Properly Extending the xAC (v1) antenna
Note that SMA connectors come in two flavors, regular, and “RP” for reverse pin. Standard SMA have a pin on the connector with the internal threads and a socket on the side with external threads. RP is the opposite. RP and non RP SMAs are not compatible with each other (they can actually damage each other). So make sure you get all the same type.
I purchased a 10ft SMA RG-174 “wifi extension” from amazon. This has regular SMAs.
Amazon.com
Also got some male SMA crimps.
https://amzn.to/30HseWU
I opened the access controller and desoldered the coax. (red and clear insulation)
I cut off the stripped part of the wire and installed a male SMA. Note you will need a proper crimper to install them correctly. (.042" die for the pin, and .137" for the barrel) So now the antenna has a male SMA on it. You can connect it to the female side of the extension cable.
I cut off the male end of the extension cable and soldered it to the board like it was. Take the shield, twist it together and cover in heat shrink (red in the picture above) and strip the center conductor about the same length. Once soldered back, try out your extended antenna.
I noticed maybe a slight reduction in range, but still over 1". And 10 feet is a lot of coax. Shorter distances will have even less range reduction.
