Make a Wireless Antenna

Have you lost your wireless antenna from the back of your network card? No problem! Make one from scratch using some solder (or pliable wire) about {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}}, and a thumbtack. The wire will act as the 'antenna' while the thumbtack will secure it in place

Steps

  1. Grab some solder (preferably thick) or some bendy wire/solder and wrap it around the point of a thumbtack. this will provide you with a small loop about that same size as the inner 'pin' on the back of your wireless card.
  2. Bend the wire at a 90 degree angle just under the loop you just created. this will allow for easy insertion when you place it around the inner 'pin'
  3. Place the wire around the pin, and wrap the remaining wire around the outside 'threads' where you would normally screw in the antenna.
  4. Insert the thumbtack in between the inner 'pin' and the small loop you made. this is to ensure the inner pin is always in contact with the solder.
  5. The other end of the wire/solder can be wrapped around any cable from the back of your computer to enhance wireless reception.

Tips

  • Making the end of the antenna touch the chassis of the computer may enhance reception.
  • The thicker the solder is, the better.
  • Depending on where your computer is, leaving the wire/solder dangling down from the card may also provide adequate reception.
  • Fiddle with it! The main objective is to have the wire looped around the inner 'pin'(the input into the card), and because this is so small, it can require a few tries(use the thumbtack!). After that, it is just a matter of securing the solder/wire into place by wrapping it around the outer 'thread'. The thumbtack is also only there to secure the wire into position.

Warnings

  • Keep the thumbtack away from your eyes, and any chair you may wish to sit on.
  • Electric Current runs through the "pin", and will also run through the thumbtack when a connection has been made. Play it safe; keep one hand in your pocket to prevent a current traveling through your heart.
  • Even though "Wireless" (or any radio) is non-ionizing, RFR (Radio Frequency Radiation) exposure should be minimized. If possible, shut down your computer or disable the wireless card.

Things You'll Need

  • Solder or wire
  • Thumbtack

Related Articles