How to Make a USB WiFi Yagi Antenna
The Yagi antenna is a classic radio frequency antenna design. It uses at least three elements of varying lengths. The elements intersect the mast, making this a dipole antenna design. The Yagi principles increase antenna directionality and gain. Various DIY WiFi antenna designs simplify this arrangement with everyday items while enhancing the reception strength. Combining the Yagi-driven element with the robustness of a USB cable produces an easy and effective WiFi antenna for free WiFi.
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Things You'll Need
- Juice can
- Hammer
- Nail
- N-connector or BNC connector
- Power drill
- Drill bits
- 12-gauge solid wire
- Soldering iron
- Solder
- Pigtail
- USB cable
Instructions
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1
Buy a 42 oz. can of juice. Juice cans are an optimum size for WiFi reception. Open one end of the can and remove the juice.
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2
Remove the opened end of the can and wash the interior with soap and water.
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3
Mark a point 1.625 inches up the can from the closed can end. Use a nail to punch a hole in the can.
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4
Drill or punch the opening to the diameter of the connector you are using.
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5
Cut 12-gauge wire to a length of 1.2 inches. Solder this wire to the solder end of the N-connector.
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6
Insert the prepared connector into the can, with the wire end inside the can. Affix the connector to the can. If using screws, insert the screws from the inside of the can and bolt them from the outside.
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7
Connect a coaxial-to-USB pigtail to the attached connector. Then connect a female-to-male USB cable to the pigtail.
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8
Plug the USB-A end of the cable into any open USB port on the computer
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9
Position the "cantenna" in the direction of known WiFi hot spots. Verify the signal strength on the computer.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Be sure the antenna element within the can points up or down.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit open tin can image by Melking from Fotolia.com
