Sometimes, we do like showing off some new or cool stuff to our friends, right? Well, if you are pretty good with DIY stuff and you are, you know, more on the nerdy or geek side, here are some DIY gadgets you can make to impress your friends.
Tin Can DIY WiFi Antenna
What you’ll need for this gadget:
- A tin can (the minimum diameter should be of three inches)
- An N-type female jack panel mount connector
- Drill
- Four bolts and nuts
- Around 1¼” of 12-gauge copper wire
- A ruler
- A permanent marker
- Soldering iron
- Internet modem
Instructions on how to make the Tin Can DIY WiFi Antenna:
Step 1:
The first phase begins with drilling holes into the tin can. It might sound easy and simple, but it needs to be much more systematic than what you are thinking. It’s important to install the N-connector to the side of the can. And, in order to do this, you will have to drill the holes in the right place to mount the connector in the right spot of the can. It will be like finding or identifying the right formula or equation. Using an online cantenna calculator (yeah, that’s possible!), you can now calculate the measurements you need. The 14 guide wavelength number defines how far up from the bottom, or metal, end of the can become the center of the hole should be placed. You’ll use a ruler to measure up from the metal end and a permanent marker to mark the place.
Now, remember when you’ll be using the drill to make the holes, you will have to select a bit that fits the size of the connector. I recommend using a smaller bit to make the hole larger (Or, you could also choose a hammer and a nail to make a small hole (after comes the drill bits).
Tip: It’s fine if you don’t have a drill. Start with a nail hole and then use a file to make the hole as large as it needs to be. If the connector must be fastened on, drill four additional holes for the bolts. You can drill the holes using the connection as a guide.
Step 2:
Now it’s time to use the soldering iron to cut the copper wire.
Cut the wire so that the entire length of the brass tube and wire protrudes 1.21″ past the N-connector. You should try to come as close to this length as feasible. When you have the correct wire size, solder it into the N-connector. Keep the copper wire straight and erect as much as possible. After the copper wire has cooled, attach the assembly inside the container using bolts or screws. To eliminate obstacles in your antenna, place the bolt heads within the can and the nuts outside the can.
Step 3:
In this phase, you will have to start connecting the antenna you’ve just made to the wireless card or the access point. This can be done by using a special cable that’s sometimes known as a “Pig Tail.” This kind of cable will help in connecting the access point or wireless card to the antenna.
The cable features a “N” Male connection at one end. The opposite end features a connection for your wireless card or access point.
Now, you’ll need an access point with an external antenna connection or a wireless network interface card. Finally, you’ll need to connect your cable. Point the antenna at one of your neighbors’ homes to discover how far your network can reach. It is worth mentioning that the WiFi antenna has “linear polarization.” This implies that how you spin the antenna will alter the strength of your WiFi connection. The connection will normally function best when it is pointed straight down, but experiment with yours so as to see how it impacts your WiFi.
