LOLIN D32 Pro external antenna mod (U.FL/IPX)

[at2hu4u]

I recently ordered a some D32 Pro boards. They are going in a metal chassis, so I would like to use an external antenna. I have noticed that the D32 Pro PCB has the pad footprint for a SMD male U.FL connector (labelled J39), but it is unpopulated and I cannot find any documentation or any info on people using it.

Can I simply solder the U.FL connector onto this pad and use it without further modification of the board? Or will the PCB trace antenna need to be disconnected somehow?

Thanks

[ESP_Sprite]

R14/R15 controls the routing of the antenna signal; apart from adding the connector you'd also have to switch the resistor there to the opposite position.

[at2hu4u]

Excellent, thanks for the quick response. I'll try it when the boards arrive. Thank you!

[Civilduino]

Hi,

I want to do the same with my D32pro board, did this worked for you?