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Just wondering if anyone has any theory or experience with wireless usb adapters and any type of cantenna or modified antenna design? I read some where on the internet of people having success with a parabolic design used with a usb device such as the NETGEAR MA111 . I have the netgear ma111 (due to the fact that it was $23 @ fry's) and cut a hole into a pik-nik can and place the adapter in as if it were an N type connector. Just wanted to know if anyone has done anything similar or if there are any known "whatever" to these usb adpters? I really dont know where to place the adapter in the can and have been using one of the cantenna calculators on th the net for mesurements, is this ok? Dont want to add to much, any questions to clear up please ask.
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If there is a Church of WiFi, then this is it's ! -
Should be the same as for a non-USB device - the radio theory hasn't changed, just the method of tapping the antenna. As for how to do that, I really can't advise as I'm not using any of these adapters. From looking at them, though, my guess is that you'll have to drill the case of the wireless NIC to get your tap into it, then solder the tap directly to wherever the antenna panel (it's almost certainly a small panel-type antenna similar to those found in handheld GPS units) is and go from there. Construction of the cantenna itself should be exactly the same, though.Originally posted by kree -
I am kinda thinking the same thing. I haven't really been able to do a lot of research as I just started a new job, but should have some time this weekend to mess around, and maybe post some pictures to be more clear.Originally posted by skrooIf there is a Church of WiFi, then this is it's !Comment
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kree,
I have an MA111, and have fiddled around with it a little. There is a small ceramic antenna in the tip of the unit, opposite the USB connector. It tends to radiate in a spherical pattern, or about what you'd expect from an omni. Replacing the N connector in a cantenna should work without a problem.
By the way, there is a Hirose U.fl antenna test connector in the tip also, which could be used to attach a different antenna. Just know however, that the Hirose U.fl has a VERY low life cycle (~100 insertions/removals.) They tend to break if you look at them wrong.
Here are some links that may help:
http://forums.netstumbler.com/showthread.php?t=12007
http://forums.netstumbler.com/showthread.php?t=11138
http://forums.netstumbler.com/attach...achmentid=2449
http://forums.netstumbler.com/attach...achmentid=2448
http://threepts.whaddu.com/images/Co...g/skimmer1.jpg
http://threepts.whaddu.com/images/Co...20design1a.jpg
http://threepts.whaddu.com/images/Co...20design1b.jpg
http://threepts.whaddu.com/images/Co...20design2a.jpg
http://threepts.whaddu.com/images/Co...20design2b.jpg
http://threepts.whaddu.com/images/Co...20design2c.jpg
http://threepts.whaddu.com/images/Co.../wardrive1.jpg
http://threepts.whaddu.com/images/Co.../wardrive2.jpg
These are all specific to the MA111, although most of the discussions are about parabolic designs.
These guys started the whole thing with the USB WiFi dongle-style units and parabolic designs. Since then, the've added a lot more designs and some additional links.
http://usbwifi.orcon.net.nz/Thorn
"If you can't be a good example, then you'll just have to be a horrible warning." - Catherine AirdComment
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Yup those are the guy's that I was reading about, and netstumbler forum why didn't I think about that. Looks like I got some reading to do.Originally posted by Thorn
Thank you for looking all this up, I have been putting in alot of hours at work lately and really have not had time for anything else, I really do appreciate it.
Currently I have used the mentioned pik-nik can, a wire fruit basket that is about 7-8 inches in diameter and a hub cap that measures about the same. Results have been good with all, and the hub cap has done best so far. Next is the 18 inch dish, I know it's been done before and I have even read that they are not the correct frequency, but there is something about doing it yourself that is well hell I dont even know how to explain it. Not to mention it's addictive.If there is a Church of WiFi, then this is it's !Comment
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It sure can be addictive. Search the NS forums with "Linocmatic" as the username and "homebrew" (or "home brew") as a keyword/phrase. Lincomatic started a thread which now as several hundred posts detailing what people have built for antennae.Thorn
"If you can't be a good example, then you'll just have to be a horrible warning." - Catherine AirdComment
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