Cantenna with Integrated SMC EZ Connect 802.11b USB Adapter SMC2662W, no Pigtail
This 802.11b antenna, pictured below, of the Waveguide antenna type implements the Cantenna design and integrates the SMC 2662W USB adapter. Its advantages are:
- Minimal parts, no pigtail
- Minimal tools
- No soldering
- No loss between USB adapter and antenna
Impetus
The objective is something simpler than the Pringle, Yagi-Uga, Patch and Cantenna designs, possibly without the pigtail, N connector and wire hookup. This design works - subject to the usual caveats on health, interference, security, law and looks. Its efficacy has not been proven scientifically. Empirically, through two internal and one external walls, the integrated antenna produces 90% signal strength where the plain SMC adapter gains a signal strength of some 30%, and a walk in the woods confirmed its usefulness.
Components
Tools
- Drill or other tool to poke hole into can (used here: condensed milk can opener)
- Screwdriver to open housing of USB adapter and to increase diameter of hole in can
- Short tape, wood or metal measure (10 inches or 10 cm)
Overview
Dismantle USB adapter and long L end of one antenna of adapter and stick 1.21" of it into hole drilled into can at Cholesterol marker. Attach adapter core with rubber bands and foam spacer to can and connect antenna stub to antenna end stuck in can.
Construction Step by Step
- Open can at one end, remove food, clean (in these pictures: opened at bottom)
-
Open SMC USB Adapter by 4 screws; remove adapter core from housing; pull antennas from their stubs
-
Pull from one antenna the longer segment of the L by twisting and turning
-
Drill hole of same diameter as the now open thick metal part on the long L segment of the antenna into can at the Cholesterol item on the Nutrition Facts label (2.38 inches = 5.8 cm from closed end of can), to make the thick metallic part fit snugly into hole
-
Insert thin wire and thick metal part of long end of L antenna into hole, so that 1.21 inches = 3.2 cm are inside the can
-
Attach adapter core with rubber band to can and insert foam packaging material between adapter core and can so that one antenna stub lies next to the short end of the L antenna that sticks out from the can
-
Connect antenna end from can to antenna stub on adapter core - done
Thoughts
Since the SMC 2662W adapter has two antennas, one could attach two cantennas to the adapter, both going into the same direction or both in opposite directions from each other — would that make sense?
Since the SMC 2662W's antenna is integrated into the cantenna, it is easily maneuverable. Attach a USB cable to the adapter core and the digital controlling device (laptop, PC, smartphone, PDA etc.), and place the integrated cantenna into the best position. Use more rubber bands to attach the combo to a tripod.
The can does not have the ideal theoretical length of 59.4 cm.
References
Pictures
1.
2.
3.
4.
2.
3.
4.