WiFi Antenna w/ 1W amp through Tint.

**SKiTLz** · 11-06-2005, 09:14 PM

Ok heres the setup. Going to use a Commel Mini-PCI B/G Wireless Card. From there to a 1W amplifier then out to my antenna. I want to mount the antenna inside my car on the back window as an external antenna really wouldn't look too good on my car.

Problem is my back window is quite dark tint and from what I've read the antenna wont work.

My understanding is its the metal in the tint, so my question is, can I find tint that will alow the RF to pass? Will a 1W amp be able to just "push through" so to speak?

Thanks for any advice fellas.

**Gunmaster** · 11-06-2005, 11:04 PM

Originally Posted by SKiTLz

I want to mount the antenna inside my car on the back window as an external antenna really wouldn't look too good on my car.

**SKiTLz** · 11-06-2005, 11:10 PM

Wow. Im a new user here I admit, but so far Im really noticing an attitude around here. The amount of useless non helpful replies is just stupid. Personally If I can't help, I dont post.

Care to explain what was wrong with my statement?

**Daley** · 11-06-2005, 11:39 PM

I once worked in car-audio shop that installed cellular phones. We had a device that measured the capacitance of the glass (along with any tint) before we'd mount a cellular antenna, because some tints just don't work. Now, also being an amateur radio operator, I understand what capacitance does to the signal, and how it affects things (the effectiveness of the antenna, the output stage of the radio itself, etc). What I would do (and plan to myself when I get to this point) is go to any local cell-phone installer, and ask them to measure your glass as if they're installing a cellular antenna. That will give you a much better idea of what you're dealing with than just guessing, or worse, throwing more power at it. Long story short, you can do damage to the amplifier (or output section of it) if the SWR is too high.

**SKiTLz** · 11-06-2005, 11:49 PM

Thanks for the reply. I was under the impression the worst that could happen would be no signal. I didn't realize It could actually do damage, so thanks for the heads up.

From you've said there are different kinds of tints which was one thing I was curious about. I think I'll definately take your advice though and see if a shop can measure the capacitance for me.

The number itself wont mean much too me though. Is there a guideline to what it should be for a working state?

Thanks mate.

**ayclens** · 11-06-2005, 11:52 PM

FWIW, I used a simple microsoft USB adapter in my last install sitting on my rear parcel shelf and it worked OK. Not amazing, but then again, the adapter itself wasn't very amazing. I had 5% metallic limo tint on all my windows on my last car/install.

For my current install, I am also going to use the Commell MP-2400A mini-pci wireless card. I am not planning on using an amplifier or anything - just the wireless card with the included antenna. It will be installed in my trunk area.

I think the best way to do it is to just install it first and see how it performs. If the performance sucks, then you can always adjust the setup. In my experience the tint doesn't create an issue. I guess this could vary according to what type of tint is used.

Where are you buying your Commell adapter from? How much?

**SKiTLz** · 11-07-2005, 12:45 AM

Thanks for sharing your experiences.. Im going to order my Commell from logicsupply.com. Only place I've seen that stocks them. I think there only like $40 too.

Theres also a few other Mini-PCI cards I've seen I might consider. Like the intel 2200.

EDIT: btw. What color is your M3?

**arebelspy** · 11-07-2005, 01:07 AM

Originally Posted by Jackboot

For my current install, I am also going to use the Commell MP-2400A mini-pci wireless card. I am not planning on using an amplifier or anything - just the wireless card with the included antenna. It will be installed in my trunk area.

You think an antenna in the trunk will get decent reception? I'm curious, as I might do this myself.. *off to do a search*

EDIT: Links:
ideas for increasing wifi signal from within trunk?
How good is your Wifi Antenna?
great website for wifi antennas

-arebelspy

**gizak** · 11-07-2005, 01:27 AM

Tint tip:
There is an alternative to tint with metal in it...
Carbon based tint. I have this on my car, 3% light transmission so it's extremely dark. My wifi antenna is on my rear deck shelf, it works. Gonna cost ya a bit extra if you can find a place that has it though, but aside from allowing RF transmission for wifi/cellphone, it also blocks more heat (a huge plus for people like me who live in phoenix!).

**ayclens** · 11-07-2005, 02:03 AM

Originally Posted by SKiTLz

Thanks for sharing your experiences.. Im going to order my Commell from logicsupply.com. Only place I've seen that stocks them. I think there only like $40 too.

Theres also a few other Mini-PCI cards I've seen I might consider. Like the intel 2200.

EDIT: btw. What color is your M3?

Yeah Logicsupply is the only place that I can find that carries them too. Pretty good price IMO and I like the fact that it already includes the antenna so I don't have to fool around with it - I haven't seen anywhere sell the intel 2200 that includes an antenna.

I have the intel 2200 mini-pci card in my Dell 700m notebook and I must say that I'm quite impressed with the reception. It would also be a good choice I think.

What motherboard are you using?

My M3 is Carbon Black on Cinnamon leather