye said:
Does putting a case on make the phone work harder to get reception on a technical level that is? Like I said my carrier is new to the country and has some dead spots and is working to put more towers in (windmobile) thats why my major concern is reception (battery drain).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
imo no,it won't make the phone work harder at all.your battery life will not change at all just by putting this case on or any case on it .your phone will get the same reception as it does now .so go get it you won't be sorry. if you get lost reception it will be from the your service provider not the phone/case. well let us know if ya get one .
Thanks I ordered one
So I was thinking about boosting my antenna signal with those Antenna Booster stickers. I know a lot of people say they don't work, but I think it's because they're not positioned correctly.
Anyway here's a picture of an unfortunate G2 I bought off Ebay used to repair my working G2. I keep it around for spare parts. Are those copper contacts really the antenna? Looks like the metal materials runs under a portion of plastic to extend the range.
I believe that the bottom is for cell use while the top is for blue-tooth and wifi. I was thinking of buying a couple and doing this too boost the phones signal.
There's enough empty space to place these stickers in there and try to boost the signal. Compared to some other phones I've had, this one has a rather weak signal in comparison. Especially in those spotty areas.
Not to rain on your parade but if a $4 sticker that probably costs .04 to make really helped at all, don't you think phone manufactures would already be using them? Any way you identified the antenna correctly, have at it
Sent from my HTC Vision using xda premium
Thanks, I ordered a pack of 6 for $3. I'll report if there's any noticeable difference. I've used one long time ago on my Motorola Razer and seemed to work.
Really wish this phone came with a better loud speaker.
It could have been the placebo effect?
About the speaker, do you think we could find one that fits on eBay or RadioShack or whatever? So as to make it louder?
I noticed when I hold my phone with my left hand, the signal really sucks. I knew the cell antenna was in the bottom section and now I know why covering the left side is bad. I try to just hold the top part but it's hard when browsing or other functions besides calls. We all made jokes about the iphone and the "you're holding it wrong" crap but it seems to be true with our G2 As far as booster stickers go, they have been selling these things for many years now. They have never been proven to work and disproven many times. The placement of the boosters don't matter and were allegedly designed to be placed right side up and behind a battery. They don't supply power therefore couldn't act as a repeater or booster nor do they alter the design of the original antenna not to mention they don't even make contact with it. They used to sell for $20 but now sell for 1 penny lol! The only things that ACTUALLY work are external antennas (few phones even have ports for them anymore), cellfi, uma, repeaters, microcells, etc. So, shell out some real cash for a proven booster/repeater or hold your phone differently. Sorry... good idea though! Worth a shot...
Dukenukemx said:
Thanks, I ordered a pack of 6 for $3. I'll report if there's any noticeable difference. I've used one long time ago on my Motorola Razer and seemed to work.
Really wish this phone came with a better loud speaker.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello,
any news abut possible signal improvement?
I would like to replace the bottom GSM antenna with better one.
I've already tried couple of modifications, but without success.
I would appreciate if somebody could share hardware modification which really works and improves the GSM signal reception.
Thanks
Hi I have a Spanish G2, Desire Z Vodafone and also appears that since the Demonte to change the screen, gives me probemas coverage, always, sometimes puts all stripes and many others did not put stripes or coverage but you can call ...
I've seen the pictures and these metal parts I have them, I do not know to do. : (
I wrote this at forum:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2090365
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=38019953
Merci
I recently received my black Devilcase aluminium bumper case today in the mail off Amazon and took some pictures. I haven't had it nearly long enough to comment on its performance, but I'd say so far that it's pretty damn good. I've taken pictures of the bumper on my black HTC One and my friend's silver One as well.
Below is the packaging. Came with the bumpers screwed together with two screws, a small screwdriver and a spare screw. The spare screw was a nice thought as I almost immediately lost one of the screws on my carpeted floor. The bumpers are definitely not going to fall apart, though since it covers the SIM slot, if you're ever out and you need to get the SIM out, you're out of luck unless you plan on carrying very small screwdrivers and a paperclip to eject the SIM slot.
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Bumpers: Both bumpers are lined with a soft rubbery material. The volume rocker cover is actually quite nice and I think it makes it easier to adjust the volume with the bumpers than when the phone was naked since the rocker is raised. There is a gap between the power button and headphone jack since the back is rounded, which I've included below.
After installation: The bumpers are slightly higher on the corners, which I feel improves your grip on the One. My black One also has a fullbody Skinomi protector, though I cut off the sides on the back protector
Volume rocker:
On the silver One:
Gap: There is a gap on the power button and headphone jack since the One has a curved back. Not a big deal at all since the bumpers have to be straight. Is also a good indicator of how much space is placed between the phone and the edge of the bumper if you were to place it flat against a surface.
As for the back of the phone... I would recommend a protector on the back. The bumper raises the phone slightly off a table surface, but if you were to slide the phone around or if there was any dirt or grit on the table, I'm not the bumper would keep the phone away from that... I suppose it's a personal choice, but I like the extra peace of mind. In regards to the front of the phone, you can clearly see the bumper around it, but again, I would recommend a screen protector. I found Skinomi's full body protector to be affordable ($15 on amazon) and easy to install (would also recommend cutting off the edges on the back that are supposed to fold over onto the sides with scissors or x-acto knife and ruler before installing... the edges really don't stick very well and you won't need them if you're using the Devilcase).
The gaps on the power button and headphone jack don't bother me and I think it even helps me find the power button since it's so flat. I forgot to include a picture, but there is a hole for the microphone, so the bumper does not cover it.
In conclusion, I'm so far very satisfied with the Devilcase. I think it's a great case and would go very well with a back and front screen protector. To be fair, I have no idea how well it'd hold up compared to a beast of a case like an OtterBox, but I believe the OtterBox is probably considerably larger (and not as good-looking) as the Devilcase and I think that's just comparing apples and oranges... both are different types of cases and fulfill different needs. For myself, I'm just looking for a case that won't substantially increase the size of the One and can still over some to good protection against minor drops and scratches and slim cases like the Nillkin are what I usually gravitate to, but the Nillkin does not cover ALL sides of the One, such as the top, bottom and volume rocker, and dirt can get in-between the case and phone. Personally, I think the Devilcase is sturdy, great looking, improves my grip on the phone as well as the buttons, so I'd call this a keeper
Did you have a chance to test the signal? Can you let us know where you live? Big city or small town?
Thanks for the great detail review. It's very useful. I'm gonna get one :good:
pacion said:
Did you have a chance to test the signal? Can you let us know where you live? Big city or small town?
Thanks for the great detail review. It's very useful. I'm gonna get one :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't done a signal test like checking the signal strength before and after the bumper, but I'm honestly not worried about it. A bumper like this would not affect the signal given how HTC designed the One. I have used the phone while out and can say that I did not experience any signal loss where I should have had service.
cassull said:
I haven't done a signal test like checking the signal strength before and after the bumper, but I'm honestly not worried about it. A bumper like this would not affect the signal given how HTC designed the One. I have used the phone while out and can say that I did not experience any signal loss where I should have had service.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just got the case in silver and the case is effecting my signal for LTE. I'm on AT&T and in my house i get 2-3 bars of LTE, the second I put on the case I lose LTE completely. When i take off the case the LTE comes back on. I still do get 3-4 bars of HSPA with the case on so it looks like its just effecting the LTE for AT&T though
cassull said:
I haven't done a signal test like checking the signal strength before and after the bumper, but I'm honestly not worried about it. A bumper like this would not affect the signal given how HTC designed the One. I have used the phone while out and can say that I did not experience any signal loss where I should have had service.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any/all aluminum case/bumper will affect signal unless it is designed like ElementCase's with plastic inserts to disrupt it. It creates almost a mini field, which disrupts signal.
From a screenshot I saw before, the devilcase doesn't seem like it's the worst, although like above, it can become very noticeable if signal isn't the strongest already. 2-3 bars LTE going to 0 LTE is a pretty big deal
pewpewbangbang said:
Any/all aluminum case/bumper will affect signal unless it is designed like ElementCase's with plastic inserts to disrupt it. It creates almost a mini field, which disrupts signal.
From a screenshot I saw before, the devilcase doesn't seem like it's the worst, although like above, it can become very noticeable if signal isn't the strongest already. 2-3 bars LTE going to 0 LTE is a pretty big deal
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Click to collapse
I suppose, but the antenna is also on the back of the phone as well. If it does affect signal, I doubt it would affect it very dramatically. I can't comment on personal anecdotes of other members, though, unless you checked the signal in the same exact spot and put the bumper on and off several times... it should be repeatable. But again, these are just my views.
cassull said:
I suppose, but the antenna is also on the back of the phone as well. If it does affect signal, I doubt it would affect it very dramatically. I can't comment on personal anecdotes of other members, though, unless you checked the signal in the same exact spot and put the bumper on and off several times... it should be repeatable. But again, these are just my views.
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Click to collapse
Yea, but the aluminum bumper will create basically a force field and if you know about force fields, it's essentially how should I say like in the shape of a sphere around the device.
The One design works in general because all the injected plastic keeps the aluminum body from touching each other and creating this field. The antennas are housed in it so there's no issues. Just like how the iPhone's since the 4 have had the antenna bands completely disconnecting the aluminum band around the phone. But if you connect these bands creating the antennagate problem you get the signal problems, which is like putting an all aluminum bumper around your phone (It just might not be as bad in this case)
All in all though, everyones experience will differ since no one will have the same scenario. Signal degradation will be far more noticeable to certain people, while barely noticeable to others. It's a toss up, but in general if signal in your area already isn't that great like around 3 bars. An aluminum bumper like this will make a bigger difference.
cassull said:
I suppose, but the antenna is also on the back of the phone as well. If it does affect signal, I doubt it would affect it very dramatically. I can't comment on personal anecdotes of other members, though, unless you checked the signal in the same exact spot and put the bumper on and off several times... it should be repeatable. But again, these are just my views.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It seems like with the bumper on it is only effecting the LTE. I really wanted to keep the case so I tested it over 10 times in my home office. I basically sat in the same spot, had the phone naked and I would have 2 bars of LTE, once I put the case on, within 30 sec to a minute, the LTE would disappear and I would have 3 bars of HSPA. The signal works fine and I have no problem making phone calls and stuff but since I do a lot of web browsing and use the tethering option, the loss of LTE with the case is a big deal for me. For someone that doesn't need the LTE, i wouldn't imagine this would be a problem. once again, this is only for AT&T.
If anyone else has AT&T and has the case, can they tell me if they have the problem also?
Thanks.
miamibest said:
It seems like with the bumper on it is only effecting the LTE. I really wanted to keep the case so I tested it over 10 times in my home office. I basically sat in the same spot, had the phone naked and I would have 2 bars of LTE, once I put the case on, within 30 sec to a minute, the LTE would disappear and I would have 3 bars of HSPA. The signal works fine and I have no problem making phone calls and stuff but since I do a lot of web browsing and use the tethering option, the loss of LTE with the case is a big deal for me. For someone that doesn't need the LTE, i wouldn't imagine this would be a problem. once again, this is only for AT&T.
If anyone else has AT&T and has the case, can they tell me if they have the problem also?
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's just because signal isn't the strongest in your area. It's affecting all signal, not just LTE. LTE just isn't as strong of a signal compared to HSPA etc...It's like going from HSPA to EDGE when your signal gets weak. Anyone else with a similar situation will experience the same problem. This is not a new issue, aluminum bumpers started with the iPhone 4 (I assume since that's the first I played around with them and saw them more widespread on the internet). The kinks have been ironed out though with ElementCase at least though. I'm surprised no other brand has really followed in it's design choice to really fix the signal degradation problem.
miamibest said:
It seems like with the bumper on it is only effecting the LTE. I really wanted to keep the case so I tested it over 10 times in my home office. I basically sat in the same spot, had the phone naked and I would have 2 bars of LTE, once I put the case on, within 30 sec to a minute, the LTE would disappear and I would have 3 bars of HSPA. The signal works fine and I have no problem making phone calls and stuff but since I do a lot of web browsing and use the tethering option, the loss of LTE with the case is a big deal for me. For someone that doesn't need the LTE, i wouldn't imagine this would be a problem. once again, this is only for AT&T.
If anyone else has AT&T and has the case, can they tell me if they have the problem also?
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm on AT&T, but through Straight Talk, so I don't get 4G or LTE. I did check signal strength before and after the bumper install, but there was virtually little to not change, so I'm afraid I couldn't say why you're losing LTE signal.
Video
I took a video so you guys can see what I am talking about but I wasn't able to upload it since i don't have 10 posts I can't post the link to youtube. If anyone wants to help me out upload the video or tell me how I can attach a link or do the youtube on here I can show you guys what i'm talking about.
On the video you can see it go from 2 bars on 4G LTE then when I put on the case it completely drops LTE and goes to 1 bar on HSPA. I'm not knocking the case in anyway. I would love to keep the case but there is definitely a interference for me on this case. Everyone though will be different but I thought I would share my experience (once again this is ONLY on AT&T).
Thanks
miamibest said:
I took a video so you guys can see what I am talking about but I wasn't able to upload it since i don't have 10 posts I can't post the link to youtube. If anyone wants to help me out upload the video or tell me how I can attach a link or do the youtube on here I can show you guys what i'm talking about.
On the video you can see it go from 2 bars on 4G LTE then when I put on the case it completely drops LTE and goes to 1 bar on HSPA. I'm not knocking the case in anyway. I would love to keep the case but there is definitely a interference for me on this case. Everyone though will be different but I thought I would share my experience (once again this is ONLY on AT&T).
Thanks
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Click to collapse
You can PM me the link if you really want, but yea....doesn't matter that your on AT&T. It will happen to anyone on any network. The severity just depends on each persons location etc...
pewpewbangbang said:
You can PM me the link if you really want, but yea....doesn't matter that your on AT&T. It will happen to anyone on any network. The severity just depends on each persons location etc...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I never heard of this force field theory...
If you mean electromagnetic fields that DO disrupt radio signals because they interfere... I dont see how a piece of aluminum surrounding the phone can have an EM field?
Like someone else said, the antennas on this phone are on the back (those white lines). I remember seeing it described that way in a design video as well...
Not sure how much affect there would be from blocking the side plastic.
I really doubt that should make a big difference though, cause guess what, if blocking the sides causes an issue, then thats the whole iPhone death grip fiasco again..
Anyway, I'll wait for more reviews before I buy this bumper as well. It looks great, thanks OP for the pics.
I want the silver, but it seems like only Blue is left in stock, ohw ell.
twe90kid said:
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Click to collapse
I asked a friend about the signal issue and he suggested placing insulation in between the phone and bumpers. There's already that soft rubbery material I had mentioned in my original post (which is probably exactly for this issue) that should have been enough to compensate for the signal, but perhaps yours does not have enough? The material is pretty thin, but all it needs to do is keep both antennas from maintaining contact from each other with the bumper. I'd suggest checking to see if maybe your bumpers don't have them.
Nippero said:
I never heard of this force field theory...
If you mean electromagnetic fields that DO disrupt radio signals because they interfere... I dont see how a piece of aluminum surrounding the phone can have an EM field?
Like someone else said, the antennas on this phone are on the back (those white lines). I remember seeing it described that way in a design video as well...
Not sure how much affect there would be from blocking the side plastic.
I really doubt that should make a big difference though, cause guess what, if blocking the sides causes an issue, then thats the whole iPhone death grip fiasco again..
Anyway, I'll wait for more reviews before I buy this bumper as well. It looks great, thanks OP for the pics.
I want the silver, but it seems like only Blue is left in stock, ohw ell.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not a force field theory... It's a Faraday box or cage... interesting stuff. If you want to understand how it works, link below!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faraday_cage
And, if you don't feel like reading... Wal-Mart is pretty much a big Faraday Box!
cassull said:
I asked a friend about the signal issue and he suggested placing insulation in between the phone and bumpers. There's already that soft rubbery material I had mentioned in my original post (which is probably exactly for this issue) that should have been enough to compensate for the signal, but perhaps yours does not have enough? The material is pretty thin, but all it needs to do is keep both antennas from maintaining contact from each other with the bumper. I'd suggest checking to see if maybe your bumpers don't have them.
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Click to collapse
miamibest, take cassull's advice and check your padding, eliminate any and all metal to metal contact (even speaker grills) and see if that helps.
tnEVo said:
It's not a force field theory... It's a Faraday box or cage... interesting stuff. If you want to understand how it works, link below!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faraday_cage
And, if you don't feel like reading... Wal-Mart is pretty much a big Faraday Box!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My mistake.
Took a quick read, interesting.
But from what I get, the conductive material used as a shield/cage has to either be charged or grounded? And this case would be neither.
Again, correct me if I'm wrong. Because if its that easy to create a Faraday cage, then doesnt the aluminum of the phone itself already create the cage, as that is much more aluminum than the bumper itself.
Nippero said:
My mistake.
Took a quick read, interesting.
But from what I get, the conductive material used as a shield/cage has to either be charged or grounded? And this case would be neither.
Again, correct me if I'm wrong. Because if its that easy to create a Faraday cage, then doesnt the aluminum of the phone itself already create the cage, as that is much more aluminum than the bumper itself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The aluminum already has charged particles on it before any external source touches it. And when the conductive material gets charged from an external object, the positive and negative charged particles in the material disperse to opposite sides of the surface, particles with the opposite charge of the source being attracted. Since they are on opposite sides, this creates opposing electric fields, negating the charge on the inside of the shell.
Code:
External + Net -
Source (-) + Elect. -
+ Charge=0 -
So when the EM waves (radio waves) get to the phone this phenomena happens.
Depends on the cage's construction. Mesh holes, and conductivity of the material affect the cage's effectiveness, and can be tweaked depending on what frequency/wavelength you want to penetrate. to In the One's case, it's designed for signals to get in via those white strips on the back.
EDIT: Boo my little diagram didn't come out exactly as I wanted, but basically that.
PcFish said:
EDIT: Boo my little diagram didn't come out exactly as I wanted, but basically that.
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Click to collapse
Lmao, I think I get what you're trying to say though. Interesting stuff. Would have to do more reading to understand it.
But anyway, so far from reading the reviews on iPhone version as well, results seem hit and miss? Hm.
I can confirm the signal gets weaker w/ the case on. It's fine at places with strong signal, but at my house with only 1 bar on LTE (ATT), the phone drops LTE n go to HSPA with the case. I have kinda a workaround where i put a tiny spacer (rolled up scotch tape) on the bottom of the phone to create a tiny gap, and the LTE stopped dropping.