Weatherized Wireless Network Adapter using a water bottle

While in Iraq, I used a water bottle to weatherize my wireless network adapter. It is a simple procedure, but it is very effective. Obviously, this instructable will be most useful to services men and women in the Middle East, but could also be useful in other situations.

My weatherized adapter survived the rainy season and the extremely hot summer as well as several dust and sand storms. I gave it to a friend when I left in November 2007, and I can only assume to it is still there. I made this one specifically to show how I did it.

DISCLAIMER: this instructable requires the use of a knife. Use it safely. I am not responsible if you injure yourself or damage any property while following my instructions. Also, the application is weather resistant, not weather proof. The wireless adapter may still become damaged by the elements. So, please use common sense.

Step 1 Materials and Tools Needed

The materials need for this project are as follows:

a wireless network adapter (I used a Linksys Wireless-G)
a USB cable (I would recommend at least 15 feet in length)
a used water bottle
a rool of 100-mile-an-hour tape or duct tape
(optional: paper or white paint and 550 cord)

The only tool need is a sharp knife. (If you have one, a Dremel tool would be useful as well).

Comments

[Zillionair1]

100 Mile-an-Hour Duct tape?

[bingquan.shao]

The wifi adapter in a close bottle,i don't think its a good idea in summer to proof water.anyway,the temp. is very high,when it works

[fgibbs]

It worked just fine in the 120+ F summer of Iraq. Waterproofing also protects against sand and dust.

[mrjubjub]

Under what circumstances would you need to weatherproof your wireless router but not your laptop itself... o__O

[fgibbs]

Well, in Iraq the wireless signal is very weak inside the trailer in which the service members and civilian contractors live. Since wireless connections are all that they have, one needs a weatherized adapter. RVs and travel trailers may encounter similar problems. Honestly, this is mostly for the troops, but maybe someone could make an Instructable about weatherizing a laptop.

[reddog92396]

 2 words: tough book best computer ever completely indestructable. The only thing it couldn't withstand was a bullet from point blank range. Oddly enough it held together sitting on a few pounds of dynamite.....

[fgibbs]

Yes tough books are great, but unless you plan to sit on your porch to get wifi in Iraq, you'll still need something like this. I must say I firmly believe a tough book could survive being used outside during a sandstorm; even so, I would rather be inside.

Cheers

[dubbin01]

DAng it! you beat me to it!!

[mattccc]

dont forget to add silica gel packets in it to prevent condensation

[fgibbs]

That's a good idea.

[AntonioMDC]

you could get even more sun protection lining with a mylar chip bag, shiny side out, though they also make pretty good emf shielding so don't go all the way around, just put it on the sunward side of the bottle. foil or metallic paint (on half the inside) might work too. the shade material could be installed on a well ventilated 2L bottle which encloses the smaller one the way it encapsulates the adaptor, but maybe that is adding too much weight and bulk.

[johnnyscolex]

thats a nice idea but with base security stuff there a small reflective bottle just screams come harrass me

[AntonioMDC]

the reflector wouldn't have to be the outermost layer to do some good, that could be a light coloured paper with the mylar or foil inside/behind it.

[fgibbs]

We never had any problems at Camp Victory, but mat white paint would also make it so it isn't shiny.

[A good name]

So wait, does this adapter work anywhere in the world or only when wireless networks are in range?

[ManlyJack]

Why not just run the Aerial outside?

[bbertoch]

Nice! Just so you know, I should be your favorite sister because I voted for you!

[qwerty29]

love your knife:)

[fgibbs]

Thanks. It's the special edition OIF Syderco.

[Da_Fudge]

Cool!!!

[maid63]

sweet idea! im going to make it right now!

[maid63]

5*