Amplifieing RF signal strength

[Joerg]

I need to aplify the signal strength of my wireless xbox controller just slightly. My problem is that I have an xbox downstairs and it acts as my media center. The xbox is hooked up to the houses computer network and draws audio and video from my 5 roomates. The xbox is in my room, but our main entertainment area is upstairs. So i ran a AV link from up there to where my xbox is. However now i am running into the problem of using my wireless controller upstairs.

The controller works sort of but the controls are gennerally delayed or lacking precision. Now i dont need to game on it or anything, but the ability to pause and play music and video accurately would be great. So I would like to ask for some help from all the wise people here at Anandtech as to how i can get the extra signal strength i need.

The controller i am using is the newer logitch wiress controller for the xbox (not 360). I have been thinking of antenas, controller extensions for the reciever, better batteries for the controller, and even opening it up and creating an external antena. However I really have no idea what the best course of action would be and thats why i need your help.

 

[Joerg]

Hey sorry to bump this but it is already 3 pages back and ive gotten no response. I just figured someone here could help. Thanks in advance guys.

 

[KBlair]

What you need is a BDA (Bi-directional amplifier) that covers the freq range of your controller.

 

[Joerg]

Thankyou for the info. However i cant seem to find a 2.4ghz Bi-directional amplifier that isnt for wifi networks and like over $100. If you could maybe point me in the right direction that would be great.

 

[KBlair]

Probably not going to find anything for under $100 unless you build it yourself. Are you handy with a soldering iron?

 

[KBlair]

Is it possible to just get an extension cable for the controller reciever and then position the reciever as close to the upstairs room as possible?

 

[KBlair]

Would this work?
http://www.provantage.com/d-link-systems-dwl-g710~7DLNW03U.htm

 

[Joerg]

Well i myself am not the greatest with a soldering iron but my roomate has made quite a few little circuitry projects so i may have to talk with him. As far as a controller extension goes that was acctually my orginal plan however there is no way to extend the recievers cord without cutting it and splicing it with something different becuase of the way xbox controllers are designed. Thanks again KBlair. I think i am going to play with splicing the cord for now. Also is there anything i could try as far as where to place the reciever? Like would a metal object under it cause it to pickup more or less. Or would being near the tv cause it to pick up more or less?

 

[KBlair]

Metal around the reciever would probably just cause interferance but you could play with it.

Since the xbox controller port is basically USB with a diff connector, maybe you could try something like this
http://www.cablestogo.com/product.asp?cat_id=201&sku=29341

And why could'nt you just use an xbox controller extension cord like this:
$4.99 extension cable