Double BiQuad sector antenna for 5-5.8 GHz / WiFi / WLAN

Introduction

This is basic instructions for handmade WiFi 5-5.8 GHz 13-14dBi Double BiQuad external antenna.

Note: The dBi scale is logarithmic in base 10, where +3 dBi is a doubling in gain! An increase in gain of +1 dBi is equivalent to an increase of 26% and +2 dBi is equivalent to an increase of 60%. This means that the increase in +1dBi is a big deal.

I used computer software 4nec2 (antenna modeler and optimizer) version 5.8.11 to model theoretically the perfect antenna. All measurements based on very careful analysis with computer software which results many times has been proven to be quite accurate and reliable in physical world.

5 - 5.8 GHz is fairly wide frequency range so I calculated 6 antennas for 6 diff. frequencies: 5200, 5300, 5500, 5580, 5700, 5805 MHz and found out that all parameters is quite the same, so instead of dozen antennas for every channel I would recommend single based on average calculations from six simulations. Hence here's a guide.

(Simulation parameters for six antennas and averages)

Description

Target frequency 5200 - 5805 MHz

Simulation NEC Input files:

• 5.2GHz_DBIQUAD_ANTENNA.NEC
• 5.2GHz_DBIQUAD_ANTENNA_NoLips.NEC
• 5.3GHz_DBIQUAD_ANTENNA.NEC
• 5.3GHz_DBIQUAD_ANTENNA_NoLips.NEC
• 5.5GHz_DBIQUAD_ANTENNA.NEC
• 5.5GHz_DBIQUAD_ANTENNA_NoLips.NEC
• 5.6GHz_DBIQUAD_ANTENNA.NEC
• 5.6GHz_DBIQUAD_ANTENNA_NoLips.NEC
• 5.7GHz_DBIQUAD_ANTENNA.NEC
• 5.7GHz_DBIQUAD_ANTENNA_NoLips.NEC
• 5.8GHz_DBIQUAD_ANTENNA.NEC
• 5.8GHz_DBIQUAD_ANTENNA_NoLips.NEC

Configuration symbols in NEC Input files:

• ED  - Element square diagonal length / 2
• WR - Wire radius
• S - Spacing between element and reflector
• RH - Reflector height / 2
• RL - Reflector  length / 2
• LH - Height of reflector "lips"

All dimensions in .NEC data files and graphs are in wave-length ratio.

Main 4nec2 windows with parameters (antenna with lips on the left, without on the right) 

Gain (antenna with lips on the left, without on the right)

 

3D Radiation pattern

  

Overview

   Scheme for double biquad without "lips"

Parts Required N-Type (female) panel mount connector Reflector - Any metallic sheet like copper or Copper Plated Blank Circuit Board 1.6mm thickness Cable - read this guide before doing anything else: Guide to Antenna Cables & Connectors (Very important to choose proper cable! the longer the cable length, the more signal loss you'll have through the cable. Long cable will defeat the purpose of the antenna. Read the guide for more info.) ~30 cm length of copper wire for the element. 1 mm in diameter. Wider is not recommended. Spacers in each end of the element to hold its position and spacing correct height between the radiator and the reflector. Spacers must be from any non-metallic material. Plastic will do alright.

N-Type (female) connector Single Sided Copper Clad Board

Building the antenna

I will not show you picture after the picture how to drill the hole in center of reflector. How to use ruler. How to do proper soldering. What kits to use and etc. There are plenty of tutorials for these steps: http://www.ziva-vatra.com/index.php?aid=16&id=SGFyZHdhcmU=, http://martybugs.net/wireless/biquad/ or http://martybugs.net/wireless/biquad/double.cgi
(Note: all calculations in links are for 2.4 GHz WiFi antenna. Use mine calculated data and measurements for 5-5.8 GHz antenna.)

(Note: Pictures below not to scale)

Element bending

 

Use this PDF file for bending wire contour. Print without changing scale and contour will be correct size on paper.

Before you start to bend the wire, make it straight as you can. 

Ensure each side of the element is as straight and symmetrical as possible.
The element sides are rectangular and widths are 1.4 cm, measured from wire center to wire center. 

The more accurate you do the better as the analysis shows a huge impact in element dimensions.



Mine wire bending technique in the crossing sections.

Note: You must leave a ~1.5 mm gap between the element wires cross overs and solders.

Guidance and recommendations

N-connector in the center of reflector. Maintain correct reflector’s dimensions.

Maintain correct spacing between the element and the reflector! 0.5 cm (or 0.4 cm if yours without lips)

You must leave approx. 1.5 mm gap between the element wires cross overs and soldered contacts.

Use spacers in each end of the element to strengthen its position and spacing proper height between the radiator and the reflector.

Spacers must be from any non-metallic material.

Finished. Lying on the belly.

Usage

 

This antenna should get the best performance at horizontal polarization.
Note: The antenna is horizontally polarized then reflector is held vertically.

Outdoor usage

If you intend to use this antenna outdoor, you will need to make it weather-proof to prevent corrosion.
Some people have used small tupperware containers, but it looks ugly at the top of the roof. I rather choose the corrosion… Or the good painting with some silicone on soldered contacts.

After you build your own antenna, you need proper cable with connectors to connect antenna with your modem.

Click here: Guide to Antenna Cables & Connectors

References

3.5 GHz antenna 4nec2 analysis and testing: http://wimaxvedlys.blogspot.com/2013/02/double-biquad-35-ghz-wimax-antenna.html
MIMO technology tests, two antennas gives better performance (Use two only if you have weak signal with one): http://www.danlampie.com/?p=708
How-To: Build a WiFi biquad dish antenna: http://www.engadget.com/2005/11/15/how-to-build-a-wifi-biquad-dish-antenna



Last updated on 11 Jul 2014