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
- 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.
- 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'
- Place the wire around the pin, and wrap the remaining wire around the outside 'threads' where you would normally screw in the antenna.
- 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.
- 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
