Should I power off a wireless device when changing an external antenna?

2

Currently I am using a a wireless router (Asus RT-N12) and Wireless USB adaptor (TL-WN722N). Both of these have removable external antennas (RP-SMA connectors).

I want to know the correct and safe way to change an antenna on a wireless device.

Should I power of the device first? Will changing an antenna while the device is running damage the antenna and/or hardware?

I'm quite new to wireless technology and have minimal background with electronics. I did a quick search on the web but didn't find any answers to my question.

suit

Posted 2013-10-30T07:37:27.373

Reputation: 174

Yes!! Do power down the device. – StBlade – 2013-10-30T07:43:09.837

I've certainly done that before. No observable damage. – John Dvorak – 2013-10-30T07:44:05.043

@StBlade, I thought that would be the logical thing to do. But Do you have any references to backup what you said? – suit – 2013-10-31T00:32:09.773

@suit. I always play it safe when it comes to any hardware components where electricity is involved. A small imperceptible short is enough to damage any electronic device. Static electricity when you touch something is close to 2000 volts, enough to fry a RAM module. – StBlade – 2013-10-31T07:04:26.523

Answers

2

There is no need to turn off the equipment. You can safely change the antenna when router is turned on.

According to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DBm the maximum power of wi-fi is only 200mW, so its too low to short-circuit something.

To attach the ANT24-0700C antenna, remove the default detachable antenna from the wireless access point or router, and connect the ANT24-0700C antenna to the RP-SMA receptacle of the wireless device

TheSAS

Posted 2013-10-30T07:37:27.373

Reputation: 815

This is indeed what my intuition and experience says, but I'd like to see some "hard evidence" here nevertheless. Or at least a schematic of a typical receiver circuit. – John Dvorak – 2013-10-30T07:45:42.537

I agree with Jan Dvorak. Say, if I put a 18dBi Yagi antenna on a 1000mW Alfa wireless adaptor would that have any potential to harm the device? – suit – 2013-10-31T00:27:49.550

Asked: 2013-10-30T07:37:27.373

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Active: 2013-10-30T08:06:46.863