Replacement antenna for W800RF
- Thread starter hobbes487
- Start date
tmbrown97
Senior Member
Sounds to me like a GREAT time to just build yourself one of thse: http://www.cocoontech.com/portal/articles/tutorials/home-automation/10-how-to-improve-your-x-10-rf-reception
For a few bucks in parts you can have an awesome antenna with considerably more range. I added one and I went from having trouble 20ft from the receiver (through walls) to having no trouble anywhere in the house, including in the driveway or back yard. With a beefed up transmitter some have gotten in the hundreds of feet in increased range.
For a few bucks in parts you can have an awesome antenna with considerably more range. I added one and I went from having trouble 20ft from the receiver (through walls) to having no trouble anywhere in the house, including in the driveway or back yard. With a beefed up transmitter some have gotten in the hundreds of feet in increased range.
drozwood90
Senior Member
I use the radio shack one.
Which one specifically from Radio Shack? Do you have a model number?
drozwood90
Senior Member
Sure, I can look it up. I just didn't want to go through the effort if you were interested in something else...give me a bit.
drozwood90
Senior Member
Here it is:
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2103641&cp
It's basically the same thing that was pointed out above (the build your own).
I think I bought mine on sale at some point.
You will need an adapter to go from the "port" on the bottom of the antenna to the coax style.
While I was looking it up, I realized in the new house, I am not using that. I am only using the 1/4wave whip that came with the W800. My LAST house it was NECESSARY (I had metalized insulation). This house...I can get DS10's from 1.5 houses down the street...using the 1/4 wave. I did use it at the last house, and I went from barely able to get a KR15A(?) from the edge of my property to 2 or 3 houses away.
--Dan
(?)it is the security keychain remote from Radio Shack...same as the X10 version, but nicer form factor and 2 light controls besides the Alarm / Disarm)
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2103641&cp
It's basically the same thing that was pointed out above (the build your own).
I think I bought mine on sale at some point.
You will need an adapter to go from the "port" on the bottom of the antenna to the coax style.
While I was looking it up, I realized in the new house, I am not using that. I am only using the 1/4wave whip that came with the W800. My LAST house it was NECESSARY (I had metalized insulation). This house...I can get DS10's from 1.5 houses down the street...using the 1/4 wave. I did use it at the last house, and I went from barely able to get a KR15A(?) from the edge of my property to 2 or 3 houses away.
--Dan
(?)it is the security keychain remote from Radio Shack...same as the X10 version, but nicer form factor and 2 light controls besides the Alarm / Disarm)
I'm an idiot. While I have a W800rf, I was picturing in my mind the antenna from the ELK Wireless expander which is really just two short pieces of metal. The other responses are correct however.
Happen to remember if you trimmed the elements to 310MHz? I just ordered one from the Shack. Also, RS' docs don't show the connector. Can you tell me what it is? TIA
TECH SPECS Tab: Says it has a SO239 connector on it. So you need a PL259 to mate with it or an adapter to connect your cables connector to a SO239 female connector on the antenna.
Users manual:
http://www.radioshack.com/graphics/uc/rsk/Support/ProductManuals/2000176_PM_EN.pdf
Users manual:
http://www.radioshack.com/graphics/uc/rsk/Support/ProductManuals/2000176_PM_EN.pdf
tmbrown97
Senior Member
Wow - considering the range I was seeing before adding this, I'm impressed... I couldn't get the cheap keyfobs to work 20ft away. Did you try anything other than the DS10's?
I use a few of the eagle-eye motion sensors; stick-on decora-looking 3-device switchplates, and those little slimfire keychain remotes - but on all of them the range was absolutely dismal without BraveSirRobbin's antenna. However, even with it, the cheap switchplates only work in my driveway - no further.
I found one of my pro palmpads yesterday - I should fire that up and see what kind of distance I get. Regardless, I definitely recommend a better antenna - either BSR's or the radio shack one - whatever increases range - which in turn increases reliability.
