Build Wi-Fi tx/rx antennae from common household materials (like tin cans!)

GrapefruiTgirl · 10-20-2009, 05:46 AM

http://www.h-online.com/features/Bui...ls-747382.html

I found this article by following an unrelated link posted in the Syndicated News forum by LXer.

Pretty cool -- making a tin-can wifi directional antenna that can greatly boost wireless performance over distances, with pretty impressive results; and it couldn't get much simpler to make.

Larry Webb · 10-20-2009, 06:16 AM

I love it but here on the coast it would have to be inside, the salt air would eat it up in two to three months outside unless you used an aluminum can.

linuxpokernut · 10-20-2009, 07:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GrapefruiTgirl

http://www.h-online.com/features/Bui...ls-747382.html

I found this article by following an unrelated link posted in the Syndicated News forum by LXer.

Pretty cool -- making a tin-can wifi directional antenna that can greatly boost wireless performance over distances, with pretty impressive results; and it couldn't get much simpler to make.

Bookmark worthy indeed.

Jeebizz · 10-20-2009, 07:15 AM

I didn't think a tin can would actually work that well. I did also see articles on using directv/dishnetwork dishes for wi-fi. If you can get your hands on one of those, I'm sure the signal strength and reach would be even better, due to it's parabolic shape. Come to think of it, I do have a directv dish sitting on my roof. It hasn't been active in almost 10 years. Hrmm...

H_TeXMeX_H · 10-20-2009, 03:28 PM

Very interesting. But I'm wondering how to extend the pickup range of my wifi card ... sometimes the router is not mine, you know.

smeezekitty · 10-20-2009, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by H_TeXMeX_H

Very interesting. But I'm wondering how to extend the pickup range of my wifi card ... sometimes the router is not mine, you know.

LOL

manwichmakesameal · 10-20-2009, 03:53 PM

That thing looks kinda like the pringles can antennas people were(are?) making for a while.

GrapefruiTgirl · 10-20-2009, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by H_TeXMeX_H

Very interesting. But I'm wondering how to extend the pickup range of my wifi card ... sometimes the router is not mine, you know.

http://www.engadget.com/2005/11/15/h...-dish-antenna/

@ Texmex - check this out

You'll need a spare satellite dish; around my area, I often see them in the trash. These guys have apparently picked up wireless over MILES!

Sasha

H_TeXMeX_H · 10-21-2009, 02:33 PM

Thanks again, now that's really cool. But it looks like that wifi card is no longer available and does not work with Linux anyway. I guess I'll have to look for one with an antenna jack, and one that works with Linux.