I have an mcu dev board with a embedded (usb) wifi daughter board. I am having a lot of trouble finding any info on it. The markings on it are RL-UM12BTD RTL8188EUS-V1.2.
I would like to convert it to use an external wifi antenna since it will be installed in a metal case. It has a smd component between the antenna feed line and the on board pcb antenna. I suspect it is a load coil, but it looks identical to the capacitors this board uses. Using a voltage meter it shows almost no capacitance or resistance (capactor and ohm settings).
The first picture shows the smd component on the actual v1.2 board. (small solderpad with smd between CON4 and ANT (pcb antenna))
The second picture shows the rtl8188eus - v1.0 without the smd component installed.(similar connection on v1.0)
Third picture shows the v1.0 board with a wifi antenna connector on the board (first pic is the only v1.2, can't find any v1.2 info/pics. Using v1.0 pics for examples of what I thing needs to be done.)
I've check the feeds and the two larger solder pads are the gnd, used for gnd shielding. The smd connector is obviously the signal line. I believe i need to remove this smd component and all solder connection to the pcb antenna. The small pad away from the pcb antenna would be the signal line for the external wifi antenna with the two larger solder pads on either side of the signal line is the antenna cables ' gnd shield.
I am almost certain that is all that is required, but I would feel more confident with that smd component identified or if someone can confirm that is all that is required for this mod. If it were a capacitor or resistor, I am afraid I would render the board uaeless by removing it. I' m a weekend "learn as I do" electronics hobbiest. So any help is appreciated.
Ed