How to connect an external antenna?

[eabase]

The boxed version doesn't expose the antenna connector.

How can I attach an external antenna?

[Llgok]

@eabase
Hello, the boxed version comes with the onboard flexible PCB antenna by default. If you wish to use an external antenna, you will need to remove the casing. You can follow our official channels, as we will soon release a version with an external antenna casing.

[eabase]

You can follow our official channels, as we will soon release a version with an external antenna casing.

I just got this because I was following your "official channels" and it showed an antenna connector, so I obviously thought there would be one also on the box. I need an external antenna so should I send this unit back to you and you can replace it when you have one with the correct box? (Or better, just send me a new box when you get it?)

[Llgok]

@eabase
You can contact the customer service of the mall where you purchased the product to request an exchange for the external antenna version.

[eabase]

@Llgok
Thnaks for the info, but it's just too much hassle at this time. I'll keep it and can hopefully put it to use once you guys updated the docs and added the Meshtastic functionality.

[adrianTNT]

Can someone tell me which one of the 2 IPEX connectors on the T-Echo Lite is for the LoRa antenna?

[Llgok]

@adrianTNT

[adrianTNT]

@Llgok thank you. Are you part of LILYGO team? I wanted to say these connectors should be labeled somewhere on the product website, I had big trouble identifying this. Besides your reply, nobody can tell which antenna port is lora. There are some PDF schematics on GitHub but I find those very hard to understand.

[Llgok]

@adrianTNT Okay, I will inform the relevant personnel to add antenna illustrations.

[eabase]

I just opened the box, and connector is at the same location as above picture (of non-shell version). However, the internal (strip) side antenna is connected to the internal LoRa Ant connector (U.FL-R-SMT), and the BT one is unconnected. Is there another chip style BT antenna inside?

PS. Trying to get the buttons back and lined up correctly before closing it, was a real PITA. Any tips for next time? (How do you do it in the factory?)

[adrianTNT]

PS. Trying to get the buttons back and lined up correctly before closing it, was a real PITA. Any tips for next time? ...

With the T-Deck buttons ... I put small pieces of tape just a few mm over the buttons and larger part of the tape on the outside of the case, when the case was almost put in place, just 1mm to click, I would drag the tape out and snap case in place. It worked well.

This antena thing is a bit confusing, mine (without case) came with just this one and not connected.
This would be the LoRa antena or the bluetooth one?

[Llgok]

@adrianTNT The Bluetooth antenna uses an onboard ceramic patch antenna, and the antenna in the picture you provided is for LoRa.

[Llgok]

@eabase The Bluetooth antenna uses an onboard ceramic patch antenna

[adrianTNT]

If the bluetooth uses the ceramic one in above image, then the Bluetooth small ipex round connector is not linked on the circuits?
Or do they both work at once? (if I would connect an antenna to Bluetooth ipex).
Thank you.