Hey all I got a question requarding wireless network cards (802.11G) Is there technically any difference in the internal radio power of wireless cards? Keeping that question in mind Im breaking it down into three classes: 1. Laptop cards (PCMICA?) 2. Desktop cards (PCI) 3. USB "thumb drive style" adapters Why all this? I have to build something cheap to grab a signal across a field. I know it can be done. Anyway this "device" Im building requires the wirless adapter/radio of one of these three devices (I have all 3 laying around) However all the projects Ive seen look like they are using the laptop style cards. My guess is the usb style is the weakest between the three?

http://cantenna.com/ That's made to be used with a USB adapter. You might have to extend the length of the cable. How do you know when a politician is lying? His mouth is moving.

Yeah thats what Im trying to build, however that looks to be once again connected to a laptop... Not a USB? So my question still remains on power. Because if you open a USB stick theres not a screw on tip connector like the PCI cards do for an antenna, and I dont believe the laptop cards have a screw on either. Are "range booster" cards have a higher radio power or just use a different method of boosting the signal??

It uses a Hawkings HWUG1 USB Wireless G adapter & yes, it has a screw connector. It doesn't come with Cantenna. I bought it from Best Buy. I can connect it to any machine. Once it's enabled it will capture any available signal. Adapter cards or any receiver for that matter, don't boost the signal. At best it has a better capture ability. However, as I said, you may need to use an extension to make it work since the wire is very short. If you call Cantenna, ask them if they sell extensions. I'd like to get a 50' cable & put it on the roof. How do you know when a politician is lying? His mouth is moving.

Well Im BUILDING mine. I have to use N coax PL-259 wont work right? And power isint a good word I mean to say dB. Which style wifi cards have the higest dB? (USB, PCMICA, PCI) Cantenna is so simple Id rather build it.

That's the way I do things, the simple & easy way, buy it, connect it & use it. I think location means more than which style card is used. For example, if I put Cantenna on the roof, it's will pick up signals better than something inside the building. Where do you plan to locate yours? How do you know when a politician is lying? His mouth is moving.

Inside right in my window. However Im building another one for fun with a satellite dtv dish I heard if you point a cantenna into a dish it will widespread the sharp signal and you can grab lots of networks at once