You don’t need to hire an engineer to setup a homemade wifi antenna. With the right equipment, it will only take about an hour at most to finish the job.
Required Tools and Materials
Duct tape
Bowl (must be made of aluminum)
Soldering tools
Wifi antenna
Drill (optional)
Wifi antenna node
Instructions
First decide on what antenna to use. The directional ones are good for great distances. However their deflection angles have limitations. The width cannot go beyond 30 degrees. What this means is that it’s good for long distance but poor for local transmission. If you want local transmission, use an omnidirectional antenna.
After you have decided what antenna to use, take off the handle from the pan’s cover. Use the hole to pass the homemade wifi antenna’s cable. If there isn’t, make one in the middle. Use a drill to make the hole.
Set the wifi node in the middle of the lid. This setup will force the emanating wave to focus in one direction. There are also other reflectors you can use. Metallic pipes or cans will do just fine. Usually, the parabolic dish has a wider angle so it’s better to use.
Testing the Receiver
Set the wifi dish at the receiver. Give the signal a try. Under certain conditions, the signal can go as far as ten miles. Using a reflector will generate a stronger signal for the homemade wifi antenna.
Tips
The bowl you use will make a big difference. The bigger and shinier it is, the stronger the signal will be. Depending on the setup, you’ll need a wifi adapter. You’ll need a USB chord for this setup to work with your desktop PC.
Put some duct tape on the wifi adapter so it remains steady in the bowl. Use the duct tape and stick the bowl where the signal is strongest.
If you’ll be using long distance and local access, have both antenna types ready. You can’t use them at the same time. But creating both of them is a good idea so you can switch easily
between the two.
Warnings
Consult the manual when setting up the antenna. In most cases the wifi’s standard antenna is called the node. Don’t be confused by these terms. Be patient when setting up your homemade wifi antenna. It’s normal for the signal to fluctuate at times.
Look for strategic places to set the bowl up. Some of the most reliable wifi sources are near libraries, colleges and business offices.
If you’re going to put the bowl near the window, you can put a curtain over it. This should render the object inconspicuous. Make sure the bowl is securely fastened to the spot so it doesn’t fall off. Don’t stand in front of the bowl when you’re utilizing it.
Be careful when using extension chords. Take all necessary precautions to protect yourself. Do not touch the extension chords if your hands are wet.
Making your homemade wifi antenna only takes a few minutes. The stuff needed is so very basic. If you find your Internet connection a little weak, try this out. It might give your Web surfing a boost.
