Bi-Quad WiFi Antenna - ALFA
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All WiFi users are constantly wanting more powerful signals. In this instructable we demonstrate how to build a simple but power double bi-quad WiFi antenna.
All WiFi users are constantly wanting more powerful signals. In this instructable we demonstrate how to build a simple but power double bi-quad WiFi antenna.
Parts List
A single-sided copper clad PCB sheet - I found a 20x10cm sheet with an incomplete circuit printed on it but not etched. The print was cleaned off with wire wool.
A length of 1mm diameter bare copper wire - I found a length of mains cable and removed the earth wire.
An N-type chassis connector and an N-type to SMA adaptor.
Four nuts and bolts for attaching the N-type chassis connector to the PCB.
Drill, soldering iron, solder, pliers and your favoured nut and bolt tightening tools
Your WiFi adaptor. I use an Alfa awus036h.
For my other projects see - http://www.ecopunk.org.uk/p/projects.html
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Here we see a close-up of the antenna. A hole has been drilled into the PCB to accept the N-type chassis connector. Note the sheet of plastic. My initial thought was to shied the plate from the antenna but subsequent experiments have shown no change in signal strength so you do not need this plastic shielding.
You can also see the antenna constructed from the 1mm earth wire. You need to bend the wire so that it forms the diamond pattern as in the photo. Each side of the diamonds are 30.5mm. At the crossovers the wire does not touch itself.
One end of the antenna is soldered to the N-type at a height of 15mm from the collector plate. The other end is attached to one of the bolts holding the N-type chassis connector in place.
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Here we see the rear of the collector plate, with the N-type bolted in place. Here is where we screw on the N-type to SMA adaptor.
A single-sided copper clad PCB sheet - I found a 20x10cm sheet with an incomplete circuit printed on it but not etched. The print was cleaned off with wire wool.
A length of 1mm diameter bare copper wire - I found a length of mains cable and removed the earth wire.
An N-type chassis connector and an N-type to SMA adaptor.
Four nuts and bolts for attaching the N-type chassis connector to the PCB.
Drill, soldering iron, solder, pliers and your favoured nut and bolt tightening tools
Your WiFi adaptor. I use an Alfa awus036h.
For my other projects see - http://www.ecopunk.org.uk/p/projects.html
Step 1: The Antenna
Show All ItemsHere we see a close-up of the antenna. A hole has been drilled into the PCB to accept the N-type chassis connector. Note the sheet of plastic. My initial thought was to shied the plate from the antenna but subsequent experiments have shown no change in signal strength so you do not need this plastic shielding.
You can also see the antenna constructed from the 1mm earth wire. You need to bend the wire so that it forms the diamond pattern as in the photo. Each side of the diamonds are 30.5mm. At the crossovers the wire does not touch itself.
One end of the antenna is soldered to the N-type at a height of 15mm from the collector plate. The other end is attached to one of the bolts holding the N-type chassis connector in place.
Step 2: Rear of Collector Plate
Show All ItemsHere we see the rear of the collector plate, with the N-type bolted in place. Here is where we screw on the N-type to SMA adaptor.
Step 3: N-type to SMA Adaptor
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This is the N-type to SMA adaptor. Most WiFi stick antennas use SMA connectors so you will need to make your bi-quad compatible.
Here we see the Alfa Wifi adaptor attached to the bi-quad via the N-type to SMA adaptor.
There was an improvement of signal over my previous cantenna and the supplied stick antenna.
This is the N-type to SMA adaptor. Most WiFi stick antennas use SMA connectors so you will need to make your bi-quad compatible.
Step 4: Completed Double Bi-Quad WiFi Antenna
Show All ItemsHere we see the Alfa Wifi adaptor attached to the bi-quad via the N-type to SMA adaptor.
There was an improvement of signal over my previous cantenna and the supplied stick antenna.