Modifications to USB Linksys Class 1 Bluetooth Adapter
This mod will give you the flexibility to increase the distance of your Bluetooth applications.

Steps Detail:

Step 1: Open the case

Use the prying tool to pry apart the case along the
seam. You should hear cracking sounds as the case
splits apart. Pry apart case on both long edges and
the rear of the module as needed. The case will split
completely in two.

Step 2: Remove the electronics

Carefully remove the electronics module, it should not
be mounted or glued to the case so removal should be
very easy. Optionally, place it on the case as a
soldering platform.


Step 3: Remove the antenna

Note: Perform all soldering tasks quickly to avoid
overheating the electronics on the circuit board. If
you have not completed your soldering task in less
than 1 minute, stop and allow the module to cool for
at least 5 minutes. Then try again!

Using a soldering iron, heat up the solder holding
down the shield and antenna feed and gently pull the
antenna cable away from the circuit board. Soldering
iron should be set to about 30 watts (higher heat
wattage may damage the circuit board, lower may not
heat evenly.)



Step 4: Remove excess solder

Use your soldering iron and desoldering braid to
remove excess solder from the antenna mounting pad.
Also, ensure solder is removed from the antenna feed
“thru-hole” in the circuit board. This will allow you
to feed the line through the hole in Step 7.


Step 5: Strip the cable outer insulator

If necessary, square off the end of the antenna cable
by cutting directly across the cable. Use wire
strippers to strip off about ½ to ¾ of an inch (1 to
1.5 cm) of the outer rubber layer of the cable.



Use the USB module as a measurement guide.


Step 6: Trim back the outer shield.

Now cut away and remove only the outer shield to cover
the distance from the edge of the circuit board to the
feed thru-hole. Strippers, a razor blade, or scissors
may be used to remove all metallic materials from
extended past the shield pad on the circuit board (see
photo).


Step 7: Tin the shield

Apply a small amount of solder to the copper shield.
This will stiffen the shield and make it easier to
solder to the circuit board later.


Hint: Heat up the opposite side of the cable from
where you apply solder. The solder should magically
flow towards the iron and coat the shield braid.

Note: Do not overheat the cable to prevent damage to
the clear plastic insulator.

Step 8: Strip cable end and insert into thru-hole

Strip the end of the cable using wire strippers or a
razor blade. And insert exposed wire into thru-hole.


Note: Ensure that there are no excess cable strands or
metal filaments between the shield pad and the
thru-hole opening.

Step 9: Solder the shield to the shield pad

Bend the cable with the feed in place and solder the
shield down onto the shield pad.



Allow the solder to cool and gently tug on the cable
to ensure a solid connection.


Step 10: Solder the core conductor

Flip over the module and solder the core to the
circuit board.




Step 11: Clip off extra lead

Clip the excess wire sticking through the circuit
board



Step 12: Put it back together!

Now reassemble the USB module ensuring the antenna
lead feeds through the existing hole in the case.


Note: You can use glue, tape, or a tie strap to keep
the case firmly reassembled.

Your finished product should look like one of these…


 

Conclusion:

Congratulations on your new Bluetooth adapter!