802.11b Pringles Can Antenna

More information to come. Someone at work directed me to the website of www.wardriving.com on how to build a Yagi antenna for operation on appx 2.4Ghz to find open wireless networks. This was a fun project to complete over the weekend. I learned quite a few things that will allow for easier construction when we put more of them together.

Here's the original pringles can. You will see it is painted olive green below for more of a military type effect.

Here's the hardware for the can. The aluminum tubing and threaded rod had to be custom cut to size (not a lot of fun with a hacksaw, maybe I should learn to use that dremel tool finally).

A hole had to be cut out to install the N connector. Notice the nice olive green color of the can!

Here's the N connector with the 12 gauge wire soldered in. Note to self (I do this EVERY time), do *NOT* attempt to hold the copper straight after applying solder and the iron to the base. The entire piece of copper is HOT!!!

Here's the completed element that goes inside the can. The instructions did not have cable ties on the list of items to use. I thought it would help hold the other plastic lid in place.

Here's a photo of the tube with the N connector glued on. This was my first time to use a glue gun. Not too bad of a job. It was a lot easier to control than I expected (the only problem is the can is round so the glue wanted to run down!).

Here's a photo of the inside of the tube. You can see the N connector with the 12 gauge wire installed.

Here's a photo of the front of the tube with the element installed.

Here's a photo of the completed Yagi Pringles Can Antenna. It's ready for action in the field!