Having moved to regional Queensland to discover poor internet
(meaning no Cable or ADSL at the time), I tried Satellite with
Reachnet and Telstra as a first attempt. but the speeds were
terrible.
Townspeople had reasonable Wireless Internet speeds but being 25km
from the transmission tower meant having to overcome the challenge
of distance.
As an amateur radio operator I understand propagation and could see
the possibilities of an external antenna and could build what I
needed.
Next Step Research
If you zero in on the Wireless frequencies that you wish to capture,
you can build the right antenna.
My focus was Telstra/Bigpond Next G only... If this isn't your
desired band, then you need to adapt for your location and Telco.
Using a borrowed broadband modem, with an external antenna port, and
using a generic VHF antenna I improved the receive signal. This gave
me heart to continue on and build a better Yagi beam antenna
resonant on 850MHz.
The Next G Yagi
8 Element Yagi - a uni-directional antenna. Black plumbing pipe
& 10mm dia. aluminium tube elements
Boom & elements
Drill holes at precise measurements, insert elements, leaving
space for the Driven Element
The Driven Element
The D.E. is basically a Dipole, equal lengths cut to resonant
frequency.
Connecting Feedline
White PVC was ideal diameter to fit over black poly beam and to
hold the D.E.
Inserted the coax feedline & terminated ends of coax with ring
terminals. Note very small holes in aluminium driven element.
The ring terminals were screwed into the DE holes inside white
pvc fitting.
Link to Questions and images from people all around the world
who built this antenna.
Important Update 2020
Telstra Australia has published the following:
" Telstra will be switching off 3G in 2024. Before switch off,
you can use handsets supporting 3G on 850MHz... After switch off
you will still be able to access the Telstra Network on 700MHz."
Find out more at:
Telstra 3G is Closing"
3G telecommunications is being retired in Australia in 2024
but I will leave this page live on the internet
The 3G mode [and 850MHz frequency] is still used in other
parts of the world
As you see in the
FAQ/Gallery Page
people from several countries sent feedback regarding their
build and how they use this antenna for their local
conditions.
It is still a relevant resource
Additional modelling information
I found some some good modeling information at
VK7JJ Next G Yagi
and Phil's work assisted my Yagi project.
By the way, I know there are commercial antennas which cost at
least $200 but I found they were "one-size-fits-all"and not
exact enough for my frequency, besides, making your own is so
much fun.
This DIY Yagi costs less than $20 so if you'd like to make one,
now you know how. ENJOY
If you have any feedback or stories regarding this antenna
please contact me.
Personal Projects
Never stop learning, sharing knowledge or travelling
Each of these images will link to a dedicated webage where I share
my Amateur Radio projects or travel pages.