Subj : Realtek RTL88128U Iss
To   : Ky Moffet
From : Barry Martin
Date : Wed Jul 16 2025 07:24:00


Hi Ky!
 
 >   >   KM> https://forums.raspberrypi.com/viewtopic.php?t=386736
 >   >   KM> So it seems to have gone from bad to worse.
 >   > Actually it's the same thread!!  The original one (my quote) thought it
 >   > was a Raspbery Pi OS issue, they found it was an upstream Ubuntu/Linux
 >   > issue and moved it to the one you quoted.  ...Though on second thought
 >   > would seem to make more sense to ask in some forum like Ask Ubuntu,
 >   > Spiceworks, etc,
 >   KM> I'm following you around in advance!
 > Cyber-stalking??!! <g>
 KM> I looked back, and there you were!
 
Like a weird neighbour, the State Farm is there!



 >   KM> model, and may or may not need an external antenna for your spot.
 > The two in question definitely do -- OK: one for certain and the other
 > probably because of being in a similar location as the first.  A while
 > back had tried installing a Pi with a camera: tested fine up here in the
 > Computer Room but placed where I wanted it -- very weak signal;
 > generally below threshold.  ...With the external antenna (has two short
 > 'ears' about 4 inches long I get a reliable signal.  No idea of the dB
 > but it works properly.
 KM> Yeah, if it goes through a wall you generally need the antenna.

The Pi's generally haven't had too much trouble.  Several years ago one 
downstairs -- almost directly down from the access point up here -- was 
having problems only because at the time video streaming needed a faster 
connection.  Ethernet is your friend!

There seems to be a north-south 'zone' where the RF signals drop: 
experienced with FM.  Nothing physical found, and there have been 
above-ground remodels/rebuilds.  



 KM> I had the antenna type wifi card in Paladin, and it got a good
 KM> signal through several walls.

Yes, one Pi I have on a dongle has a much better connection that with 
the built-in antenna. With the built-in 5G I got an unusable signal, 
built-in 2G was barely acceptable.  Tested a old 2G dongle and gives a
decent connection.



 >   KM> Here's a faster model with an antenna.
 >   KM> https://www.ebay.com/itm/154554656872
 >   KM> Tho being essentially the same chipset, dunno if that would help.
 >   KM> However,
 > Being the similar chipset might cause the same issue.
 > The other thing which makes me a little uncomfortable is the weight of
 > the antenna on the USB port.  Not that a USB cord floats in the air.
 KM> The USB cable does not possess antigravity.... I've used the
 KM> antenna type. The weight is not significant.
 
OK.   The other thing with the antenna-on-a-base type is can move them 
around, like away from metal ductwork. 


                     ¯                                 ®
                      ¯  BarryMartin3@MyMetronet.NET  ®
                     ¯                                 ®


.... Songs for aging rockers: Led Zeppelin - Stairlift to Heaven.
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