Turn your standard WIFI antenna into one just like the $30 range extender antennas for about 5 cents! Follow these easy steps, and then check out the video if you need extra clarification. Digg if you like my very first Instructable.

Step 1: Remove the Top of Your Stock WIFI Antenna.

A small flat jeweler's screwdriver works great!

Step 2: We're Going to Match the Range Extender Layout Form As You See Here.

You'll need: small gauge solid copper wire, insulated or non-insulated, and a wood screw/drywall screw, measuring tape or ruler, and a soldering iron.

Step 3: Measure Off 2 3/4" of Your Wire and Make a Small Bend.

Then, starting with the bend, use the grooves of the drywall screw as a template and make 7 COMPLETE loops, then bend the wire flush to the screw after the sevenh loop. just unscrew the drywall screw to remove it from the wire.

Step 4: Measure Off 3/4" From the End of the Coil and Cut.

Then strip off 1/8" of the insulation or sand off 1/8" of the coating on non-insulated wire (depending on what you're using).

Step 5: Cut Down Your Stock Antenna to 1/4"

And then strip off 1/8" of the insulation.

Step 6: Solder the New Antenna Onto Your Cut Down and Stripped Stock Antenna.

Overlap all the bare wire from the stock antenna base and the new antenna.

Step 7: Use a Large Diameter Drinking Straw and Slide It Over the New Antenna.

McD's has them... they're slightly larger diameter than a regular drinking straw. I think they're for shakes, etc.

Step 8: The Straw Fits Perfectly and Snugly on Stock WIFI Antenna Bases.

Amazingly, you don't even have to glue them. It's a match made in heaven! Use a black permanent marker or paint for a pro look...

Step 9: All Done!

Looks pretty good! You get a more omni-directional output (less fiddling with exact antenna placement) and approx. 5 dB gain. It works REALLY well on both your wireless cards and routers. See my video to see the results, and Digg this if you like my very first Instructable! 8D

Introduction: WIFI Antenna Hack!