Wireless Internet Cantenna

Step 6 Cutting the Thumb-Hole

I have a single-speed Dremel plugged into a vari-ac power supply. So it's actually a variable speed Dremel. Using a cutoff arbor and using the 1 inch heavy cutoff wheels, I cut along the thumb-hole lines I drew. It's not necessary to cut all the way to the corners on the shorter sides. I just went as close as I could, and the cutout was able to break loose just by pushing it around by hand. I would've used a utility knife to finish the cuts if I had to, but it wasn't needed this time

After a bit of filing to clean up the hole, I found that the thumb-fi didn't want to go all the way in. So, some more filing on each side to keep it centered to the starting dimesion. I was only off about a 1/16th

Comments

[McGragger]

is this the correct way to face the thumbfi ? Which side is the internal antenna on?

[Shadetree Engineer]

I'm not sure what you mean by 'facing the thumbfi', but in this photo I made the mistake of inserting the adapter too far inside of the can. I didn't find this out until later, when I adjusted the insertion depth for best signal. I have tried putting the adapter into the can with either side facing forwards, and found no significant change in signal levels. I never cracked this model of adapter, so I'm only assuming that the internal antenna is located at the tip, that it is likely formed directly on the circuit board, and that there are no other components inside of the adapter to block the 'backside' of the internal antenna. ps - check out the 'Conetenna' tutorial, where I add a cone to this can to gain more signal. I think I put in some advice on cone layouts that can be sized for any dimension of can opening. My latest connection with the 'Conetenna' is just over a mile, netting a very useable connection speed.

[Briguy9]

i would say so!

[JSUTHERLAND8]

It would be nice if the transceiver was at the lower side under the can so a boot could be made of silicone to keep water (rain) off the USB connector.

[Shadetree Engineer]

The signal is polarized, it works better if you rotate the antenna for best results, not for water-proofing. If you make a boot, then it shouldn't matter which way it is.