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Thread: Wi-Fi antennas

  1. #1
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    Wi-Fi antennas

    Possibly a stupid question, but is there any way to attach a Wi-Fi antenna to a notebook to boost the signal strength? Failing that, are there any PCMCIA, or preferably, USB Wi-Fi adapters with removable antennas so I can plug in my own aerial?

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    Not Very Senior Member RavenNight's Avatar
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    This rather spiffy USB adapter from Scan has a removeable antenna so you can chuck your own on:

    http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/Produ...oductID=465175

    Your notebook's antenna probably runs round the inside of your screen, so there is normally no easy way to boost the signal, you're better off getting another adapter and then sticking a big antenna on that. If you need even more range then a foil-backed cardboard parabolic can really improve the reception.
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    Spodes Henchman unrealrocks's Avatar
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    If you want to fassion your own antenna pringles tubes are perfect as they already have foil lining

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    Not Very Senior Member RavenNight's Avatar
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    But with the pringles one you need to mutilate another antenna to connect it up, you need to patch in the cable. With a cardboard parabolic it just slips over the top, printing off a template, cutting it out and sitcking on the foil takes about 10mins and doesn't damage the antenna or require extra bits.
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    Goron goron Kumagoro's Avatar
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    I have this

    http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/Produ...oductID=167184

    It works very well and I can get good reception far away.

    How about this though,

    http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/Produ...oductID=579628

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    Squirrely tigerboyce's Avatar
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    that last one looks as though it could pick up a signal 5 miles away!

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