Snip off WiFi antenna?


  1. Posts : 423
    Windows 10
       #1

    Snip off WiFi antenna?


    So have been repairing a few old laptops and one I stupidly put a screw through the antenna to the WiFi card when putting it back together. Replacing the antennae is too much trouble (having taken the screen off to look). So am going to get a usb WiFi dongle instead. But not happy at leaving a damaged antennae wire inside - could it short? So am wondering if it’s ok to just snip it off at the screen end where it shouldn’t be getting any power? The black cable for
    Bluetooth (?) is fine so planned to leave the WiFi card in the laptop but with the white cable removed I’d then have a bare/unused connector. Would that’s be safe? Or should I just take the card out and snip both wires? Removing the wires is too complicated without risking other issues as intertwined behind the screen with cmos etc
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 1,308
    Windows 10
       #2

    just leave everything as is already please . or if you are super skeptical just cover the nude part of the wire by a small duct tape to isolate it .
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 856
    Windows 10 Pro 21H2 build 19045.2193 Dual Boot Linux Mint
       #3

    Is the wire actually broken? if not and just bare does the Wifi work? either way just cover it with tape.
      My Computers


  4. Posts : 423
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #4

    No the wifi doesn't work - the wire is squashed and bare where the screw went. So you think it's better to just leave it all attached and put a bit of duct tape over the damaged wire then? Just want it to be safe that's all - now I've done the damage.

    It's where the wifi cable goes through the hinge up to the screen, Normally there's a duct there for the cable. On this laptop there isn't - it was just held in place by a bit of tape - must have come unstuck so when I put the last screws back in to the rear panel it's chavelled the wifi cable - bare wire showing.

    Is insulating tape ok on bare wire? Thought it might be safer if I just take the card out and cut both wires off behind the screen so no wiring left that is actually connected to anything? Which is safer?

    I'm already resigned to using a usb wifi dongle and not bothered about bluetooth - never works anyway lol. I do have a cable I could replace it with but it is a real fiddle.
    Last edited by Hazel123; 17 Nov 2018 at 19:42.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 8,057
    windows 10
       #5

    Antenna are divesable the frequency so for 80 mtrs you can have a lenght of 80mtr ,40mtrs ,20 mtrs 60mtrs so if you cut the cable depending on the lenght left it should work
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 423
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #6

    Thank you. I meant cutting it out basically so there's just a short bit behind the screen - would that still be live? I thought it just went to the actual receiver. Although it is in the vicinity of other cables.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 13,896
    Win10 Version 22H2 Pro and Home, Win11 Pro and Home
       #7

    If it's easier to get to where the memory modules and hard drive are you can remove the Wireless adapter entirely then just cut off as much of that antenna wire you can reach. Some BIOSes have a setting to disable the Wireless adapter then it wouldn't interfere with the USB adapter.
      My Computers


  8. Posts : 1,308
    Windows 10
       #8

    can you rather make photos ? you are starting to give us a feeling there is no big deal there and you should just plug the antenna back on card and call it today
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 13,896
    Win10 Version 22H2 Pro and Home, Win11 Pro and Home
       #9

    I neglected to mention that, if present in Device Manager, the Bluetooth feature is part of the Wireless adapter. If it's not used, no problem.
      My Computers


 

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