wrote in message
...
On Thu, 8 Apr 2010 10:38:59 -0700, "nom=de=plume"
wrote:

wrote in message
. ..
On Thu, 08 Apr 2010 07:23:26 -0400, John H
wrote:

On Wed, 07 Apr 2010 19:47:15 -0500, wrote:

On Wed, 07 Apr 2010 19:18:25 -0400, John H
wrote:

Has anyone ever used one of these? Do they do any good?

http://blog.rv.net/2010/02/wi-fi-a-b...GSC_Cyber Sam

or: http://tinyurl.com/ylbh98k



John, I use the Linksys Wireless-G USB adapter on a couple of my
systems, and each comes with a 6' cable. The Linksys USB adapter
works well and it's well supported (other than the fact that support
for legacy adapters with Windows 7 is pitiful). I've worked with a
couple of other USB Wireless adapters, though, I favor Linksys. If
you really want to have some fun, though, make a cantenna. The
results can be more than satisfying.

Thanks, J. Now, what's a cantenna? Is that the 'coffee can' referred to
earlier?

Since Harry contributed absolutely nothing of positive value or
substance, I'll answer by saying that a cantenna can be made from
coffee cans, which is what I've done in the past. But, I've read
cases in which they've been made from Pringles cans, among other
things. But a cantenna generically can also refer to any home-made
directional device that picks up wireless signals. To make a cantenna
function correctly, though, you need to have specific data for the
build, though not always comprehensible, and that's easily available
on the web.


The Pringles can is too narrow. It makes it hard to align properly...
never
tried it. I used a humongous can... worked fine.

Did you build yours using the trial-and-error method, Em, or did you
have a detailed build-plan with specs? Too, how long of a cable did
you use, if you don't mind my asking?


I used a detailed plan... found it on the web and checked with a couple of
sources just to make sure I wasn't wasting my time. My recollection is that
it was under 10 feet, since the desk is right there. The trial and error
part was with aiming the thing and getting it stable on the patio. I tried a
tripod, but the wind just blew it over or moved it too much. Finally got a
friend to bolt it to the house. Then, we played with getting it aimed, which
took a couple of hours and a couple of beers (after he got off the roof).

--
Nom=de=Plume