WiFi w/external dongle - Pi4 - Enable dongle, disable internal WiFi if needed

[hushed knoll]

SOLVED
Prior posts deleted

Problem - I do not have Ethernet where my VC4 needs to live. RR brilliantly engineered the VC4 eBox as a Faraday cage with the Pi's built-in WiFi essentially not workable. Adding an external WiFi USB adapter proved to be harder than I thought. Damned Linux.

Documenting it here in the hopes it helps someone else.

Lots of steps are detailed out, but it's really 2 things - plug in a Linux compatible USB wifi adapter and disable the Pi's internal Wifi.

For any of this to work, one must be connected by internal WiFi and / or Ethernet. In my case, I brought the entire eBox from my shop into my office so the Pi was connected to both.

.

Step 0
Removed all the changes to the config.txt that had been recommended, so started clean.

Step 1
This is a list of WiFi adapters that have drivers built-in to the Linux kernal in the Pi. I went through all the reviews. I focused on the ones that people confirmed were plug and play with Raspberry Pi.

https://github.com/morrownr/USB-WiFi/blob/main/home/USB_WiFi_Adapters_that_are_supported_with_Linux_in-kernel_drivers.md#ac1200--ac1300---usb-3---24-ghz-and-5-ghz-wifi-5

Step 2
https://www.amazon.com/AWUS036ACHM-802-11ac-Range-Boost-Adapter/dp/B08SJBV1N3/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

Step 3
Plugged in the adapter and ran IFCONFIG - adapter was found as "wan1", but Pi was still connecting to the internal WiFi wan0. Ran sudo iwlist wlan1 Scan but it could not find anything. I needed to disable the internal WiFi.
**
Step 4**
sudo nano /boot/config.txt this opened up the text editor
add "dtoverlay=disable-wifi" to the /boot/config.txt in the {ALL} section. Ctrl-X to exit and YES to save

Step 5
sudo reboot

**Step 6 **
Found the new IP address for the Pi's external USB Wifi adapter via my Firewalla app and set that IP address to static. Most routers will allow you to do the same. I just looked for RatOS as the device.

Step 7
Go to the IP address to view Mainsail. Don't forget to prevent your browser from adding the "s" in https://. It's got to be http:// followed by the IP address you identified in Step 6. In my case, Mainsail showed errors because the machine is not yet wired and commissioned. Click "Configurator" on the left side of the Mainsail screen.

Step 8
When you are at (your.ip.add.ress) /configure navigate to setup wizard and confirm your login credentials.

[unique vector]

That is VERY useful info, I may have to try that as my wifi where my machine is has been iffy. Thank you so much!

[hushed knoll]

You are very welcome. I sincerely hope it helps you and anyone else in the same boat

[unique vector]

I've added it to my "things that may help others" text doc 👍

[merry pasture]

Isnt it easier for ,those willing to take on the task, to simply solder on an antenna plug for $3 and steal an antenna from an old trash laptop or broken tablet?

[unique vector]

I did some googling last month and it doesn't seem there is an easy way to modify a raspi in that way. If you can find a guide or instructions to the contrary I'd love to take a look.

[merry pasture]

I certainly not saying its easy for everyone, but its common enough that you can even buy pre-modded Pi5's
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTwWnZG8wUY&pp=0gcJCX4JAYcqIYzv

https://www.raspberrypi.com/products/compute-module-4-antenna-kit/
https://www.ebay.com/itm/116326708617

This guy even offers the service for $25. Link in his video.
I don't know the guy, so don't take this as an endorsement! Just forwarding info.

[unique vector]

Huh, not sure why none of that popped up for me
Going to read through those, thanks!

[merry pasture]

Not American maybe?

That sounds rude

Not intended

[merry pasture]

So parts to do the external antenna that Ide suggest would be as follows
https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/te-connectivity-linx/CONUFL001-SMD-T/7427732
https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/pulse-electronics/W9011/2267907
https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/siretta-ltd/DELTA6B-X-SMAM-RP-S-11/6096307

That gives you the plig for the Pi, order a couple in case one is lost of damaged installing
An almost 280mm cable to run to a port to place outside the enclosure (this appears to be the longest option)
And the best performing whip-type antenna that Digikey sells based on RF performance

If someone wants to develope a specific list for people outside the US Im sure it would be appreciated by those that need it!

[unique vector]

woof, replacing an 0201 smd needs some decent magnification, and he uses hot air which I don't have access to.

[merry pasture]

Hot air isnt needed. Not is the pasted solder.

That part is almost 1.4" square too. Its not terribly small. The resistor thats removed could be done with pliers as the trace NEEDS to be damage/removed to increase performance

[hushed knoll]

Just because one CAN do a thing does not mean that one SHOULD do a non-FCC/CE certified janky thing.

$20-40 adapters solve it. No jank required. 😁

[unique vector]

Yeah, it just plays nicer withthe software

[merry pasture]

One could say the same thing about crying about things outside ones abilities. Theres nothing illegal about it either. An antenna doesnt change the frequency that is being generated by the Pi, it doesnt increase wattage, and it doesnt interfere with other frequencies through any form of blockage..

But... GG! Maybe next time!

[hushed knoll]

Technically, it is actually illegal to alter the RF deck or antenna of an FCC approved device (in the US)

There are exceptions - it's ok for a certified facility to do it who have the ability to test and confirm the device stays tuned and within regulatory limits. And it's ok to swap antennas for a device designed with removable / changeable antennas, because it would have been certified that way.

And yes, an antenna change alters the RF load on the TXRX and can shift the frequency, harmonics and dBm being output by the device.
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