$5 DYI antenna?

**lastberserker** · 04-29-2005, 10:04 PM

Have you tried building this one? Looks very sweet and very low-profile for omni antenna. I think I might build one

This appears to be the right socket for building "spider" antenna, $3.29 + tax.

**kiltjim** · 04-30-2005, 01:58 AM

Yes, I have, but not for 2.4 GHz. However, you are not going to be able to find that in ANY Radio Shack. If you do, count yourself extremely lucky. They are used for building pretty much any antenna out there, mostly for Hammers. I don't think we even carry it anymore in the stores. You may have to order it online (better get it from mouser)

**Peoples** · 04-30-2005, 02:02 AM

fab-corp.com sells the N connectors, I built a pringles can yagi once, worked really well

**antimatter** · 04-30-2005, 03:53 AM

but only a 3 db gain. i guess thats better than nothing but i would prefer a larger gain

**lastberserker** · 04-30-2005, 03:54 PM

Originally Posted by kiltjim

Yes, I have, but not for 2.4 GHz. However, you are not going to be able to find that in ANY Radio Shack. If you do, count yourself extremely lucky. They are used for building pretty much any antenna out there, mostly for Hammers. I don't think we even carry it anymore in the stores. You may have to order it online (better get it from mouser)

Is that one I found the right part? If so, I just got one from local Radio Shack, they had two in stock. I think I'll try making this antenna just for kicks - even if it is 3dbi gain, it is still low cost and low profile

**lastberserker** · 04-30-2005, 03:56 PM

Originally Posted by antimatter

but only a 3 db gain. i guess thats better than nothing but i would prefer a larger gain

Do you know what it's spatial profile? From the looks of it, it should be pretty wide in all directions. As for 3dbi gain, I'd rely more on Hawking's amp than on good antenna

**Zogg** · 04-30-2005, 09:11 PM

You don't want to use an SO-238 connector on 2.4 GHz, they are too lossy at that frequency. You need to use an N-connector or BNC instead.

Z

**lastberserker** · 04-30-2005, 09:39 PM

Originally Posted by Zogg

You don't want to use an SO-238 connector on 2.4 GHz, they are too lossy at that frequency. You need to use an N-connector or BNC instead.

Like "N Female Panel Mount" here? Damn it, good thing I haven't opened mine

Can you folks tell which cable should be used between "reverse plug SNA antenna connector" and this connector? This one?

**kiltjim** · 04-30-2005, 09:47 PM

Are you talking about between that cable and a reverse SMA connector on your card? Or between the antenna and the card?

Either way, use anything from LMR-195 or smaller. The 195 is pretty rigid, so I wouldn't try connecting it right to your card, unless its not going to be moved often. (I tried, ended up fixing the connector.) The smaller cable is more flexible, but more lossy.

**lastberserker** · 04-30-2005, 10:24 PM

Originally Posted by kiltjim

Are you talking about between that cable and a reverse SMA connector on your card? Or between the antenna and the card?

Either way, use anything from LMR-195 or smaller. The 195 is pretty rigid, so I wouldn't try connecting it right to your card, unless its not going to be moved often. (I tried, ended up fixing the connector.) The smaller cable is more flexible, but more lossy.

Between the N-type connector (i.e. "spider" antenna) and the plug in Hawking HSB1 amp; they tell it's RPSMA.

What radius can you bend LMR-195 with? Edit: 1/2" sounds quite flexible.