How to Make a WiFi Adapter
Wireless devices, such as Wi-Fi cards and wireless routers, often include a plug for attaching an external attenuate for amplifying the signals being received. You can make a Wi-Fi adapter that will enable a Wi-Fi device's antenna port to connect to an external antenna, for example, an antenna rod. A few parts from a hardware store and some common tools found in most households are all that is needed. Adult supervision is required if the person making the Wi-Fi adapter is underage, since cutting edges and a soldering iron will be used.
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Things You'll Need
- Newspaper
- Pigtail N adapter
- N adapter plate
- Scissors
- Utility knife
- Wire strippers
- Ruler
- Soldering iron
- Solder
- Antenna rod
- Wi-Fi card/wireless router
- Electrical tape
Instructions
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1
Place a sheet of newspaper on a table to protect the surface. Use scissors to cut off the connector at the end of the Pigtail N adapter.
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2
Use the blade of a utility knife to make a four-inch slit from the end of the cut cable. Pull the two wires from the cable apart with your fingers. Use wire strippers to strip a half-inch of insulation from the ends of each of the two wires.
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3
Place the N adapter plate on the newspaper with the side that has the center contact tab facing down. Heat up the soldering iron for five minutes.
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4
Solder the end of one of the two wires to the screw at the center of the N adapter plate. Let the solder cool for one minute. Solder the end of the other wire to one side of the metal ring surrounding the screw. Let the solder cool for one minute. Unplug the soldering iron.
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5
Unscrew the bottom connector plate from the antenna rod. Put the connector plate aside. Turn the N adapter plate over. Place the exposed contacts on the bottom of the antenna rod against the exposed contacts on the N adapter plate. Secure the bottom of the antenna rod to the sides of the N adapter plate with strips of electrical tape.
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6
Remove the protective plug covering the antenna port on the Wi-Fi card or wireless router with your fingers (put the plug away for safekeeping). Plug the Pigtail N adapter into the antenna port.
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Tips & Warnings
Work gloves can protect your hands when using the soldering iron.
