Will a BT Adapter work if my Wifi Atenna Doesn't?
Posted by mscale18@reddit | buildapc | View on Reddit | 7 comments
Recently purchased and installed an under desk PC mount and found out my BT headphones won't connect past the table top of my desk. Tested another pair and the same issue persist where the will only connect and play when placed under my desk. My motherboard has built in wifi and those screw on antennas. I was thinking about purchasing a USB BT adapter but wasn't entirely sure if it would be pointless because it's solely a placement and interference issue with my desk assuming the extended range would be the same as the wifi antenna's?
Hawk7117@reddit
This might be a dumb suggestion, but can you move the antenna to the front of the PC case or even up to the top of your desk?
I can almost guarantee that if the wifi with the antenna cant reach through your desk then a USB adapter (which are almost always worse) will have the same issue.
Those built in adapters usually have very good range, is it possible that its not connected all the way or possibly broke during the relocation to the PC mount? I get signal on mine through 3 walls while standing about 60-70 feet away before I start to have cut outs.
Sitting 2 feet away with only a desk between you makes me think its more of a bad contact issue with the antenna and plugs on the back of the PC.
mscale18@reddit (OP)
It's one of those antennas that screw on in the back so it can't be moved. But that's what confused me as well, like generally being able to use my headphones quite a distance away from my desktop before rearranging the location. The table top itself is probably only 3/4 of an inch. So I'm guessing that maybe the antennas themselves are broken, but if one failed wouldn't the other be enough? I did already try unscrewing and rescrewing them back in and restarting and completing shutting down my computer as well.
aznvjj@reddit
I will add that antennas do matter. I have a PC on another floor on the opposite side of the house with the "screw in the back" antennas for WiFi and it didn't work. I took the antenna off my PC (since I needed it only for BT) which had wires leading to an antenna base. It was a not only a higher quality antenna but I could position it away from the PC (which does generate interference) and it works beautifully. You can buy better, moveable antennas.
mscale18@reddit (OP)
Yea, tbh first time experiencing this so I was a bit shocked and confused since I can normally use my BT headphones in another room before just fine but somehow my 3/4 inch desk is able to straight up block the signal.
Hawk7117@reddit
Would one of these work with your wifi card?
This would both troubleshoot if:
A, the antennas are just broken
Or B, the tabletop is blocking the signal.
Just connecting that new antenna and moving it to either the front of the PC or up on the desktop should be a piece of cake.
mscale18@reddit (OP)
Oh these look a lot better lol, was about to settle for the USB BT adapter and perhaps a USB extender cable for it. 😅
aragorn18@reddit
Look into antenna extender cables. I used a pair to move my antennas higher up and got dramatically better speeds.