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(02.27.06)
Here is my version of the cookie antenna. I'm not sure of the exact dB gain, but I know there is a large gain over the standard antenna. I found the directions at http://www.seattlewireless.net/CookieCantenna
My card came with a moveable antenna. It is shown in picture 5 along w/the beer can reflector. Putting the moveable antenna on the window sill worked alright. I could find networks, but they weren't strong enough to get onto them. Adding the reflector allowed me to get onto the networks, but it wasn't very reliable.
The supplies for this project were under $7. The cantenna came w/the cookies. I had some coax laying around. I bought a few F connectors for $2. I had to buy a bolt and nut. I used part of a tuna can. The most troublesome piece was getting a reverse polarity SMA connector. I bought it from http://www.westlake-electronic.com/ The have a $15 minimum order so I bought some other items.
Picture 1 of the assembled antenna with a hose clamp.
Picture 2 shows the construction of the piece of metal that connects the stick to the cantenna.
Picture 3 is the metal in its final form. I drilled a hole in it so the bolt would fit through.
Picture 4 shows how the parts together. The size of the bolt isn't important.
Picture 5 shows how I connect the stick to my desk w/a clamp. Having a clamp lets me spin the antenna. To change the angle off the horizon of the cantenna I can loosen the nut, turn the cantenna to desired angle and then retighten, finger tight is all that is needed.
Picture 6 is it in action. How amazing!!!
Network Stumbler http://www.netstumbler.com/ is a good program to find networks. It gives you singal strength, signal to noise ratio and other info. It is also good for wardriving.
-dan
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