So to the best of my knowledge, the V2 GPS shield from 3DR is a lovely 3M product that absorbs a specific frequency range of interference, further isolating the GPS module and allowing it to search/lock onto satellite signals without said interference. The improvements in GPS functions are due to this shielding/absobtion layer.
The cardboard mod (something I had tried before my V2 shield came in the mail), gave minor improvements because it adds a non-conductive layer between the circuit board and the copper reflector shield. When I examined this copper shield layer I found (as many of you likely did too), that there is in fact a clear coat polimer layer covering the copper shield: leading me to believe that the suggestion regarding the copper messing with the circuit board to be unlikely. I suppose if that coating was worn or damaged it could 'short' the board but regardless... I believe that the main issue with the copper shield was its reflective, rather than absorbing properties (compared to the 3M product that V2 is made of). The cardboard/non- conductive layer may act as a minute buffer between the copper and the module and further prevents the copper from directly touching the circuit board.
None of these things are in relation to the wifi connection, affecting the range of the Solo.
A quick googling provided this:
"In the case of the original GPS design, two frequencies are utilized; one at
1575.42 MHz(10.23 MHz × 154) called L1; and a second at 1227.60 MHz (10.23 MHz × 120), called L2. The C/A code is transmitted on the L1 frequency as a 1.023 MHz signal using a bi-phase shift keying (BPSK) modulation technique."
-- not the same frequency as wifi, therefore no interference..
Further googling:
How come radio signals don't interfere with each other all the time?
"
Frequency bands: Different RF devices use different "bands" of frequency, which are typically allocated and governed by the relevant local authorities, e.g. the FCC or the ITU. This is called spectrum allocation, and varies between countries, with some broad overarching trends. The receivers are tuned to receive and amplify only those signals within the band of interest, attenuating the rest of the radio frequencies. This is
frequency multiplexing.
- Examples:
- GPS satellites communicate with civilian GPS handsets on the 1.57542 GHz (L1) and 1.2276 GHz (L2) frequency bands.
- WiFi / Wireless LAN devices typically use the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, though a few others are also allocated in certain geographies / purposes.
- Some RFID devices use the 13.56 MHz band
- FM radio entertainment channels typically use the 87.5 to 108.0 MHz band (Europe, Africa, India) or variations around that range, e.g. 76 to 90 MHz in Japan.