Is it ok to leave this asus antenna like this (exposed / damaged wire ) ?

[matpc]

Hello

I have a tuf b650m-e wifi and i´ve always used the antenna

but recently had to move the pc and noticed some damage in the wires i think

is it exposed ? do i run the risk of problems or is it fine to leave as it is ? the antenna works but i´m wondering if it has risks to use ( like if the wire or something is really exposed )

here is a picture ( please zoom it )

of course i won´t be constantly moving the computer etc , i will just leave as it is

i´m worried because it has some shining spots

the antenna works fine bluetooth and wireless

is it ok or should i put some tape on it ?

thanks

 

[Dr. Dro]

Just wrap it with some electrical tape and its good to go

 

[kiddagoat]

Second what @Dr. Dro said

 

[johnspack]

Just wrap it up and don't mess with it

 

[Wirko]

An alternative method is to apply a small amount of glue on the exposed wires. It has to be rubber-based glue or another type that remains flexible, so cyanoacrylate (super glue) is not a good option.

 

[docnorth]

I agree with @Dr. Dro. It seems the reinforcement of the wrapper is visible, not the wire itself (although I’m not 100% sure I see it that clearly).

 

[Bill_Bright]

Could just be my eyes but I don't see the problem. Yes, it looks like the insulation is a little "scuffed" up but I do not see any exposed wires. It looks shiny to me because it looks like the insulation took some rubbing and essentially was "polished". Again, I don't see the problem.

As a radio technician for 50+ years, I can assure you there is absolutely no danger of getting shocked or burned or starting a fire or anything like that from touching exposed wires (if there are any) in the "RF transmission lines" (antenna cables) of a wifi adapter. The potentials of the "signal strength" when the adapter is transmitting is just too tiny to do anything.

"IF" there are exposed wires, the only problem would be if they come into contact with another conductor. That could short out the RF signal so the adapter could no longer receive or send signals to your WAP (wireless access point) - but again, that would NOT create a hazardous situation. If the exposed wired came into contact with another "live" wire or circuit from another electronics device (unlikely), that could cause problems with that other device.

The solution? That depends on the problem. If you are certain there are exposed wires and you are concerned they may come into contact with some other conductive materials, then I agree, simply wrap some electrical tape around it and be done. If you do not see any exposed wires, don't worry about it. Just make sure you route the cable (as you should ALL cables) so they are not at risk of being pinched or rubbed against any sharp edges.

Sorry, Wirko but I would advise against the use of glue unless one knew with absolute certainty is was totally non-conductive. If both wires in the antenna cable are exposed, the glue might actually bridge the cap and create a path for current flow. The signal strength of wifi signals is so low to begin with, any additional attenuation in that signal could completely interrupt that connection. Unless the glue's data sheet states specifically it is non-conductive, I would avoid it and stick with electrical tape, which is specifically designed as an insulator.

Another option is liquid electrical tape. This is great stuff. I keep a can on my work bench. However, unless you do a lot of such repairs, it can be expensive since what is left in the can starts to thicken and "set" as soon as you open the can the first time.

 

[DirtyDingusMcgee]

Another option is liquid electrical tape. This is great stuff.

+1 for liquid electrical tape. It really is awesome.



I was still half asleep when i read "is it ok to leave this anus antenna like this".......

needless to say, i had to rub my eyes a couple times and look again. Your Asus antenna is fine, but a little electrical tape (whatever form) would help prevent further degradation.

 

[qxp]

Usually for antennas they use coaxial cable with the outer conductor connected to ground. So should not be a problem, but like others suggested it is a good idea to cover it with something to prevent corrosion. Another suggestion (in addition to electrical tape, glue and liquid electrical tape) is heat-shrink if you can put it on wires - it will also serve to stiffen the piece and will act as stress relief.

The most common heat-shrink shrinks by a ratio of 2:1, but you can buy other ratios, apparently even 6:1, though I have never used that one. There are also different materials available.

A Complete Guide to Heat Shrink Tubing | RS Components

Heat shrink is a form of shrinkable plastic often used in electrical work to insulate wires & cable. Find out more and how to use heat shrink tubing.

uk.rs-online.com

 

[Bill_Bright]

Usually for antennas they use coaxial cable

Usually? Umm, I would not say that. Coaxial cable is common but it is just one type, among several types of cables commonly used in RF systems. Coaxial cable has many advantages, but many disadvantages too. Flat pair is common. Even twisted pair can be used for antenna wires.

As we can see by the OP's image, that is just a simple 2-wire cable and no doubt more than adequate for the signal strengths involved, and the short distance between the adapter and antenna.

I would not worry about corrosion in a typical indoor office environment.

 

[ShrimpBrime]

Just wrap it with some electrical tape and its good to go

I like this, but LET might look better

 

[matpc]

this is a random image from google but does it follow a pattern ? is it just a exposed layer before the actual wire/ cable takes place ?

thanks everybody for the answers

 

[inquisitor1]

sorry, the pc is no good anymore. kaput. ill pay for shipping and take it off your hands. ill have the shippers come and pack it. no worries for you.

JK tape it up. easy peasey.

 

[freeagent]

I wouldn't even wrap it, I would just use it

 

[1freedude]

I wouldn't even wrap it, I would just use it

Exactly....the metal under the insulation is electrically connected to the case, the neutral leg, and building ground.

The only thing that would concern me is the roundness of the cable. It needs to be round to maintain a characteric 50 Ohm impedance.

 

[freeagent]

Exactly....the metal under the insulation is electrically connected to the case, the neutral leg, and building ground.

The only thing that would concern me is the roundness of the cable. It needs to be round to maintain a characteric 50 Ohm impedance.

I pinched mine the same way, whoops.. not a big deal.

 

[Bill_Bright]

but does it follow a pattern ?

No. The image in your opening post shows a little scrap on the outer surface of the outer insulation. It does not even appear to go all the way through the insulation to expose any conductive material.

Your Google image shows complete exposure of both conductors, the ground/shield conduct and the inner conductor.

 

[qxp]

Usually? Umm, I would not say that. Coaxial cable is common but it is just one type, among several types of cables commonly used in RF systems. Coaxial cable has many advantages, but many disadvantages too. Flat pair is common. Even twisted pair can be used for antenna wires.

As we can see by the OP's image, that is just a simple 2-wire cable and no doubt more than adequate for the signal strengths involved, and the short distance between the adapter and antenna.

I would not worry about corrosion in a typical indoor office environment.

Well, Wifi cards use 2.4, 5.0 and 6.0 GHz bands. This pretty much requires a coaxial cable, unless you using the cable as an antenna. I would expect that the reason you see two "wires" is that the antenna is actually MIMO and has two antennas inside, either separated by quarter wavelength or separate for each band. Another possibility is that this is a combo Wifi+bluetooth card and one cable is for Wifi and the other is for bluetooth.

You can get away with twisted pair, its just I don't think they make antennas using it. Could because it is easier to mate coaxial connector to coaxial cable. Here is a video taking apart a bunch of antennas and they use coaxial cable even for short stretches: