How to Make a WiFi Directional Antenna
Perhaps the first "cantenna" was the one made with a Pringles can. It's predicated on the directionality of radio frequency (RF) waves. The juice can variation gets much closer to the optimum size necessary to capture the radio waves that are what make up the 2.4GHz WiFi band. The antenna in the can connects to a pigtail, which is a converter that allows connection to the computer. These connections can be made either with coaxial cable or USB cable to the computer.
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Things You'll Need
- Juice can
- N-connector
- Power drill
- Drill bits
- Solid wire, 12-gauge
- Soldering iron
- Solder
- Coaxial cable
- Pigtail
- WiFi card
Instructions
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Drink the Juice, Get Antioxidants and Free WiFi
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1
Get a 42 oz., 4.25-inch diameter can of some juice. Drink the juice.
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2
Remove completely one end of the can. Clean the can thoroughly with soap and water.
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3
Measure from the outside closed end of the can. Make a mark 1.625 inches up the can's side.
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4
Cut an opening in the can at the point of your measurement. The size of the opening will depend on whether you're using a compression or screw-on N-connector.
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5
Measure the 12-gauge wire. This must be as near to 1.21 inches as possible, including the length of the connector end within the can. Too long a length inhibits good reception.
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6
Solder the length of 12-gauge wire to the N-connector solder end.
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7
Attach the assembled N-connector to the juice can. The wire end goes in the can. If using a screw-on N-connector, the screw heads should be inside the can and the bolts outside.
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8
Connect a 4 to 5 foot length of 75-ohm coaxial cable to the N-connector that is outside the can. Connect a pigtail to the other end of the coaxial cable.
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9
Connect the remaining end of the pigtail to a WiFi card. This card must have an external connection point that comports with the pigtail end.
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10
Position the juice "cantenna" for strongest reception. Enjoy increased signal strength of up to 15dB.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Position the antenna for maximum signal strength. Radio frequencies are very directional.
Radio waves are very directional. Be patient in positioning the antenna in small increments.
References
- Photo Credit antenna image by Pali A from Fotolia.com
