Housing/Box for ESP8266Wlan Gateway

[Markus.]

Hi All,
I am totally new in Mysensors with really less Knowledge about Hardware and programming. However.. I have started to order the above mentioned Gateway and was able to get it working. But now two Questions..

1. Is there anywhere a Box or housing available for this device
2. What must be done to get another WIfi Module installed with external antenna?

THX

Markus

[mfalkvidd]

Hi @Markus, welcome to the MySensors community!

The store has some suggestions on boxes, https://www.mysensors.org/store/boxes

Do you want to create a separate MySensors network with a new gateway, or do you want to replace your current gateway? There are ways to modify the ESP pcb to add an external antenna and there are some esp modules that have a connector for external antenna. Could you describe your use case?

[Markus.]

Hi @mfalkvidd, Finally I want to create a new Mysensors Network with a new Gateway. As already mentioned I have now a new Gateway which is already connected to my Server. But I have my doubts about the wifi coverage.

[Markus.]

Hi again,

Wherencan i find more information on how i can modify the pcb to connect an external Antenna ?

Many thanks

Markus

[rejoe2]

I'm nut sure whether someone will find your question wrt external antenna within this thread.
Found this antenna mod but didn't test it myself: http://www.instructables.com/id/Enhanced-NRF24L01/

[mfalkvidd]

ESP-201 has a connector for external antenna. It is possible to use the longer antenna included in the package, or use a pigtail to connect any external antenna.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/ESP8266-Serial-Port-WIFI-Wireless-Transceiver-Send-Receive-Module-IO-Lead-Out-ESP-201/32386697778.html
Note that ESP-201 is not as user-friendly as the nodemcu and wemos. You will need a ftdi adapter and some external connections to program it.

!!!ESP8266 Serial Port WIFI Wireless Transceiver Send Receive Module IO Lead Out ESP-201

$2.46

[mwalker]

The Wemos D1 Mini Pro also has a connector for an external antenna.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/WEMOS-D1-mini-Pro-16M-bytes-external-antenna-connector-ESP8266-WIFI-Internet-of-Things-development-board/32724692514.html

Mine are still on the way so I haven't had a play with them yet.

[Markus.]

@mwalker very interested in the results of your testing

[Efflon]

I have a just tested a few wemos D1 mini pro from the Aliexpress/wemos store. They are top notch imho, you cannot find anything better for 5$ (of ESP8266 based boards). They are very small and come ready for stacking with extra boards. Fast shipping to...

[cheesepower]

Maybe i am late, i made this box a few weeks ago:
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2339712