Community Forums

FLYTYER · 06-02-2009, 09:26 AM

Having used many different WIFI adapters and computers with built in adapters in the motor home, I came to the conclusion that the adapters have poor receiver circuitry and do not put out enough signal to be seen adequately by a WIFI access point.

As we say in the "Ham Radio" hobby, if you cannot hear 'em, you aint gonna work 'em.

So after doing a search, I found a WIFI USB adapter which is quite sensitive on receive and transmitts a stronger signal than most. A supplier who has these can be found HERE. I also believe there may be other suppliers selling similar products.

I was quite impressed with the performance, but I was still looking for more. Again I did a search and found these links that gave me the simple and cheap answer...look at THIS and then THIS .

Please note that while I got a boost in signal, I believe the most important gain was in "link" quality. This gain seemed to solidify the connection and enable a strong Internet connection.

Here are some photos and screen shots of my little project...

hamguy · 06-03-2009, 05:50 AM

Hi Ted,

I use the Hawking HWDN1 adapter. I can pick up signals as far as 300-400 feet away. I am currently using an open adapter somewhere in Missouri. I think it is about 200'.

FLYTYER · 06-03-2009, 06:12 AM

Following the instructions I made one of these reflectors double size and now I am able to connect to hot spots about 3000 ft away.

I believe however that the USB adapter device is the key to my results. I tried this on another adapter (made by Buffalo) that has an external antenna connector and the results did not even come close.

Olive · 06-03-2009, 07:53 AM

There is one of the Windsurfer reflectors on the router at my parents' house. When I'm there (as I am now for a few weeks) I am in the driveway and the router is on the other side of the house. I was getting a couple of bars but could not stay connected. After I put the reflector on a year or 2 ago I now stay connected without problem. I have sat internet on MH but their dsl is faster and stays connected in bad weather.

A nephew also put one on his router so his mother, my sister, could connect to his network from across the street.

shastaron · 06-03-2009, 09:22 PM

Is anybody using these on a MAC?

Ron

FLYTYER · 06-04-2009, 06:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shastaron

Is anybody using these on a MAC?

Ron

Ron this works regardless of the computer. The key is to get more signal. Just like old time radio...the stronger the signal the clearer the music.

Try it! It's cheap!!

Tom N · 06-04-2009, 07:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FLYTYER

Following the instructions I made one of these reflectors double size and now I am able to connect to hot spots about 3000 ft away.

I believe however that the USB adapter device is the key to my results. I tried this on another adapter (made by Buffalo) that has an external antenna connector and the results did not even come close.

Ted;

Bring you USB adapter and reflector to Ohio. I'd like to compare yours to a couple of mine with Netstumbler. I have a Yagi with USB adapter. I think your adapter is 400mw. I also have an AirLink USB flat panel and a Hawking USB. I'll bring those.

-Tom

FLYTYER · 06-04-2009, 07:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom N

Ted;

Bring you USB adapter and reflector to Ohio. I'd like to compare yours to a couple of mine with Netstumbler. I have a Yagi with USB adapter. I think your adapter is 400mw. I also have an AirLink USB flat panel and a Hawking USB. I'll bring those.

-Tom

Oh! Boy! We're gonna have a shootout! I may want to buy that yagi from you!