How to extend wireless signal strentgh?

May 8, 2006 10:25 AM

Based on this AskMe thread, I just bought a Saitek A-250 wireless speaker system. However, the signal strength of the usb-connected transmitter isn't quite strong enough to penetrate the walls between my computer and my back yard.

I'd like to get a usb extension cable to move the transmitter closer to the yard, but I'm not sure what to get. From what I can tell, I'll need an active cable. Is this the best way to go? Is there a way to boost the signal strength without using an extension cable?

posted by MrMoonPie to computers & internet (6 comments total)

Is there a connector for an external antenna? You might want to build a reflector like the one at freeantennas.com and experiment with it; I made one for my wireless router in about 5 minutes with supplies I had around the house and it made a noticeable improvement.
posted by TedW at 11:07 AM on May 8, 2006

The transmitter is a little round thingie (maybe 2 inches across) connected to the computer by a 3-foot usb cable. A reflector might do the trick.
posted by MrMoonPie at 11:24 AM on May 8, 2006

Usually, you can open the case, find the antenna, and replace it with a longer wire, drill a hole in the case to let the new antenna through, and get better range as a result. You get best results if you know something about antenna design, and/or look up the ideal length to match the frequency, but often, you can't do much worse than what is already in place, since the default antenna is usually whatever will fit into the case rather than whatever gets optimal range. This should get you extra range, but who knows whether it would be enough.

However, for $20, that active cable seems the easiest way to go - these days it's getting hard to find even a plain USB2.0 cable that cheap. I might get one just for general handiness :)
For 16 ft, for this application, I suspect you probably don't need the active part, but as noted, you're probably not saving all that much by getting a normal cable, so why not? :)
posted by -harlequin- at 11:40 AM on May 8, 2006

Mucking with the antenna wire itself is a very bad idea. When it comes to those kinds of frequencies, you're as likely to make it worse as to make it better.
posted by Steven C. Den Beste at 1:05 PM on May 8, 2006

Steven:

You'd keep the original antenna as SOP (or take pics before altering it) - if you don't make things better, you can just return it to stock. But generally, a search on the web will give you the info you need to make a better antenna.
posted by -harlequin- at 4:16 PM on May 8, 2006

I think I'll go with the cable. Even if I then resort to a reflector or altering the antenna, the cable is clearly the easiest thing to try. Thanks all!
posted by MrMoonPie at 7:04 AM on May 9, 2006