Van Life Hack: How to Build a Pringles Can Wifi-Booster
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- Опубліковано 2 лют 2025
- UPDATE* After more trial and error, I realize that my original Pringles Cantenna was built too far back into the can... this newer calculator suggests a distance of 2.5 inches. Good thing Pringles are cheap!
Thanks for watching! If you have experience building your own Cantenna, shoot me a link, I want to see it.
Questions? Hmu.
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And don't forget, Mr. Robot Season 3 this fall!! (ooo buddy am I pumped)
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I'm living the van life while going to college for computer programming in the oldest city in the nation. I loved this video!
Should have tested the external antenna without the can as I think that's what made most of the difference.
@Muhammad Neil i reported you scammer :)
You can also make a pringles can flesh light
I just made a cantenna today from a small pineapple tidbits can and its important to AIM it for precise signal. a little up/down/left/right to get it perfect. Great video, thanks!
I bought a super high gain / high power (5W) wifi "plate". I can sit on top of a hill and use wifi in anyones house within a 5 mile radius. I don't use it anymore as it is highly illegal in the uk, but then most things are.
BTW I got fantastic results by making just a flat plate reflector and using a USB to WiFi adapter that has an external "high gain" antenna. I tried the thing with and without the reflector and got such impressive gain with the reflector that I stopped experimenting at that point. In my case the reflector is made from 8"x 10" rectangular cardboard wrapped in multiple layers of heavy aluminum foil (for better skin effect). The "high gain" antenna (the "probe") is 4 1/2 inches long, mounted at the base of the 8 x 10 card, and otherwise centered on the card, with a 5/8th inch spacing between the high gain antenna and the surface of the card. This thing is simplicity itself. I used small pieces of folded over cardboard as spacers between the antenna and the card, and scotch tape to hold the usb dongle/antenna combo in place. This antenna is surprisingly directional (discounting reflected WiFi signals) and seems to have much higher gain over just the "high gain" antenna sitting in free space at the same location.
solid and casual experiment with most outcomes covered. good luck with this channel.
Great idea!! Muy twin sister is working on a van conversation and we were worried about her being able to stay in contact with family. Especially if an emergency cameup. Thank you. Don't forget to puff puff pass. Lol
Agree with below. I've been experimenting with different home-made WiFi long-range antennas. Unless you can R.F. decouple the USB cable from the WiFi dongle, you can't tell how much the "can" is contributing. Probably just the dongle taped to the tripod on the roof would be the same result.
choose the metric system
Just because Mr Robot took the case off the USB stick for drama, you don't have to. It's plastic and it's not there for radio waves, but it does keep the dirt and dust off the electronics.
The USB adapter should be 3.74 inches away from rear end for a 3 inch diameter can. I checked several calculator websites.
Did you try only the Wifi adapter on the roof without the can? maybe it's just stronger than the notebook's integrated wifi antenna. It shouldn't show more connections if the the signal radius is reduced to one direction with the can. it should show less but much stronger connections in that direction the antenna turned.
It's megabits, btw.
Very helpful video. I also live in a van and been troubled with the same problem. Very helpful thank you
Doesn't the Bazooka on a tripod camouflaged as a Pringles can on your roof ruin the stealth? :-)
You're a fan of MR and explained the math, certainly subscribed!
Thanks Spencer for the info, the tests. I live in Montreal (Canada) and planning to go west this winter, for the first time, with a motorhome i'am trying to fix ... The internet antenna was on my list to try :)
If you still get the starbucks wifi after rotating 180 degrees. It means your pringle can is not wokring. I think if you remove the pringles can and just leave the stick alone on the roof, you will get better results. Especially if your metric is the nunber of AP instead of the strength of the radio signal.
I have a 8inch android tablet, how would you make a wifi booster for a tablet??
yeah this
yeah double this....and give it to the next person
This was the easiest video to follow thank you
Thanks so much! That really helped to explain it. I need to catch up on the 2nd season of Mr. Robot ; )
Never seen it :/
@@briantruck2020 you can instead write this :| or :I or :l
I am a 77 year old radio man. But I don't know the frequency you are trying to receive. It should have been on the device you bought. I believe a common tin can a bit shorter maybe wider would work as well.
I would play with the distance from the back of the can as well. move the receiver ant up a bit and back a bit it can be fed in from the front as long as you don't block the front of the can with metal. Try any can you have.
2.4 GHz or more exactly 2.412 - 2.462 GHz (Channel 1-11)
FBI van ? ..lol..I'd be collecting packets on that bad boy
Good job on the video Spencer, keep them coming. Thanks for the info
There's an effect called "skin depth" which comes into play with aluminized cardboard cans. The aluminization is not thick enough to reflect (or block) WiFi signals. Need to use a tin can or similar. Wrapping a cardboard can (or tube) with a single layer of aluminum foil won't do it either, same reason. Good explanation in the notebook sketch of the diminutions required for the can and probe placement. Unfortunately, as we go higher in frequency the size and placement becomes more and more critical.
Good job Spencer, Thanks for the video
Spence! Love you vids man and you have a real talent! Big Sir is flippin saweet badude. Wish you had that thing back in high school bro!
Chris Jensen same here man. We would have put it good use! It’s good to hear from you man!
Not a valid test IMHO. The cantenna is directional and as such you shouldn't be too concerned with APs off axis. However the dongle is OUTSIDE of the van (a Faraday cage, of sorts) while the laptop is INSIDE the van. You should try it with just the dongle and both inside and outside the van. Also the dongle may just be more sensitive than the laptop antenna.
thank you fo the booster tip, I have an ALPHPA ANTENNA IN A TRAILOR PARK, IT WORKS A LITTLE FASTER,,,,
Lol great vid mate, as for the fbi van ap, I think that's funny seen that in orange, nsw bizarrely enough
Thank you for this video! Informative and entertaining. You are a great teacher.
Interesting. What about a tv antenna, could u tie into that to boost your reception?
"You're going to want to figure out how big your can is, and that will determine where you place your adapter." Hilarious wording with excellent content!
Im guessing you have heard of WiFi maps! Just saying because it works as an extra tool to go along with your WiFi booster for those password protected ap's! I've noticed that with the majority of places of business that don't offer free WiFi which I'm assuming an employee shared the password with fellow users of the app. It don't always work everywhere but mostly it does for me even on some home Wi-Fi networks that require a password. Either way it's a good tool to use if you don't always have free WiFi to connect too!
the number of APs has nothing to do with your can-antenna. you are using two different wifi cards for comparison, which is ofc wrong. Obviously your external wifi adapter had higher gain than your laptop's internal wifi card so it was able to detect more APs. the proper way to do the experiment is to use the same adapter one time without the can and one time within the can.
furthermore using can-antenna will REDUCE number of APs you discover on your pc because you are limiting your wifi card to only signals from one direction. so discovering more APs is a bad sign. thats why the pringles can isn’t the best choice, you get better results from a full metallic can. thanks :)
this doesn't make any sense to me. my can its 231 mm. but then you said the can size is 3/4ths the wave length? what do you mean 3/4ths of what? 124mm? or my 231mm if so, do you mean cut th can? i looked up aprox 9in by 3 in can it says my wave length is 5/8ths. I don't don't understand what the math is refering to especially the 3/4th's part
Damn- just discovered your channel- loved your build out and want to try this- though I don’t have a van, lol.
But I see you haven’t posted in 10 months. Did you start another channel? Quit vanlife? I hope you’re okay. I’ll check now and then to see if you’re back.
Rocket science in van life. Cool 👍
Why don't you run a speed test.?with both.
I think that there will be no effect from a cardboard jar. Perhaps Mr. Robot wrapped his jar in aluminum foil behind the scenes?
This is an awesome video! I'm Shani from Newsflare - a video licensing company. We work with loads of productions companies and I think that some of them would be interested in buying a license to use your video! Please reply to this comment for more info!
Shani Thanki-franklin well if it's not spam 👍
Check that out! so awesome.
great video, watched it to the end! Cannot believe you didn't choose a FLAVORED can off Pringle's!!! The science bit was executed well (MORE!!!)
My hero thank you so much ..clear instruction , and it works great at distance of 2,5 inches.One more time thank you.Go on with another video.
mr robot brought me here. It's like you know me
Cool shit buds converting a bus ATM in Aus watched your big sir tour loved the roof top couch 👌🏼
Hey bro.. loved the video.. I live in a house.. but i was tired of paying for cable internet.. coincidently my public library has free wifi 24/7 (which i already pay for) and is about 100 feet out of wifi range (but fast as f) so I'm gonna build a cantenna..
Did it work?
which episode does Elliot make the cantenna
oh all our math is based of the can legnth? our can is our wave length?
Late to the aprty but you should warn people about using open unsecured wifi.
Mate the video is very interesting and easy to follow but I was looking at your hand pretty much the time you are writing something that unable s me to follow swiftly hahah but this is good video tho.
I seen how many times you fucked up on the diagrams and had to flip the page lmao
I can pick up Starbucks WiFi from about 2 blocks away on my laptops & phones, with no external antenna. You're inside a metal vehicle, which blocks the signal. Get the laptop near the window or outside. You also get better reception if you set it on the roof of your van outside.
what is the maximum lenght of the cable to be used?
I’m sure the can doesn’t even do much u should’ve done a test where first just your computer, then the wireless adapter, then WiFi adapter with the stupid Pringle’s can
SCREW THE MATH. MAKE A SLOT, NOT A HOLE. ADJUST UNTIL THE BEST SIGNAL IS ACHIEVED. TAPE IT OFF THERE . Caps, not yelling
A Pringles can is actually rather bad for 2.4 Ghz Signal.
YOOOO!!! that's awesome. I learned that in Physics. But you have to stop writing with your left hand!
we cant see while hes writing, but thats not a problem!! :D
can it be used with a smartfone
You can create an inductance antenna with some solid core copper wire folded into a square helix then soldered onto a pig tail connector and placed near your phones internal antenna on the back of the case.
It works in a similar fashion to inductance charging but the fold dimensions have to be specific proportions to work well. Try googling it as i am to lazy to do so but you should be aware it is possible.
Anyone can tell me? should i really open up my adapter case? why? please explain it.
Exposing the built-in Antenna to the open for higher gain.
LMAO, this guy is so funny. the usb wifi radio is out and clear of sight. the computer is not a good wifi pickup. you should of tried the usb outside the can and inside. I guarantee you it will be no different. The pringles can is paper cylinder. it does not make a cantenna. He was really excited about his experiment. I mean, when i watched macgyver(the 80s version) I thought i could make the same stuff too. so your homework kid, dont really on tv.
By "science", you mean electrical engineering.
What does your shirt represent? I saw a sticker of the “face” a year ago, and keep seeing it wondering what it means.
The brand is "Obey". It's mostly repped by skaters and slightly more anit-establishment minded people.
Brand is Obey like Spencer said, it's a dude called shep fairey, street art legend.
This is the andre the giant "icon face" a simplified version of the original andre the giant sticker, that shep is famous for
libraries are good also
I have that same journal and use that same pen. Weeeiiirrrdddd
A Coffee Can is Much better! Make Sure it's a Bustelo Coffee Can because it's All Metal!
godspeed brother, its almost impossible now a days living independently like you, in a post 911 world-I know all about it. stay safe- thank you
I wish you had have put your laptop on the roof and use the integrated wifi to help eliminate your null hypothesis.
I have been looking for a way 2connect 2wi-Fi in myVan with windows covers, all button up, etc. I bought a cheap Netgear wi-Fi extender and that was a no go. It can't hurt 2try this. Thankhz so Much for sharing. Wholeness n Essence of Love ((-;
Is he using 107gr Pringles can?
Hey. There's not enough installation ..wrap tin foil around the can.
You say "adaptor"...WHAT KIND OF ADAPTOR??!!
Just get you a Yagi off of ebay for $11 and put the chips back in the can so they wont go stale.
Have a image?
You should try to get an old satellite receiver dish and place your USB wifi adapter in the focal point of that dish. Then try again. I bet the reception will improve considerably. (downside: ithe antenna will be directional. So you will have to aim it)
still living in a van?
Would medal can work better??? like a big,,,, I think they call them #10 can
Possibly. Something more reflective could concentrate the waves more. The dimensions of the can have more of an impact over all.
Tinfoil layer inside and report back please.
Yo...what's up buddy... How do I make my WiFi on my galaxy s7 stronger when I am online... I need to make it better for when I'm at work
Is that a Zebra pen? Those are worth the money
Just look at that ping !!!... you can stream 4K in that....SERIOUSLY!
I'am Your Newest Subscriber Great Videos
its just an adv of potatos.hhhhhh
I caught a FBI Van couple months ago in Bluffton Indiana when I was sitting at a Hardees eating.
Thanks
No speed check...👎
tried it. didnt work. imagine that....something on youtube lied to me.
Are you sure it isn’t user error?
@@dumbidiot1119 most likey is since I have a cantenna and it works great. just google it on youtube. this works but his design with the pringles can is just bad. you need to use a metal can
Burn Notice brought me here, not Mr Robot.
Where os the build?lol
Thank you for the educational video, just a question, what happens if I add another pringle can attached to another, will it boost more signal. And another one, instead of cylinder can, what about the cone one? Thank you.
Optimise!!
Yes, and Pringle's chips are bad for you. Food isn't taxed, but Pringle's is taxed because there isn't enough food product in it (potato) to qualify as a food. I know this is off topic, but it's a fun fact and you talked about eating healthy. I heard they burn good though if you need fire starter. LOL!
I don't think people think chips are food, but that is interesting.
LOL! Please tell me that this guy is joking, right. He knows nothing about antennas and WiFi signals! That antenna, if it worked at all, would reduce the number of hot-spots he could pick up, not increase then number! It would increase the signal strength of the hot-spot that he wanted to use. That is the purpose of a directional antenna!
hey am pakistani and info website the description is propakistan wooww
How Can I use it for Android? Did it anyone?
just google wifi gun or cannetena. there is a few channels that cover this and their designs work MUCH better than what you have seen here since they use METAL cans and not cardboard
half of the video ist he guy counting APs which seems useless in the first place...
you just proved why being a lefty is wrong..
Left handed yeeey
Is it dangerous to use these. Because of like radioactive stuff
I don't use computer
How couldn i use this on a phone ?
you would need to use a sma connector wifi card and get a converter coax cable from rp sma to the little connector at the back of your phone's antenna (Don't know it's name but a little google search should show it up) and you just connect it all together with a coax cable.
You’re left handed