How to Build a Cantenna

Constructing a cantenna is very easy. I will show you how to build a coffee can cantenna here. Visit the Links page to find instructions on how to build different types as well as other useful information relating to the cantenna.

Fist off, you need to colect your parts. You need:

• A N-Female chassis mount connector
• 4 #4-40 Hex Nuts
• 4 #4-40 Pan head slotted screws
• Some thick wire
• A tin can - Soup Cans and Coffee cans work well. You want it to be fully metal (If you want to use a Pringles can, you have to make the inside conducting)
• A wireless adapter to connect to the antenna (best if it has an external antenna jack)
• A pigtail - N-type on one side and whatever connector you need to hook up to your wireless adapter on the other side

Some tools that will help you in this project are (though not all are necessary):

• Marker
• Can opener
• Ruler
• Hammer
• 1 4d 1- 1/2" nail
• Drill
• 1/2" and 1/8" metal bits
• Soldering iron
• Rosin core solder
• Wire cutters/strippers

Now, the first thing to do is remove the contents of the can (preferably by eating/drinking whatever it contains) and then clean (and I mean clean) the can.

Next, Calculate the center point for your antenna using you diameter and length. This is best done with this applet. Mark a the center point on your can with the marker. Start a hole in the can using a nail, and then use the 1/2" drill bit to finish it off.

Now, insert the N-type female connector in the hole, and mark the mounting holes. Again, start these holes with a nail and use the 1/8" drill bit to finish it off.

Screw in your connector and make sure everything is lined up. Once you have it lined up, take it off again.

Strip a bit of wire about an inch longer than you calculated in the applet. Now, you need to connect the thick wire to the brass fitting on the connector. This is best done with a soldering iron, however, there are many ways to do this. Make sure to cut the wire so that the length of the wire and the brass connector is the length you calculated in the applet.

Now put the connector back in (last time I promise!) and screw it down tight.

Now you can connect your your wireless card to your antenna via the pigtail. You're done! The only thing left to do is test your connection. Remember it is directional. You have to be pointing it at the router to get reception.

More information and other useful links.