In this post, I will show you how to dismantle your Thomson SpeedTouch TG585 v7 router to allow connection of an external WiFi antenna. This is a very simple process requiring the removal of only four screws.
What you will need
- 1 x Mini PCI U.FL to RP-SMA Pigtail Cable (~£1.50 each, I bought mine off eBay from this seller).
- Set of needle-nose pliers
- Set of mini Philips screwdrivers
- … The external antenna you want to use! (I purchased this one for £13.99 from Maplin as it has a magnetic base, useful in my particular installation).
Step by step
1. Disconnect the power to your router, and unplug the power adapter from the mains supply.
2. Flip your router over, and remove the four plastic feet/pads from each of the four corners of the router.
3. Underneath the feet are four screws (one underneath each of the pads). Unscrew each one.
4. Lift the router off the table and gently give the base a tap – the grey top section should fall off. That’s the ‘lid’. If it doesn’t come off easily, gently prise it off with a flat head screwdriver; the operative word being gently. It’s not glued or wedged, it just might be a little tight.
5. Turn the unit over so you can see the main board.
Taking special care not to touch any of the solder points or components (especially any capacitors), ground yourself and then remove the antenna wire which is connected to the main board (connector circle below):
You might find a pair of needle nose pliers may help – but the clip is not particular tight or difficult to remove so just be wary of applying excessive force.
6. Now, unclip the existing ‘non-replaceable’ antenna by pinching the inside of the clip with pliers, while pulling the antenna. This will release the antenna and it should pull-out through the exterior of the case as follows:
7. Now, thread your new antenna pigtail cable through the case (where the old antenna used to go) so that the tiny clip is on the inside and the antenna connector (the larger connector) is on the outside. Connect the small end to the main board of the router in the same place you disconnected the old one from.
8. Pop the lid back in to place, turn the unit over and put the screws back in, followed by the sticky feet.
9. Now connect up your external antenna, and you’re all set.
Richard Parker 