Hawking 6dbi antenna MAKE $5 after rebate at Compusa

[wfay]

Here's the thread on FW:
thread

Hope mods don't mind, I don't cross-link often...

 

[Zap]

Originally posted by: Devistater
In looking for reviews, I noticed newegg has this for $20. So far thats the only reviews I've seen, if you count the customer reviews on newegg as reviews.
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproductdesc.asp?description=33-164-005&DEPA=5

Newegg now has it for $12 AR, $2 shipping.

Regarding antennas and reviews... as long as the manufacturer doesn't outright lie about gain, they all work the same. If you already have a good signal, won't get any better. If you are using wireless for internet access, as long as your signal doesn't drop your internet speed won't change no matter what signal strength. If you are using wireless for data transfers (especially larger files) then signal strength and quality is essential, so high gain is mandatory.

If your WAP/router is at one end of the house, consider a directional panel antenna for the base. This not only boosts signal at other end of the house, it also attenuates signal behind the directional antenna, thus having a minor security benefit.

Most budget antennas have 4-8dbi gain. That's decent. Direct replacement antennas (not a stand-alone with cable) are available for pretty cheap, but those are near useless for a PCI card in a PC since mostly you need better placement, not higher gain. For the base unit you can raise it off the floor for better signal. Wireless signals don't like traveling through metal, so if your computer sits behind a metal filing cabinet, either move stuff around or get an antenna with enough cabling.

If your signal is really crap, you can get much higher gain antennas if you're willing to spend bucks. 9+dbi is available for around $25. 14+dbi probably around $45. Heck, you can get huge 24dbi dish antennas for around $100, give or take. At work we have these puppies pushing 7 miles, line of sight, with a decent signal. All these better antennas do not include cabling, so add $10-25. These are available at various retailers that specialize in the WISP market.

 

[cparker]

Regarding gain antennas, you might want to check out "www.freeantennas.com". They have these parabolic reflectors that slip on stock antennas and I can say that they work. You just print it on paper and use the template to cut out some light cardboard (I used file folders) and then paste some aluminum foil on the back. It works, really well. Also they have templates for corner reflectors. I read somewhere of someone taking these hawking omni antennas and using a corner reflector on it to get nice gain. Again, you print out the template and then paste aluminum foil on it. I think you could experiment with a file folder and just tape some foil to it and then fold it at the angle the recommend and place it on the back of the hawking at a few inches or so. Experiment. I think it might be great and it's free if you already have the hawking.

 

[monkuboy]

I didn't buy this antennae but I bought the usb wireless adapter that combines the card with the antenna - I replaced a Linksys 54G card and the difference is like night and day. The Hawkings is wayyyy better. The connection is now almost always 54mps with "excellent" connection whereas with the Linksys, it hovered under 10 with a poor connection. Also, to answer previous post, I am using this with a Linksys 54g wireless router that has 2 antennae and it works fine. Bottom line - the Hawkings antenna is a good product, even more so after any rebate (although from this thread it sounds like there is no rebate anymore).

 

[larryhilton]

do these things really work?