Use a "protection" or adapter pigtail: It's possible that the antenna you
choose will utilize a connector other than the MMCX connection incor-
porated in the SMC2532W-B Wi-Fi card or the MC connector found on the
Buffalo WLI-CB-G54A card. You can adapt the antenna to the card by
using a pigtail with the appropriate connecters at either end. (See
"Making the connection," earlier in this chapter.)
Putting an External Amplifier in the Mix
I've found it really handy to amplify my wireless signal when I'm hauling over-
dimensional freight (you know -- WIDE LOAD stuff). It's hard enough to find
adequate parking when I'm hauling freight that fits nicely on the trailer, but
hauling something wide or long cuts down my choices and usually leaves me
looking for my hiking boots and canteen for the trek to the truck stop to get a
shower and a meal. (It feels like that, anyway.)
When parking that far from the facilities, it often seems that the wireless
signal strength lacks gusto. In those situations, if you have an amplifier in
conjunction with a high-gain antenna, you're still in business. Here's where
the sections entitled "Setting up an outdoor omnidirectional antenna" and
"Setting up an outdoor directional antenna" come in especially handy: The
same guidelines for installing the antenna, as well as for planning and
installing the coaxial antenna cable, apply to an amplifier -- with only one
additional consideration: leave the coax a bit longer. Here's why . . .
When installing an external amplifier, always leave the terminating end of the
coax about eight to ten inches longer than you otherwise might. That way, if
you need to bend the cable to connect it to the amplifier, you can do it gently.
The amplifier can then be easily incorporated into the system.
Providing power is the only real problem I've encountered when installing an
amplifier, whether for intermittent or constant use. The amplifiers included in
most kits include a power cord designed to provide 12 volts of DC power to
the device. In most instances, this cord is long enough to reach the power
source it's designed to access -- but sometimes you might find that the
placement you've chosen for your amplifier is a bit too far from the plug.
Resist the urge to alter the power cord provided with your amplifier. You'll likely
void your amplifier's warranty and you might damage the transformer. Rather
than try to splice extra lengths of wire into the cord, you're better off if you
install a compatible plug close to the location of the amplifier. If you feel that
you absolutely, positively, must lengthen or otherwise alter the cord, call the
manufacturer before you do so. See whether they can make up a custom cord
or provide you with an alternative solution.
Part I: The Wonderful World of Wireless Fidelity
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