The can is a waveguide antenna, not a reflector. The element length and position are important to create optimal RF conditions inside the can. So the position of the radiating element is important for maximum gain. And contrary to first thoughts - the can isn't "reflecting" the signal (as opposed to a parabolic dish - which is a reflector).
The element is intendend to create standing waves inside the can that emit out the open end. If you move the element higher using washers, the standing waves will be affected and the gain will probably drop. But don't take my word for it. Try it! By the way, you can read this chapter online here: http://www.extremetech.com/print_article2/0,1217,a=134389,00.asp And you're right about needing a good test environment. Netstumbler is a free and easy program that shows signal strength as reported by your Wi-Fi card. You can measure the effectiveness of your antenna by comparing relative signal strength in netstumbler. Enjoy! -Mike _____ From: [email protected] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Richard Sent: Sunday, June 03, 2007 11:28 AM To: [email protected] Subject: [SOCALWUG] Re: Wi-Fi Toys --- please bear with me I wonder if that connector (the N female) should go inside the can, so that the driven element could be a bit more centered in the can? I think I would experiment with some washers to make it even more centered as well . . . but you have to have a stable way to measure gain to know how you are doing. Good work Chicago D - this is fun, isn't it? Richard N6GPP On 5/31/07, Chicago D <[EMAIL PROTECTED] <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > wrote: Thank you for the feedback! Might as well do it right if I do it at all... the long needle-nosed pliers tip was a great help as well. I didn't even know I had all these tools around. The new, first cantenna (I tried to make the pics a little smaller this time): [IMG]http://i16.tinypic.com/5zdeqgy.jpg[/IMG] -- "The greatest enemy of knowledge is not ignorance; it is the illusion of knowledge." Dr. Stephen Hawking "It is Homer who has chiefly taught other poets the art of telling lies skillfully" --Aristotle "Who knows useful things, not many things, is wise." Aeschylus (458 BC) --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "SOCALWUG" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/SOCALWUG SOCALWUG website: http://www.socalwug.org -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
