Slim backplate and antenna side compartment (oblivious)
A slimmer plastic backplate that helps Wi-Fi by getting the aluminium out of the way and hides extra radio hardware, with a matching antenna side compartment.
What it takes
- 3D print
- Disassembly
Difficulty 2 of 3 — moderate.
Details
oblivious's slim backplate (Printables, November 2024) is modular and plastic, which helps Wi-Fi and leaves room to tuck antennas or a radio module out of sight. The same designer's Wi-Fi antenna side compartment is one of the most-clicked links in the mod megathread and puts the antenna in a printed compartment on the side of the console. Neither has a dedicated forum thread; the model pages are the source.
Links
Open at Printables — uConsole slim backplateRelated mods
A tape-on printed hinge that holds the antenna flat for carrying and folds it up, clear of the metal body, when you need the signal.
A printed replacement for the stock antenna cover that hides a full-size dual-band Wi-Fi antenna and an LTE antenna behind an engraved 'uConsole CM4' panel.
A printed rear plate that builds in a folding stand and positions for external antennas, published on Printables in February 2025.
One line in config.txt switches a CM4 from its on-module PCB antenna to the u.FL connector the uConsole's antenna is actually plugged into.
Swap the stock foil antenna for a u.FL-to-RP-SMA pigtail, a small dual-band whip and a printed mount, with three years of measurements behind the choice.
The zero-cost fix: a scrap of plastic or foam tape between the foil antenna and the aluminium body, plus a re-routed lead, is worth 10–15 points of signal.