Wireless aerial inside screen?

phil675 · 5 Dec 2009 at 15:00

Hi there, just took a laptop apart as the screen was smashed in after a party that turned sour, with the intention of removing the screen and using it for something as a small PC. There were some wires that went into the network card from the screen, and for some reason I assumed that they were for detecting when the lid was closed so I just snipped them and that was that.

However after installing windows I've found that I can't pick up any wireless networks, and that the wires actually connected a large tin-foil like substance that was behind the screen.

So have I just taken out the wireless aerial? I didn't really expect it to be with the screen, what solution is there other than buying a usb wireless adapter? I feel like quite the numpty but I had no idea the screen would also house a tin-foil anti-conspiracy device!

malcolm · 5 Dec 2009 at 15:31

The antenna wires run around the edge of the screen usually. The foil in the lid is to screen out the radio interference the screen can cause, not the actuial aerial.

You can buy replacement aerial cables on that popluar auction site, all the wireless cards seem to use the same miniature co-axial connectors.

phil675 · 5 Dec 2009 at 20:59

I suppose I might be able to put the foil thing inside the casing of the laptop so it still works but I'm worried about short-circuiting etc... I'll give it a go!

sorn21 · 5 Dec 2009 at 21:03

Try and solder back together?

beermonster · 6 Dec 2009 at 15:35

you could get some replacements from ebay for between £5-£10 and reroute them into the original place if you cant fix by soldering, they can be soldered though if careful.