Poor Man’s Wifi on Steroids:

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Inspired by various web sites showing the construction of a ‘skimmer’ based Wifi antenna reflector, I decided to take the idea to the next level.

What follows is a pictorial rendition of the process of integrating a commonly found USB Wifi Adaptor and a Conifer 25db gain “Wing’ antenna. I’m sure that a Galaxy antenna would have been a bit easier, as the ‘nose cone’ has a bit more room for the USB PCB.

The Syntax USB-400 PCB is a bit narrower than most of the USB adaptors I looked at, and with a bit of Dremel work, fits nicely into the Conifer nose cone. Resize the nose cone , NOT the PCB!.  Another advantage is the USB adaptors antenna, it works better than a chip antenna. For those who may want to add their own external antenna, moving a chip cap, allows the use of the on-board PCB antenna connector.

The USB cable connector itself provides the necessary strain relief when assembled.  I used foam pads to insure a tight fit between the PCB an nose cone.

Conifer antenna Model T-2127   PDF File: Antenna.pdf

USB Wifi Adaptor  Model Syntax USB-400  Syntax USB-400

Tools Used:

Dremel with grinder, cut-off wheel, router bit etc.

Various hand tools,  screwdriver, pliers, BFH etc.
























Note: Moving this cap is not needed for this antenna mod…..

Final assembly .  Replace top half of nose cone and temporarily secure both halves with rubber bands for testing.  After testing fuctionality, go back and seal the nose cone against the elements.