How to Build a Cantenna for a Wireless Ready Laptop
- 1). Build the collector assembly by first measuring and cutting four pieces of 1/4-inch aluminum tubing 1.2 inches long.
- 2). Cut the all thread to a length of 5 5/8 inches.
- 3). Cut a hole in the Pringles can lid big enough to pass through the all thread.
- 4). Cut the spare Pringles lid into a 3-inch plastic disk. Cut a hold in the middle and fit it snugly over one of the pieces of aluminum tubing.
- 5). Thread one nylon locking nut onto the end of the all thread. Place the following on the all thread in this order after the lid: washer, length of tubing, washer, tubing fitted with 3-inch plastic disk, washer, length of tubing, washer and then the second locking nut. Tighten the nuts until they are snug, but not too tight or you will bend the aluminum.
- 6). Empty the Pringles can and rinse it out.
- 7). Measure and mark 3 3/8 inches from the bottom of the Pringles can. Cut a hole centered over your mark in the can just big enough for the n-type female connector to pass through.
- 8). Solder the length of 12-gauge copper wire onto the center wire of the n-type female connector. When the connector is inserted in the side of the can, the tip of the wire should be just shy of the center of the can. Use your cutter to trim it if it is too long.
- 9). Hot glue the connector in place in the side of the can.
- 10
Insert the collector assembly into the can and snap the lid in place. - 11
Connect the n-type male connector end of your pigtail to your can. Connect the other end to the antenna port on your router. You're ready to go.