TechIdiots Forum

Finally got hold of the PVC that I had had stashed at dear ole Mom's! I love PVC.. is like tinkertoys or K'Nex for grownups!







Another fortunate happenstance... the pipe clamp used with the Vagi antenna is sized for both 1inch and 1.25 inch piping!
No, I did not know this. It did take a little dremeling down and camfering down of a few sharp corners but all fit snug.

You other version looked a little less conspicuous does it get better signal higher up?

What in the rectangular box? Is that the router you mention you where going to add?

Oh it is far more conspicuous but I think it is worth it for the reduction of interference from top of vehicle. I have seen an improvement in range and in transfer rates. I WAS lucky to be getting 1/4 mile on a regular basis and now 1/2 mile detections are becoming more common.

Plus the main mast IS removable, so I can take radio and all and stash it in the van or bring it inside for diagnostics and experimentation.

Inside the enclosure is the same 500mW realtek/Alpha/WifiLink USB adapter that I have been using for several weeks now. I love those adapters.. powerful, Cheap and seem to be VERY reliable

IF you post a link to WiFi-link.com and then go to thier site and tell them about it along with the link to the post, they will ship a free one to you to KEEP! I have been scheming to lay hands on another one, just have been to busy to build an identity

I have been getting more looks and questions now. Plus the mast DOES generate a significant amount of drag at highway speed.

I should try to lay hands on either a panel or backfire style antenna for freeway use

I have learned that PVC pipe is great becasue it is modular.. Is possible to have a variety of radio and antenna combinations each with thier own masts that can be swapped in and out.

I have a 16dB colinear omnidirectional antenna that was gifted to me by the same friend that had gifted me the other hardware so I will buy a few more 1.25 inch fittings and see if I can make a removable mount for it, too. Removable for that tall beast ( close to 5 ft) is mandatory. Would use it while stationary.

Once I do get to run a converted wrt54g board, (mod for PoE and rsma pigtails), I could have one heck of a repeater setup.

Currently ( warning PUN ahead) I am starting to reach a power crisis. 500mW is translating to a serious drain on my laptop's battery, so I am also conjuring some way to add an externally powered USB hub to the entire rig. far plan is for solar power and a battery so rig can be independantly powered from van power.

Oh, I think this is going beyond scope of general wardriving and into hardware..


---mystic