Does anyone know the exact frequency the Gamepad uses please?

[steve_fox]

I plan on putting SMA connectors on the back of the console for external antennas for better RF range as playing in bed has the console on the limits of reception and regularly get connection issues but dont know the exact frequency the gamepad uses and can only find that its on the 5ghz band.

5ghz is not really helpful as the 5ghz band goes from 5.15ghz to 5.85ghz, thats a 700mhz range and antennas need to be tuned to the frequency they are being used on!

I have a frequency counter but the Wii U and gamepad output such low power it cant detect them over the air, i can hook it up directly to the output of the RF module with patch leads if i open the console but i would prefer to know what antennas i need before i open it.

Steve.

 

[FAST6191]

I don't know how many RF voodoo practitioners you will find around here, and most would probably opt for other means like change the location/scrape off the lead paint from the walls/buy a second setup. Most won't play with anything in this realm either for things - network analysis overwhelming starting at packet level and doing nothing more hardware level. The only thing I can really recall here was a few were interested in the prototype Wii U models we saw at E3 one year (think it was a non Nintendo show so EA or Ubisoft) where it was still all wired in which is kind of the opposite direction.

This is also assuming they don't go in for spectrum hopping and whatever else.

Basically time to bust out that frequency counter (something you are possibly unique around here in owning if we don't count the pointless offerings baked into modern scopes), or maybe datasheets from the chips listed (probably some PCB shots around here with numbers visible or able to have some fun with maths and pixel measurements.

 

[Lostbhoy]

Not sure it helps but I remembered this post from a while back, maybe the author can help if still around....

https://gbatemp.net/threads/wii-u-wireless-controller-extender-hack.378742/

I'd love to see your final result if you achieve it.

 

[esmith13]

I plan on putting SMA connectors on the back of the console for external antennas for better RF range as playing in bed has the console on the limits of reception and regularly get connection issues but dont know the exact frequency the gamepad uses and can only find that its on the 5ghz band.

5ghz is not really helpful as the 5ghz band goes from 5.15ghz to 5.85ghz, thats a 700mhz range and antennas need to be tuned to the frequency they are being used on!

I have a frequency counter but the Wii U and gamepad output such low power it cant detect them over the air, i can hook it up directly to the output of the RF module with patch leads if i open the console but i would prefer to know what antennas i need before i open it.

Steve.

the tech that makes the gamepad able to stream is off the shelf broadcom 5GHz WiFi using Miracast. Miracast can negotiate the actual frequency on the fly based on interference in real time and has access to the full 802.11n 5GHz spectrum.

I can only assume that makes it easy for you since antennas meant for any 802.11n 5GHz router, access point or adapter would be exactly what you need.

 

[steve_fox]

I don't know how many RF voodoo practitioners you will find around here, and most would probably opt for other means like change the location/scrape off the lead paint from the walls/buy a second setup. Most won't play with anything in this realm either for things - network analysis overwhelming starting at packet level and doing nothing more hardware level. The only thing I can really recall here was a few were interested in the prototype Wii U models we saw at E3 one year (think it was a non Nintendo show so EA or Ubisoft) where it was still all wired in which is kind of the opposite direction.

This is also assuming they don't go in for spectrum hopping and whatever else.

Basically time to bust out that frequency counter (something you are possibly unique around here in owning if we don't count the pointless offerings baked into modern scopes), or maybe datasheets from the chips listed (probably some PCB shots around here with numbers visible or able to have some fun with maths and pixel measurements.

scrape off the lead paint from the walls made me laugh lol.

If lead was still in use i wonder how much it would affect things, my Rc Aircraft cant get a GPS fix when testing setups on my desk as my One way Mirror tint on my windows blocks GPS signals.

 

[steve_fox]

Not sure it helps but I remembered this post from a while back, maybe the author can help if still around....

https://gbatemp.net/threads/wii-u-wireless-controller-extender-hack.378742/

I'd love to see your final result if you achieve it.

Had a look on that thread, thanks.

I will probably post a pic of my WIii U when ive modded it.

 

[FAST6191]

While it was mostly in jest it is still a thing around here -- so many things get plastered over or painted over so buried down deep you can still find it. There are plenty of houses I have had to design wifi solutions for that seem to nail wifi and they are usually of a certain age (or older).

Mind you the ethernet over powerline stuff is probably where I would look first for interference, and power factor on most modern devices is less than stellar.

 

[steve_fox]

the tech that makes the gamepad able to stream is off the shelf broadcom 5GHz WiFi using Miracast. Miracast can negotiate the actual frequency on the fly based on interference in real time and has access to the full 802.11n 5GHz spectrum.

I can only assume that makes it easy for you since antennas meant for any 802.11n 5GHz router, access point or adapter would be exactly what you need.

The chipset on the module isnt a custom one but the module seems to be unique to the Wii U, nintendo firmware will be running on it dictating what range it operates in.

looks more and more like i will need to hook up to it direct to see where its transmitting, even if it does jump about, it will have a base frequency it always starts on which will be the one to target antenna wise, the lower the SWR the better.

Even generic modules get custom firmware a lot of the time, an example is the FrSky Bluetooth module, it uses a RF-BM-S02 module but with FrSky firmware on it.

People have managed to get the Firmware and so its possible to buy a generic module for 1/3 the price and flash it in a two stage process (bootloader then FW) and stick two fingers up at FrSky

 

[Deleted member 42501]

Random idea without any specific knowledge of the Wii Us techno specs:

Look into a Cantenna. You can cover immense distances very easily and its super directable. They are also very cheap to make and this way you could aim it wherever its needed.

 

[steve_fox]

Random idea without any specific knowledge of the Wii Us techno specs:

Look into a Cantenna. You can cover immense distances very easily and its super directable. They are also very cheap to make and this way you could aim it wherever its needed.

Ahh Andrew Mcneil, always laugh when he says yargi and not yagi lol

 

[esmith13]

The chipset on the module isnt a custom one but the module seems to be unique to the Wii U, nintendo firmware will be running on it dictating what range it operates in.

looks more and more like i will need to hook up to it direct to see where its transmitting, even if it does jump about, it will have a base frequency it always starts on which will be the one to target antenna wise, the lower the SWR the better.

Even generic modules get custom firmware a lot of the time, an example is the FrSky Bluetooth module, it uses a RF-BM-S02 module but with FrSky firmware on it.

People have managed to get the Firmware and so its possible to buy a generic module for 1/3 the price and flash it in a two stage process (bootloader then FW) and stick two fingers up at FrSky

I'm confused. The firmware and chip shouldn't matter to you. WHat matters is it conforms exactly to 802.11n with Miracast.
That spec says it will frequency hop as needed across the entire 5GHz wifi bandwidth range. Therefore, the only correct antenna is one meant to work across the entire 5GHz 802.11n frequency range.

You can't force it to lock on a specific frequency.

 

[steve_fox]

I'm confused. The firmware and chip shouldn't matter to you. WHat matters is it conforms exactly to 802.11n with Miracast.
That spec says it will frequency hop as needed across the entire 5GHz wifi bandwidth range. Therefore, the only correct antenna is one meant to work across the entire 5GHz 802.11n frequency range.

You can't force it to lock on a specific frequency.

what i was getting at is the chip might conform to a standard but that does not mean Nintendo cant operate it outside of it but it probably does stick to the standard

 

[esmith13]

what i was getting at is the chip might conform to a standard but that does not mean Nintendo cant operate it outside of it but it probably does stick to the standard

the broadcom chip is 802.11n certified. it MUST conform to the standard or it couldn't get certification. It's also Miracast tech as well. They conform to 802.11n too.

I can't see how it would be legal to be out of the specs and be sold in the USA at least if not everywhere in the world.

 

[steve_fox]

the broadcom chip is 802.11n certified. it MUST conform to the standard or it couldn't get certification. It's also Miracast tech as well. They conform to 802.11n too.

I can't see how it would be legal to be out of the specs and be sold in the USA at least if not everywhere in the world.

my understanding is it would not be illegal to use a custom implementation providing it stuck within wider standards, it just would no longer have the miracast cert.

That said, it probably is sticking to it if they have chosen that particular hardware.

 

[Norris]

My grandmas Facebook friends believe certain frequencies give off special capabilities like "better health and cleaning the soul" I guess the Wii u gamepad has some good hz that make it more fun to use (satire)

 

[CrisMod]

@steve_fox was one period that I was studying a lot to increase the WIfi between the Pad and Wii U.....

After many studies I found two solutions for it, and was a modding that I would like to make here a guide, but if you arrive first you are welcome.
The solution for the 5Ghz and 802.11n it's to looking for the Antenna pre-amplifying (plugged to the electricity) and increase the dB / the range of the signal..... Something like the picture below. Or to looking for the antennas of Drones or bigger as you found, but the problem of this Drone solution or just bigger Antenna (as per my understanding), you will increase a bit the distance but you as most increase the stabilization of the signal without go more far away because the problem it's the frequency at 802.11n, that it's not change the range as the power signal on the base of the technology. The solution that I found, its to operate on the frequency of the 802.11n with one antenna pre-amplifier, so after the transmission of the main board antenna 802.11n, and let it to extend the range of the signal.

 

[QuarkTheAwesome]

Can confirm the system uses entirely stock 5GHz WiFi (on the RF level at least, the higher layers are mildly custom), and will scan for and find the least congested frequency within the usual regulatory requirements for 5GHz. If you have SCT installed there's actually a page that shows the scan results and the chosen freq.
This means the console could choose anything green in your country: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_WLAN_channels#5_GHz_(802.11a/h/j/n/ac/ax)

I don't think it's Miracast, notably the Wii U predates the public release of the Miracast spec. Check out the libdrc docs for the protocol spec: http://web.archive.org/web/20210329084648/http://libdrc.org/docs/re/sc-vstrm.html

 

[esmith13]

I don't think it's Miracast, notably the Wii U predates the public release of the Miracast spec. Check out the libdrc docs for the protocol spec: http://web.archive.org/web/20210329084648/http://libdrc.org/docs/re/sc-vstrm.html

According to this it has a dedicated Miracast chip: https://www.slashgear.com/wii-u-tea...d-miracast-for-smooth-gamepad-action-19257509

 

[steve_fox]

@steve_fox was one period that I was studying a lot to increase the WIfi between the Pad and Wii U.....

After many studies I found two solutions for it, and was a modding that I would like to make here a guide, but if you arrive first you are welcome.
The solution for the 5Ghz and 802.11n it's to looking for the Antenna pre-amplifying (plugged to the electricity) and increase the dB / the range of the signal..... Something like the picture below. Or to looking for the antennas of Drones or bigger as you found, but the problem of this Drone solution or just bigger Antenna (as per my understanding), you will increase a bit the distance but you as most increase the stabilization of the signal without go more far away because the problem it's the frequency at 802.11n, that it's not change the range as the power signal on the base of the technology. The solution that I found, its to operate on the frequency of the 802.11n with one antenna pre-amplifier, so after the transmission of the main board antenna 802.11n, and let it to extend the range of the signal.

That Amp you posted an image of is made by a company called Edup and the build quality is very good.

I have the 4w 2.4ghz version which i use for amping up one of my RC transmitters, we need bidirectional amps because our transmitters are actually a link with telemetry and not a one way transmission to the craft.

Another well made 2.4ghz Bi directional amp with pre amp is the 2w Turbowing RY-2.4 i have a number of those and go several miles out with failsafes not being even close before my 5.8ghz video is crapping out on me

Forget the 1w many sellers state it as being, its got a 2.5w capable chipset but turbowing run it at 2w.

I know we need 5ghz for the Wii U but i thought id share my experience of other amps for anyone who might be looking to amp 2.4.

The big problem we have with amping up the Wii is its output power, do we know what it puts out?

These are all linear amplifiers which output power based on input, they have a min input of 3dbm (2mw) which will amp a little and a maximum of 20dbm (100mw) for the amps max output but that max input MUST NOT BE EXCEEDED otherwise you will overdrive and kill the amp very very quickly.

Regarding antennas, FPV antennas are tuned for 5.8ghz, this may be too high for the Wii U, the swr could be off the scale and make range worse or even kill the RF module but if its designed to work across the entire 700mhz range of the 5ghz band then they might be ok but would still be tuned for the top of the band when you would want something tuned for the center.

The other thing to note is to not buy anything FPV that is Circular polarized, no cloverleafs, helicals, pagoda ect, the Wii U uses linear polarization and using CP on the Wii U while the gamepad has Linear antennas will result in a huge loss, there are many linear FPV antennas though and i have a couple of double Bi Quads for 5.8ghz here with a 12-14db gain.

Even CP to CP will perform worse than linear due to the way CP transmits in a spread out corkscrew pattern vs on a single plane with linear it has a 3db loss compared to Linear just because of the polarization type, almost nothing outside FPV uses CP, pretty much only GPS, the Wii U mitigates phase loss due to gamepad orientation by using diversity.

I will crack on with installing external sockets fairly soon, i have loads of u.fl/ipex to RP-SMA pigtails here, they are also a much higher grade of coax than used in the Wii U, coax losses are huge at 5ghz and the coax matters!

These are my 2.4ghz amps:

 

[CrisMod]

That Amp you posted an image of is made by a company called Edup and the build quality is very good.

I have the 4w 2.4ghz version which i use for amping up one of my RC transmitters, we need bidirectional amps because our transmitters are actually a link with telemetry and not a one way transmission to the craft.

Another well made 2.4ghz Bi directional amp with pre amp is the 2w Turbowing RY-2.4 i have a number of those and go several miles out with failsafes not being even close before my 5.8ghz video is crapping out on me

Forget the 1w many sellers state it as being, its got a 2.5w capable chipset but turbowing run it at 2w.

I know we need 5ghz for the Wii U but i thought id share my experience of other amps for anyone who might be looking to amp 2.4.

The big problem we have with amping up the Wii is its output power, do we know what it puts out?

These are all linear amplifiers which output power based on input, they have a min input of 3dbm (2mw) which will amp a little and a maximum of 20dbm (100mw) for the amps max output but that max input MUST NOT BE EXCEEDED otherwise you will overdrive and kill the amp very very quickly.

Regarding antennas, FPV antennas are tuned for 5.8ghz, this may be too high for the Wii U, the swr could be off the scale and make range worse or even kill the RF module but if its designed to work across the entire 700mhz range of the 5ghz band then they might be ok but would still be tuned for the top of the band when you would want something tuned for the center.

The other thing to note is to not buy anything FPV that is Circular polarized, no cloverleafs, helicals, pagoda ect, the Wii U uses linear polarization and using CP on the Wii U while the gamepad has Linear antennas will result in a huge loss, there are many linear FPV antennas though and i have a couple of double Bi Quads for 5.8ghz here with a 12-14db gain.

Even CP to CP will perform worse than linear due to the way CP transmits in a spread out corkscrew pattern vs on a single plane with linear it has a 3db loss compared to Linear just because of the polarization type, almost nothing outside FPV uses CP, pretty much only GPS, the Wii U mitigates phase loss due to gamepad orientation by using diversity.

I will crack on with installing external sockets fairly soon, i have loads of u.fl/ipex to RP-SMA pigtails here, they are also a much higher grade of coax than used in the Wii U, coax losses are huge at 5ghz and the coax matters!

These are my 2.4ghz amps:

I starting to love you Man , you explained a lot of details that I read in the past , and read all together in your post I start to be so excited. You have right about 5.8GHz , because I remember almost of the amplifier for Drones, cars etc.... Was at 5.8GHz and not compatible with the Wii U , so it's difficult to find at 5GHz compatible with the Wii U, and last time I took the picture of this product from Edup and look to the adapter from the Wii U board connector to the AMP connector as well, because after reading a lot about the antennas and amplifier I arrive to the point that this product from Edup was the most nice for the mod that I was looking for....

Now a lot of details of antenna, I'm not so expert of it, but I was thinking as soon The AMP can cover the 5GHz signal compatible with 802.11n, i believe should be fine. It's like to amplify the computer board WiFi from the computer laptop or Router. I was looking even something more crazy, the antenna 5GHz outdoor usually need it to amplify the indoor Router 5GHz signal at 802.11n or other ranges to extend outside the signal, this to be connected to the Wii U and reach the signal in any room of the house .

Please if you have many staff like that, try to make some crazy test, because I'm really super interesting to make this Mod.