W4DRA
D a v e
join:2003-06-02
Dunnellon, FL
 ·Sprint Mobile Broa..
| Owner Wireless Antenna Pictures Hi everyone.
I have my usb modem on the porch til my external antenna comes in from 3Gstore.com
Here is what I did...LOL but it works.
This is how a redneck acquires a broadband internet connection.
Now this works great unless my wife wants to bake a pie. Then its back to dialup... 
Signal went from 20% at -98dbm to 100% at -74dbm, in this case lower is better.
I will use a small satellite dish next. This was an experiment the went well.
Dave
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Wildblue Pro Pak - Laredo NOC on Beam 45.
Home Page at »users.wildblue.net/w4dra/index.html | |
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hitman_001
Premium
join:2006-11-20
Laredo, TX
| Re: Owner Wireless Antenna Pictures You should send that one to Jeff foxworthy, If you get your EVDO from a pie pan.. Ya might be a Redneck.. 
Thats a pretty incredible gain, lol.. You may ditch the antenna for the pie pan before its all said and done. Screw the small Sat dish, Use your WB dish next!  I've got an older .74m hughesnet dish i've been pondering doing the same thing with
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Hn7000s Small Office plan/.74m dish & 1Watt Trans on Satmex 5 Signal: 86/Win XP Pro SP2/P4 3gig, 2Gigs Ram, Radeon X1300 500meg video | |
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W4DRA
D a v e
join:2003-06-02
Dunnellon, FL
·Sprint Mobile Broa..
| Re: Owner Wireless Antenna Pictures 20 to 40%
Here are the pics for the coffee can. I remember back in the mid 70's building antennas from these. Now this work VERY WELL, even inside with some loss but still stays at 60-80%. But where it sets now it stays at 100% at 71-75DBM.
Also here is a speedtest and Dr.TCP setting for my setup.
Have a great tweak and a day.
Dave
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Wildblue Pro Pak - Laredo NOC on Beam 45.
Home Page at »users.wildblue.net/w4dra/index.html | |
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Siryak
join:2005-11-26 | Re: Owner Wireless Antenna Pictures Wow! Would this work with a regular Cell Phone? Also what kind of material do you find that works?
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Wildblue Pro Pack / Beam 40 / Laredo NOC / Windows Vista Home Premium | |
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hitman_001
Premium
join:2006-11-20
Laredo, TX
| Re: Owner Wireless Antenna Pictures Basically what you would consider a "cantenna" they actually work quite well..
»www.turnpoint.net/wireless/cante···wto.html
is a site that details the making, and fine tuning prodecures to make sure you capture the signal you want and places to get parts to make them.
»www.wwc.edu/~frohro/Airport/Prim···tar.html
One of the links showing how to do so with an old sat dish
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Hn7000s Small Office plan/.74m dish & 1Watt Trans on Satmex 5 Signal: 86/Win XP Pro SP2/P4 3gig, 2Gigs Ram, Radeon X1300 500meg video | |
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Siryak
join:2005-11-26 | Re: Owner Wireless Antenna Pictures Does it really work just by sitting a pie tin behind it like that though?!? Is it really that simple? Or did you haft to do something to it?
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Wildblue Pro Pack / Beam 40 / Laredo NOC / Windows Vista Home Premium | |
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hitman_001
Premium
join:2006-11-20
Laredo, TX
| Re: Owner Wireless Antenna Pictures Im sure it really works that simply. The modem is already tuned to the frequency it wants to pick up. All the pie tin does is serve as a reflector to collect extra signal.
Just like a soup or coffee can with the correct parts can provide just as big of a gain. May seem funny- but thats just the simplicity of an antenna.
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Hn7000s Small Office plan/.74m dish & 1Watt Trans on Satmex 5 Signal: 86/Win XP Pro SP2/P4 3gig, 2Gigs Ram, Radeon X1300 500meg video | |
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crazyska
join:2000-03-01
Manchester, MD | Re: Owner Wireless Antenna Pictures I don't know why but I think this is pretty funny lol | |
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join:2003-03-12
Rensselaer, IN
1 edit | Re: Owner Wireless Antenna Pictures I did that inside with aluminum foil once, gained probably 3 - 5 dbm. | |
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W4DRA
D a v e
join:2003-06-02
Dunnellon, FL
·Sprint Mobile Broa..
| OI wonder how he keeps the water out of the can? I didn't see any drain holes for it. Unless he uses a plastic cover like. I have two of these I might give it a try.
Dave
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Sprint Mobile Broadband
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join:2004-03-28
Northridge, CA | Re: Owner Wireless Antenna Pictures You sir, need a Nobel Prize. | |
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W4DRA
D a v e
join:2003-06-02
Dunnellon, FL
·Sprint Mobile Broa..
| Re: Owner Wireless Antenna Pictures said by Col_DH  :You sir, need a Nobel Prize. Does that come with Fires?
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® Dave ®
Sprint Mobile Broadband
Sierra Aircard 595U
Home Page:»www.fastnow.net/w4dra/ | |
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GRANPADUDE
Premium
join:2005-12-07
Sanborn, NY | No pie pan or coffee can here for EVDO just for my morning coffee and desert.
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Josh766
@myvzw.com
| I think I might try doing this instead of buying the $80 antenna I was considering. I have just one question: how do you know how far back to place the modem/antenna inside the can?
Also, I have a PCMCIA modem, but it would work just as well if I put a small booster antenna inside that can, right? | |
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W4DRA
D a v e
join:2003-06-02
Dunnellon, FL
·Sprint Mobile Broa..
| Re: Owner Wireless Antenna Pictures Hi Josh
I placed it all the way to the rear of the can. Make sure you know where the tower is located though. The usb cradle seem to hole it away from the back at just the right distance. I tried moving it closer to the front and loss signal. Another thing too, disable the GPS option because it will not work in the can. It took mine from 20-40% to 100% Excellent.
Good luck.
Dave
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Sprint Mobile Broadband
Sierra Aircard 595U
Home Page:»www.fastnow.net/w4dra/ | |
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Josh766
@myvzw.com
| Re: Owner Wireless Antenna Pictures Like I said, do you think it would work if I put the small Verizon booster antenna inside the can, since I have a PCMCIA modem that cannot go inside the can?
I think I'll try it either way, though. It would be great to get four bars without spending $80 on the omni antenna. | |
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cpayne5
join:2004-01-06
1 edit | Re: Owner Wireless Antenna Pictures If you are talking about the Wilson trucker antenna, it is a great antenna. Well worth the $80. I have an S720 in a desktop. I gained 30dBm when I hooked up my trucker (RF gain combined with flexibility in antenna positioning).
Is the booster antenna a directional antenna? This may affect your results when trying to use it as a cantenna. The adapters used in the pictures here are omnis. | |
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Josh766
@myvzw.com
| Re: Owner Wireless Antenna Pictures I dobut the antenna is directional since I just stuck it on my window and it worked. Also, Verizon markets it as an antenna that you're supposed to stick on your car windshield when on the road.
I will try the cantenna and make a permament mount for it if it works. Otherwise, I'll but the omni antenna.
Is the Wilson Trucker the one sold at 3gstore.com? If so, then yes, that's what I'm talking about. | |
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W4DRA
D a v e
join:2003-06-02
Dunnellon, FL
·Sprint Mobile Broa..
| said by cpayne5 :If you are talking about the Wilson trucker antenna, it is a great antenna. Well worth the $80. I have an S720 in a desktop. I gained 30dBm when I hooked up my trucker
I don't agree with your view on the Wilson antenna.
I hooked one up here and and it was like putting on a paperclip. I lost from 60dbm to 20dbm. I should have sent it back to 3-Gstore but I might need a target later for my rifle. I was very disappointed. Its damn sure not what Wilson says it is. I put it in the open too.
Dave
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Sprint Mobile Broadband
Sierra Aircard 595U
Home Page:»www.fastnow.net/w4dra/ | |
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Fox McCloud
Crazy like a fox.
join:2006-07-23
 ·Embarq
·Sprint Mobile Broa..
| Re: Owner Wireless Antenna Pictures said by W4DRA :said by cpayne5 :If you are talking about the Wilson trucker antenna, it is a great antenna. Well worth the $80. I have an S720 in a desktop. I gained 30dBm when I hooked up my trucker I don't agree with your view on the Wilson antenna. I hooked one up here and and it was like putting on a paperclip. I lost from 60dbm to 20dbm. I should have sent it back to 3-Gstore but I might need a target later for my rifle. I was very disappointed. Its damn sure not what Wilson says it is. I put it in the open too. Dave have you ever considered your antenna might be defective? I'm not an inherent supporter of the trucker antenna (I much prefer the yagi), but you shouldn't lose that much dBm (you shouldn't lose any). Either you're using incorrect cabling, an absurdly long cable length, or the antenna is defective...that's the only thing that could cause your decibels to drop so. | |
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W4DRA
D a v e
join:2003-06-02
Dunnellon, FL
·Sprint Mobile Broa..
1 edit | Re: Owner Wireless Antenna Pictures I guess the antenna could be defective, but there is no way for me to know. I agree on the yagi though. If I don't get the one that a guy is building soon I am going to buy one.
I am using 3/4 or 7/8 hard-line on all my antennas here. I even took the laptop outside the hooked the antenna up with just the cable that came on it plus the adapter.
FOX; Where did you get your Yagi antenna at. I would like to get one a little bigger than the one Wilson sells.
Or co-phase a pair of them.
Dave
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Sprint Mobile Broadband
Sierra Aircard 595U
Home Page:»www.fastnow.net/w4dra/ | |
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Fox McCloud
Crazy like a fox.
join:2006-07-23 | Re: Owner Wireless Antenna Pictures 3/4 or 7/8 hardline? That doesn't tell me much...
now if you give me something like RG38 or LMR-400...or something to that extent, that'll tell me something. | |
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W4DRA
D a v e
join:2003-06-02
Dunnellon, FL
·Sprint Mobile Broa..
| Re: Owner Wireless Antenna Pictures said by Fox McCloud :3/4 or 7/8 hardline? That doesn't tell me much... now if you give me something like RG38 or LMR-400...or something to that extent, that'll tell me something. Sorry, its a very good grade cable. Lets say LMR-600 or better. I also have some RG331 Military spec stuff.
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Sprint Mobile Broadband
Sierra Aircard 595U
Home Page:»www.fastnow.net/w4dra/ | |
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Moritzio
@verizon.net | Re: Owner Wireless Antenna Pictures Wher do you get those USB cradles? | |
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W4DRA
D a v e
join:2003-06-02
Dunnellon, FL
·Sprint Mobile Broa..
| Re: Owner Wireless Antenna Pictures said by Moritzio :
Wher do you get those USB cradles?
They come with the Sprint Aircard 595U...
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Sprint Mobile Broadband
Sierra Aircard 595U
Home Page:»www.fastnow.net/w4dra/ | |
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W4DRA
D a v e
join:2003-06-02
Dunnellon, FL
·Sprint Mobile Broa..
| said by W4DRA :said by Fox McCloud :3/4 or 7/8 hardline? That doesn't tell me much... now if you give me something like RG38 or LMR-400...or something to that extent, that'll tell me something. Sorry, its a very good grade cable. Lets say LMR-600 or better. I also have some RG331 Military spec stuff. He guys I found the 7/8 inch hard line is not a good idea.
The modem doesn't have enough (RF) output to reach the antenna to make a lot of difference.
This thing must only put out 50 mw or so.
So 1/2 or 3/4 inch is ok at 75 ft.
Hey ya never know unless you try right.
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® Dave ®
Sprint Mobile Broadband
Sierra Aircard 595U
Home Page:»www.fastnow.net/w4dra/ | |
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aRebel
Premium
join:2003-01-01
Alltel
| said by W4DRA :Hi everyone. I will use a small satellite dish next. Dave I'm curious to know how that worked out
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Alltel Data PC5750|PP-G16 1230 99 W|HN7000S Suspended| Vista| | |
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W4DRA
D a v e
join:2003-06-02
Dunnellon, FL
·Sprint Mobile Broa..
| Re: Owner Wireless Antenna Pictures said by aRebel :said by W4DRA :Hi everyone. I will use a small satellite dish next. Dave I'm curious to know how that worked out I tried the dish (OLD PRIMESTAR DISH) this past weekend and got a real good signal 100% @-54dbM. But I saw no difference in performance over the Maxwell House Coffee can.  Plus the coffee can is a hell of a lot easer to align, and install.
Thank you for your time
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® Dave ®
Sprint Mobile Broadband, Sierra Aircard 595U
Home Page:»www.fastnow.net/w4dra/ | |
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mjwalfredo
join:2007-06-05
Blythewood, SC | You guys that are putting these "cantennas" outdoors: Are ya'll just using extra long USB cords for your setups? | |
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| CMoore2004
Premium
join:2003-02-06
Jonesville, MI
| Re: Owner Wireless Antenna Pictures If you're going to go this route, I'd recommend a powered USB hub right next to the device with a very short USB cord between it and the EVDO device. That way it can get all the power it needs.
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Charter 5M | Windows XP MCE SP2 | Mobile AMD Athlon 64 4000+ | 1.5GB RAM | ATI Mobile Radeon X600 128MB | 120GB HDD | |
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W4DRA
D a v e
join:2003-06-02
Dunnellon, FL
·Sprint Mobile Broa..
| I am using a 16ft USB cable and unless you have a way of using 2 USB ports to power it, there is a chance of running down the battery in the modem. I had that problem until I used a y cable like whats on the Novatel USB modem. But 16 ft is as much as i would run, that's pushing it too.
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® Dave ®
Sprint Mobile Broadband, Sierra Aircard 595U
Home Page:»www.fastnow.net/w4dra/ | |
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| | CMoore2004
Premium
join:2003-02-06
Jonesville, MI | Re: Owner Wireless Antenna Pictures And you've never considered that your battery problems may be due to the 16 foot USB cord? | |
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W4DRA
D a v e
join:2003-06-02
Dunnellon, FL
·Sprint Mobile Broa..
| Re: Owner Wireless Antenna Pictures said by CMoore2004 :And you've never considered that your battery problems may be due to the 16 foot USB cord? I picked up a USB cable that uses two ports and then plugs into the modem cradle. No problems so far. Before I had to charge it every two to three days. I figured that I had a voltage drop across the 16 ft cable but its hard to check without a load on it. 3.3 volts over the distance plus 3 connectors inline makes for a poor voltage transfer system.
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® Dave ®
Sprint Mobile Broadband, Sierra Aircard 595U
Home Page:»www.fastnow.net/w4dra/ | |
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| | | | CMoore2004
Premium
join:2003-02-06
Jonesville, MI
| Re: Owner Wireless Antenna Pictures Did you get this recently? I remember you saying you were having troubles keeping it charged. And has your service improved any?
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Charter 5M | Windows XP MCE SP2 | Mobile AMD Athlon 64 4000+ | 1.5GB RAM | ATI Mobile Radeon X600 128MB | 120GB HDD | |
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W4DRA
D a v e
join:2003-06-02
Dunnellon, FL
·Sprint Mobile Broa..
| Re: Owner Wireless Antenna Pictures said by CMoore2004 :Did you get this recently? I remember you saying you were having troubles keeping it charged. And has your service improved any? No it's the same modem. And service still crappy and unpredictable. Early morning its fine then about 1:00pm til about 1:00am it just plain sucks. Hell I can't watch any webcasts, news, or anything that takes over 250k per sec.
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® Dave ®
Sprint Mobile Broadband
Sierra Aircard 595U
Home Page:»www.fastnow.net/w4dra/ | |
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netwire
Premium
join:2001-04-27
Mooresboro, NC | Hey Dave, what connection manager are you using? the one I have is not as graphically pleasing and requires me to hover over the bars to see my signal. | |
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W4DRA
D a v e
join:2003-06-02
Dunnellon, FL
·Sprint Mobile Broa..
| Re: Owner Wireless Antenna Pictures said by netwire :Hey Dave, what connection manager are you using? the one I have is not as graphically pleasing and requires me to hover over the bars to see my signal. NEW Sprint Connection Manager for Sierra AC595, 595U and 597E
File SCM_1.00.0069.0.exe
Size 30MB
Version 1.00.0069.0
»www4.sprint.com/pcsbusiness/down···69.0.exe
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® Dave ®
Sprint Mobile Broadband
Sierra Aircard 595U
Home Page:»www.fastnow.net/w4dra/ | |
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netwire
Premium
join:2001-04-27
Mooresboro, NC | Re: Owner Wireless Antenna Pictures Thanks, I like this one better than the other I have tried to use. | |
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lestat0777
@spcsdns.net | What works better the pie tin or coffee can? and what would a person need to water proof the setup to leave outside even if it rains? | |
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W4DRA
D a v e
join:2003-06-02
Dunnellon, FL
·Sprint Mobile Broa..
| Re: Owner Wireless Antenna Pictures said by lestat0777 :
What works better the pie tin or coffee can? and what would a person need to water proof the setup to leave outside even if it rains?
I got a lot better signal with the ole Maxwell House coffee can. It stayed stable with a 100% -65-72dBm
I haven't did anything to mine yet. I am seeing some rust though. But as much coffee as I drink here I figure I can replace it pretty easy. You could always paint the can with some rustproof paint and out some puddy in the hole where the USB cable comes in. Don't paint the plastic cover though. Also don't forget to put the plastic lid on like I did. Duhhh  Those modems don't like rain a little bit. I had to bring mine in and use a vacuum to get the water out.
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® Dave ®
Sprint Mobile Broadband
Sierra Aircard 595U
Home Page:»www.fastnow.net/w4dra/ | |
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grumpy3b
join:2001-12-11
Lompoc, CA | this needs to come back up for a visit...cool stuff!! | |
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Franklin owner
@tn.us | I'd love to see a coffee can setup for the franklin 680 usb cards out there.. This is interesting! | |
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W4DRA
D a v e
join:2003-06-02
Dunnellon, FL | Re: Owner Wireless Antenna Pictures Hey Guys
I should have my other coffee can weather proofed by next week. As soon as I get it all painted and installed I will post the new pictures.
Til then
Dave | |
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| | decifal
join:2007-03-10
Bon Aqua, TN | Re: Owner Wireless Antenna Pictures Hey cool deal man! I'd like to see this as well | |
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W4DRA
D a v e
join:2003-06-02
Dunnellon, FL
·Sprint Mobile Broa..
| Re: LMR400 cable said by caribconsult :Dave, you seem to be the radio expert here, so I have a question for you: I just got my panel antenna with 25' of LMR400 cable. I didn't realize how stout this cable is, so how sharp of a radius can you bend this cable without doing any damage to it? I would assume you can't make a right angle in it, but would a 3-4" radius be too much? Thanks. I am no expert by no stretch of the imagination.
But I wouldn't bend no less than 6 inch circle. However "IF YOU ARE CAREFUL" in doing it you might get a little less. Keep in mind that if you put a kink the cable ITS OVER.
Dave
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® D A V E ®
Sprint Mobile Broadband
Sierra Aircard 595U put in a 3 lb. Maxwell House Coffee Can.
I love the smell of Coffee and High Speed Internet in the morning.
My Home Page: ® WWW.W4DRA.COM ® | |
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fpsfreak
join:2007-09-19
Merced, CA
| well heres my antenna pics,hope u like the messy setup heh | |
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| mark42
join:2006-02-07
USA
·Sprint Mobile Broa..
| Re: Owner Wireless Antenna Pictures fpsfreak, did you use any sealer on the cable to antenna connection? I see that there is a thick sticky wrap that is sold to seal these type of connections. Just wondering if you used a sealer and if so, what it is.
Thanks,
Mark
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CellAntenna CAY1912 Panel antenna, Cyfre CA-819 amp, Linksys WRT54G3G-ST router, Pantech PX-500 data card. | |
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ewbragg
join:2002-01-16
Sumerduck, VA | Got any ideas for a pie-tenna or can-tenna with my system setup in the basement? or am I just best getting an external antenna and running a cable down to the basement? | |
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| mark42
join:2006-02-07
USA
·Sprint Mobile Broa..
| Re: Owner Wireless Antenna Pictures A 3g router on the highest floor of the house will let your card/modem get the best signal, and broadcast it throughout the house.
Otherwise, the best bet is to add an external antenna and run the cable to the basement.
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CellAntenna CAY1912 Panel antenna, Cyfre CA-819 amp, Linksys WRT54G3G-ST router, Pantech PX-500 data card. | |
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