D-LINK DWL-900AP Antenna Connector Mod

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Disclaimer : No responsibility can be taken for loss, damage or injury as a result of the information provided here.

Performing this mod will void your warranty.

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The odds are that if you are intending to use the DWL-900AP as a community (or large scale) AP you're going to be connecting a decent external antenna to it. This means you will probably be needing a pigtail to make the connector change. Alternatively you can add a more suitable connector to the case for a low loss and robust connection.

This DIY guide covers adding a female 'N' type connector to your AP.

The EASIEST place to put it is on the top surface but this is ugly and means the cable comes out at a right angle (90°) to the other cables. This mod places the connector on the REAR in place of the existing RP-TNC connector.

What you need

How to do it

• Open the case (2 screws) in the underside - 2 halves then unclip
• Unscrew the nuts on the RP-TNC connector
• Shave off the TNC support ribs (makes mounting easier and neater)
• Use the file or reamer to open up the centre hole
• Mark and drill the holes for the new connector
• Mount the connector - by drilling a fraction smaller than the screw size you can just tap (twist in) the machine screws - don't fasten the screws all the way
• Cut off the TNC connector
• Strip back about 30mm of the lead, unplait and twist the braid to form a wire, shorten the centre lead and strip back 4mm of the insulator
• Unsolder the internal antenna and discard
• Solder the lead to the new connector
• Reassemble the case and tighten up the screws
• Booyakasha!