I am making a sensor module which contains XIAO ESP32S3 and some sensors. I designed a 3D printed enclosure for it, but when I enclosed everything wi-fi is not connecting. I drilled a hole to mount antenna externally but still it is not working. When it is in open air its working fine. Should I use external antenna? This will be used for outdoor range with 25 meter of connection range.
Here is the image for reference:
Hi, have you solved it now? If you still can’t use WiFi properly with putting the antenna out of the model, you can leave your email address so that we can contact you about after-sales matters!
There is temporary fix but it is not working inside the enclosure. I have messaged you my email id.
Okay, I’ll contact you by email.
I have the same problem, I believe. An esp32 s3 (seeed studio) in an enclosure. If i put everything in the inclosure, thee is no connection. Outside the enclosure it works.
Hi rutger,
Thanks for bringing this up!
This is a very common physical phenomenon with FPC antennas. When the antenna is placed directly against a surface (like a 3D-printed wall), the plastic’s material properties (dielectric constant) can shift the antenna’s resonant frequency. Essentially, the antenna is no longer “tuned” to 2.4GHz, causing the signal to drop significantly.
Here are a few tips that might solve this:
Create an Air Gap: Try not to stick the FPC antenna flat against the enclosure wall. If possible, leave a 3-5mm gap between the antenna and the plastic.
Check Your Filament: If you are using Black or Sparkly/Silk filament, they often contain carbon or metal powders which can absorb RF signals. Standard white or transparent PLA usually works best.
Overall, it is recommended that you place the FPC antenna outside the enclosure. Hope this helps get your connection back!
Hi there,
All Very Good … I would add this.
If your printing an enclosure, Make the section where the Antenna is stuck to very thin Layer, (vase mode) 1 wall only and it will work AOK, provided it’s NOT CF_nylon.
Also take a look at the Radar module (WiKi) there’s a diagram for sleep if you mount the antenna in the enclosure there is a 1/8 inch air gap required. (which allows the wave propagation to develop) 
HTH
GL 
PJ 
It may depend on the material of the enclosure you’re using. I have deployed many ESP32-S3 devices (some XIAO ESP32-S3) using an FPC antenna inside an enclosure (polycarbonate) and the WiFi/BLE works fine - very little attenuation.
