The Results!
Now you still need to hook it into your computer! You need a specific sort of WiFi card that can accept the pigtail connector we spoke of in the parts list. For this purpose I purchased an “Agere Orinoco Wireless” card from eBay, which was perfect for my project and my laptop (Not to mention cheap).
Here is a picture of the Orinoco card I purchased, for reference.
Now all we have to do is connect our components: Card in the laptop, antenna to the card, and we’re off! I don’t move my laptop around often, so the size of the connector isn’t too worrisome.
The connector for these cantennas are small and delicate, so be careful.
The antenna is now mounted and ready to go!
I mounted the can to the light on top of my iguana’s cage. After spending some time with a calculator, a measuring tape, and a laser pointer, I have determined that the can is pointing directly at my router. Don’t worry if you can’t get the antenna to point directly at the router, but the closer the better, as these antennas only have a 30° field of vision.
Some say that they have obtained better signals by rotating the can. Experiment and see if it works for you. I didn’t notice any significant changes, though.
I used to have to access the internet from my kitchen, but now, I can do that from my room. Ah, from a hardwood chair to the soft, cushy bed. Paradise.
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