Network Your Backyard: Detailed Instructions

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For the basic overview of the project, click here.

Parts:

• Linksys WRT54G Wireless Router ($70; various sources online)
• Linksys WRE54G Wireless Range Expander ($100; various sources online)
• Radio Shack Universal low power DC power adapter (pn: 273-1811) with 3 volt selector ($23; radioshack.com)
• Radio Shack 12 VDC Adapter Accessory Outlet (pn: 270-1527) ($7.49; radioshack.com)
• Solar Panel, at least 10-watts and 14-volts ($119; sundancesolar.com)
• Water resistant outdoor enclosure, 9" x 6.1" x 3.1" (pn: MC-ENC-196YG) ($12.91; defactowireless.com)
• Pacific Wireless 9 dBi 2.4 GHz vertically polarized omni-directional antenna with N-female connector (pn: OD24-9) ($57.95; wlanparts.com)
  



The following parts are available at any electronics or hardware store:



• 12 volt sealed lead acid battery with spade terminals (7 Amp-hour) ($21.99)
• 24-inch pigtail cable with N-Male connector ($14.95)
• 18-gauge wire, black and red - ($5)
• Female insulated quick-disconnect connectors, crimp-type, sized for battery spade terminals ($3)
• In-line fuse holder ($7)
• 10-amp fuse (50 cents)

Tools:

• Soldering iron, solder, solder wick
• Wire stripper, cutters
• Long nose pliers
• Screwdriver
• Electrical tape
• Xacto knife or razorblade

Steps:

Prepare the repeater:

1. Insert the CD for the Linksys WRT54G access point (AP) and follow the instructions for connecting it to your DSL or cable router. Assign an SSID (network name) and WPA pass key using the Setup Wizard.
2. Insert the CD for the Linksys WRE54G Range Expander and follow the instructions for associating it with the AP you set up in Step 1. Do this near the AP; we will move it outdoors once it´s associated.
3. Unplug the Range Expander and remove the power cord from rear of case.
4. Remove the four rubber feet and unscrew the four screws under the feet to pull apart the case. , )
5. Unclip the main circuit board and power supply board from the bottom half of the case.
6. Remove brown and blue power plugs entering bottom of case.
7. Unplug the black and red wires from the brown power supply board. We will no longer use the power board.
8. De-solder the antenna from the circuit board. Note how the antenna was connected (outer shield to grounding pads, center conductor to signal pad.)
9. Using long nose pliers, unclip the antenna from the top half of the case. We will no longer use that antenna.
10. Feed the DC-to-DC converter plug and the N-female pigtail through the opening you just made by removing the stock antenna. Also feed the pigtail through the opening of the outdoor enclosure.

Install the Antenna:

11. Strip and prepare the antenna pigtail. Make sure the shield is pulled back from the center conductor and the two are not touching.
12. Solder the antenna pigtail to the circuit board. Solder the shield into place first, then bend the center conductor into place and solder that down. You may wish to use an Xacto knife to expose the copper ground plane to help make a larger surface upon which to solder the outer shield.
13. Use an ohmmeter to ensure the shield is not shorting to the center conductor. Resistance should be infinite between the center conductor and the outer shield.