Adding Antenna to ESP Muse Luxe

Hej there,

I found various entries being concerned with wifi issues of the ESP Muse Luxe Speaker. Me for myself, I found out that I might have some wifi range/power issues with my ESP Muse Luxe. It very often looses WIFI_AUTH, but if it is set aside my router everything is okay…

I would like to try an extra internal antenna. Now my question: I there the possiblity to improve wifi connectivity by an extra internal antenna?

Are there probably new batches plannes that directly come with an IPEX connector or already with an internal antenna? BTW: How about the Muse Radio? Does this haven an extra internal antenna or is it prepared to add one?

Thanks in advance.

Hi this is normally something I have addressed on the new model of the the Luxe using an external antenna so it does have an IPEX connector on the module. To find out if you have an external antenna the charging led next to the USB is red you have the connector. If blue you probably do not have an IPEX connector and need to hand solder one and unsolder a resistor on the module, this is well documented on the internet.

Hej there,

thanks for this information. I checked my device and got an result: I have to solder…

Could you please help me with the following two things:

  • As far as I understand you: When I order a new Muse Luxe right now, I will get the new version with an IPEX connector and just have to “plug and play” with an IPEX connected antenna (no soldering, no worries - just buy and plug an antenna)?
  • Where would I find the correct documentation on the internet? There are various and I do not want to find an unsuitable one. Especially, the thing with unsoldering an resistor makes me sweat without correct docs ;o) So far I got the docs of espressif telling that I have to change this “jumper” and solder …

Thank you very much in advance.

Hi,

When you purchase a Muse Luxe (they should be back in stock soon, but that’s another topic), it already includes an external antenna that improves Wi-Fi performance, so there’s nothing more you need to do.

If you decide to modify your existing Muse Luxe, you can certainly do so. However, as I don’t know your soldering skills, please note that this will void your warranty if it’s still applicable. This modification likely requires some magnification tools (like a lens or binoculars) to move the tiny resistor to the red position. The middle pad is for the antenna signal, and the bottom pad is the ground.

Ahh.
Okay, when I understand correctly the new version of the Muse Luxe that is (for pre-order) on sale in your shop has an external antenna instead of that PCB one, correct?

I think ordering another one than is a perfectly good choice for me then…
So I can avoid soldering.

you are right, this is correct!