How to Boost PCMCIA Card Reception

If you have an older laptop computer that uses a PCMCIA or PC card, you can boost the signal strength by installing an external wireless antenna on the card. Consult the users manual for your PCMCIA card to determine whether or not it can be used with an external antenna, or browse the Internet and search for a reputable manufacturer that makes wireless laptop antennas to help boost and increase your PCMCIA card's reception.

Things You'll Need

• PCMCIA card
• External wireless antenna
• Wireless laptop antenna

Instructions

External Wireless Antenna

1. Remove the PCMCIA card from your laptop computer. Press the eject button that will release the card from the PCMCIA card slot.

2. Locate the external antenna connector on your PCMCIA card. The antenna connector looks like a small round hole and it's usually located on the outside of the PCMCIA card.

3. Connect the external wireless antenna to your PCMCIA card.

4. Plug or screw the antenna's cable into the external antenna connector on your PCMCIA card.

5. Attach the external wireless antenna to any metal surface. Insert your PCMCIA card back into the PCMCIA card slot.

Wireless Laptop Antenna

1. Locate the PCMCIA wireless adapter that came with the wireless laptop antenna. Connect the adapter to the external antenna connector that is located on your PCMCIA card.

2. Attach the antenna to the plastic mount if it's not already assembled by the manufacturer. If you're uncertain how to attach the antenna to the plastic mount, refer to the users manual that came with the wireless laptop antenna.

3. Use the double-sided or Velcro tape to help secure the wireless laptop antenna and plastic mount to your laptop's display screen. Attach the antenna and plastic mount to either the left or right side of your laptop.

4. Press or firmly hold the wireless laptop antenna and plastic mount for several seconds onto your laptop's display screen. Check to make certain that the unit is not loose and won't fall off while you're using the laptop.

Tips & Warnings

• Use the wireless antenna with your PCMCIA card to access public Wi-Fi hotspots while you're traveling with your laptop. Some antennas have a range between 800MHz and 1900MHz. You will be able to find Wi-Fi hotspots at locations such as airports, coffee shops, libraries, hotels or any location with a Wi-Fi access point.

• There are several types of wireless antennas and adapters available for PCMCIA cards that will help boost their range. However, some wireless antennas can only be used with PCMCIA cards that have an external antenna connector. If your PCMCIA card model does not have an external antenna connector, you may not be able to attach a wireless antenna or adapter directly onto the card. It's advisable to use a PCMCIA card that is designed to work with the type of wireless antenna that you want to use.

References

• “Absolute Beginner's Guide to A+ Certification;" Mark Edward Soper; 2004

Resources

• Radio Labs: Wireless Laptop Antenna for 802.11
• Wireless Laptops: Laptop Wireless Antenna: For Wide Range Wireless Network!
• Wireless Drivers: How to Boost Your Wireless Range and Reception