Cut ESP-32CAM Wifi antenna

Using Arduino Microcontrollers
1

Hello, I'm kinda new in the ESP32 community so i'm sorry if I ask already asked quesitons.

For a personal project I would like to minimize an ESP-32CAM module to fit in a very small case, for this I saw that the ESP-32CAM module comes with a pre-built Wi-fi antenna, However, we can use an external antenna and in this case the original antenna no longer serves any purpose. In this case, I would like to know if we can cut the antenna part and the PCB part below which appears empty to minimize the PCB.

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Thanks to anyone that can bring me some help

2

Probably, yes you can.

Normally the PCB designer would keep the area underneath the PCB antenna free of other traces.

But I have not tried to cut that bit of PCB off myself.

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3

I would first move the antenna selector to external antenna position and test that it works.
Then try to cut the pcb without stressing it too much (not with jigsaw) :wink:

4

If you want really small check out Xiao boards/cams. Thumbnail size

Screenshot 2024-10-02 at 12.30.50
Screenshot 2024-10-02 at 12.30.50892×798 48.8 KB

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5

Your topic was moved to its current location as it is more suitable.

Could you also take a few moments to Learn How To Use The Forum.

It will help you get the best out of the forum in the future.

Thank you

6

If you look close, you will see that you would actually be cutting through 2 PCBs, the ESP32 module and the board it soldered to. Personally I wouldn't even try for fear of cracking a solder connection or destroying some part with an ESD.
Have you ever tried to cut through a PCB before?

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