13dBi Long Range 2.4Ghz Directional WiFi Cantenna
(click pictures to enlarge)
Can Construction:
Use the calculator below to check your can size and find out where you are going
to mount your connector. The ideal can is between 3 and 4 inches in diameter,
although other size cans will work too. Also, the longer the can, the more
directional and greater gain you will have.
Assuming you've already opened 1 end of the can and cleaned it out; use the calculator above and mark the "1/4 Guide Wavelength" measurement from the rear of the can using a ruler.
Punch a pilot hole at the location of the mark you just made.
Drill a 5/8" hole at this location for your Bulkhead Connector.
Insert the Bulkhead Connector so that the copper is inside the can.
Install the washer and nut from the inside and tighten the connector in place.
Things you'll need:
- Metal Can (for this experiment we used a 46oz can of V8 Juice)
- N Bulkhead Jack With Solder Cup Termination PCB Connector
- 1.2 inch/30.5mm piece of 12 gauge solid copper wire
- RP-SMA Plug to N-Male Adapter
- 802.11g USB WiFi WLAN Adapter w/ Detachable Antenna
- USB A Male to A Female Extension Cable
(click pictures to enlarge)
Solder the 1.2 inch/30.5mm piece of 12 gauge solid copper wire (1/4 guide wavelength size) onto the N Bulkhead Jack to serve as your driven element (radiator).
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| Should look like this if done correctly |
Can Construction:
Use the calculator below to check your can size and find out where you are going
to mount your connector. The ideal can is between 3 and 4 inches in diameter,
although other size cans will work too. Also, the longer the can, the more
directional and greater gain you will have.
Assuming you've already opened 1 end of the can and cleaned it out; use the calculator above and mark the "1/4 Guide Wavelength" measurement from the rear of the can using a ruler.
Punch a pilot hole at the location of the mark you just made.
Drill a 5/8" hole at this location for your Bulkhead Connector.
Insert the Bulkhead Connector so that the copper is inside the can.
Install the washer and nut from the inside and tighten the connector in place.
Attach the RP-SMA Plug to N-Male Adapter to the Bulkhead Connector.
Attach the Wireless Adapter to the RP-SMA Adapter.
Attach the USB Extension Cable and you are finished
For best results don't use a USB Extension cable over 10ft, as it will result in signal loss. If you need a length over 10ft. Purchase a USB 2.0 Active Repeater Cable (16ft Active Repeater Cable was used for this experiment). You can connect multiple Repeater Cables with no signal loss