Finding the right antenna

rccomp · 06-06-2003

I am new to the forums so hopefully I posted this in the right forum this time…

I have been looking for an antenna that really helps me pinpoint the location of the AP. I have been using my own neighborhood as a test. There are about a dozen AP’s in the neighborhood, but it has been very difficult to determine the actual house.

Please forgive me if the following details are not exactly described right.
I am using a 12db external flat panel antenna with a 30 degree beam width. I can easily find the AP and get a signal strong enough to connect, but I have been experiencing the following.

Signal reflection, where the house across the street from the actual AP gives me about half the signal strength of the actual AP house.

Bleed from houses behind the house I am trying to pinpoint.

I was considering some type of yagi antenna, but the prebuildts I have seen seem to have the same beam widths.

I would like to get my hands on an antenna that I can point at a house, get a signal, point it away, and get no signal.

I could probably build my own, but I don’t mind spending a couple of extra bucks to get one that I know will work right.

Can I shield the Flat panel to give it more of a direct beam. If so what would I use?
Other then that, Antenna suggestions?

X-2 · 06-07-2003

I'd say try a yagi. Just tilt it a little bit so you lose some signal this should help with a little of the reflected signal you are picking up. I tested this with an aironet clone and was able to pinpoint an AP to withing about 6 feet inside of a house.

I guess you could always practice by having someone randomly place an AP in a house and you try and find it from outside. It will help you know your antenna a little bit better.

rccomp · 06-08-2003

So I think I will try and gain a little more experience in two areas.

1. Building a yagi pringles can

2. Using a Yagi to detect Ap's

mopsie · 06-09-2003

The more (directing) elements you put on a yagi, the more directional it becomes - if that makes sense?? (as opposed to reflector elements)

http://www.wireless.org.au/~jhecker/helix/helical.html
http://www.andrewhakman.dhs.org/yagi/
http://seattlewireless.net/index.cgi/DirectionalYagi
http://trevormarshall.com/biquad.htm
http://www.wwc.edu/%7Efrohro/Airport...Primestar.html
http://www.wardriving.com/antenna.php

Take a look at some of these sites - may be of help....

rccomp · 06-09-2003

I was out buying the parts for my pringles can, and all I could find was about a 12 foot piece of the aluminum 1/4 inch tubing.

If anyone needs any, it's free for the asking...

06-06-2003	#1 (permalink)
rccomp Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 5	Finding the right antenna I am new to the forums so hopefully I posted this in the right forum this time… I have been looking for an antenna that really helps me pinpoint the location of the AP. I have been using my own neighborhood as a test. There are about a dozen AP’s in the neighborhood, but it has been very difficult to determine the actual house. Please forgive me if the following details are not exactly described right. I am using a 12db external flat panel antenna with a 30 degree beam width. I can easily find the AP and get a signal strong enough to connect, but I have been experiencing the following. Signal reflection, where the house across the street from the actual AP gives me about half the signal strength of the actual AP house. Bleed from houses behind the house I am trying to pinpoint. I was considering some type of yagi antenna, but the prebuildts I have seen seem to have the same beam widths. I would like to get my hands on an antenna that I can point at a house, get a signal, point it away, and get no signal. I could probably build my own, but I don’t mind spending a couple of extra bucks to get one that I know will work right. Can I shield the Flat panel to give it more of a direct beam. If so what would I use? Other then that, Antenna suggestions?

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06-07-2003	#2 (permalink)
X-2 WarLurker Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 11	I'd say try a yagi. Just tilt it a little bit so you lose some signal this should help with a little of the reflected signal you are picking up. I tested this with an aironet clone and was able to pinpoint an AP to withing about 6 feet inside of a house. I guess you could always practice by having someone randomly place an AP in a house and you try and find it from outside. It will help you know your antenna a little bit better.

06-08-2003	#3 (permalink)
rccomp Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 5	So I think I will try and gain a little more experience in two areas. 1. Building a yagi pringles can 2. Using a Yagi to detect Ap's

06-09-2003	#4 (permalink)
mopsie Registered Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: UK Posts: 91	The more (directing) elements you put on a yagi, the more directional it becomes - if that makes sense?? (as opposed to reflector elements) http://www.wireless.org.au/~jhecker/helix/helical.html http://www.andrewhakman.dhs.org/yagi/ http://seattlewireless.net/index.cgi/DirectionalYagi http://trevormarshall.com/biquad.htm http://www.wwc.edu/%7Efrohro/Airport...Primestar.html http://www.wardriving.com/antenna.php Take a look at some of these sites - may be of help....

06-09-2003	#5 (permalink)
rccomp Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 5	I was out buying the parts for my pringles can, and all I could find was about a 12 foot piece of the aluminum 1/4 inch tubing. If anyone needs any, it's free for the asking...