Installed a roof top wi-fi antenna

[handyman 44]

i have not got a router can u buy just the pc card and find other networks or would i need a wireless network of my own.

 

[kamaleon]

I don't really understand your question, what exactly are you trying to do?

 

[handyman 44]

get internet 4 free

 

[kamaleon]

that's a crime.

 

[PoloMint]

Handyman, you wouldn't need your own wireless network, just a card that works with the external aerials. But as kamaleon says, using someone's internet/network without permision breaks a few laws.

 

[handyman 44]

ok many citys now have free wireless network hot spots norwich is now geting one would i be able to use it. with the said equipment .or more to the point my son lives with his mum shes to tight to get broadband .so we cant chat and game online .but his mate has a wireless network live about 200 meters away would this work with his mates permission.

 

[PoloMint]

It should work on the hotspots, but you might have to register for an account, which might have download limits on the amount you can use it.

As for your son, 200m is quite far, it depends on what's in between them, if it's a clear line of sight you might get something, but you would need to check the spec of the aerial.

 

[kamaleon]

200m within LOS (line of sight)'s nothing. You need the right gear though.

 

[PoloMint]

With the right equipment 2000m is not a challenge, but I doubt handymans sons mate has anything fancier than a standard wireless router, which is why I said 200m isn't a certainty

 

[kamaleon]

Yes, the router/acces point will be the limiting factor here. Though i would believe that with a high gain directional antenna within LOS on the other end, 200m can be achieved ;)

 

[rparkera]

You guys will know the Pringle can trick then (if not just google for Pringle can wifi). You can also use a USB plug in wifi antenna. Put it at the focal point of a wire mesh noodle strainer as cheap effect parabolic reflector
(I kid you not!)

 

[handyman 44]

many thanks lads

 

[kamaleon]

yes, poor man's wifi works with satellite dishes too.

 

[2cvbloke]

You guys will know the Pringle can trick then (if not just google for Pringle can wifi). You can also use a USB plug in wifi antenna. Put it at the focal point of a wire mesh noodle strainer as cheap effect parabolic reflector
(I kid you not!)

"Cantenna" throws up some good results too...

 

[rparkera]

Interesting - I sense a most bizarre homebrew satellite dish competition coming on ... anybody? Piccies please!

 

[rolfw]

http://www.satellites.co.uk/satelli...29-ireland.html?highlight=cantenna#post321586 shows one of our members using a cantenna.

 

[john_graydon]

Usually log on to wi fi broadband signals here in Dublin every day on my XDA in the car. The amount of unsecured networks is unbelievable, not that im complaining. Will think about a wi fi aerial just to check out the area i live in.

 

[rparkera]

Wow - great stuff; the Pringle can approach would give a bigger reception volume. Should get a really crisp picture :-) :-)

 

[Rd100]

I am going to make a wi-fi antenna, and see how good it works, I will have to get some Pringle in the xmas shopping next week,

 

[Rd100]

2000m would be easy to do but both the router & receiveing card would need outdoor antenna's with the right grade cable and high gain antennas

With the right equipment 2000m is not a challenge, but I doubt handymans sons mate has anything fancier than a standard wireless router, which is why I said 200m isn't a certainty