High Gain 9db Antenna for 5G

Summary

In this video tutorial, the creator guides viewers through building a high-gain 5G antenna, expressing dissatisfaction with the expensive and underwhelming commercial options. The DIY antenna is designed for 3.3 to 3.8 GHz frequencies, offering around 9 dB of gain. The build uses brass for optimal performance, though alternatives like galvanized steel are mentioned. Detailed steps include cutting brass pieces, drilling holes for assembly, and soldering connections. The finished antenna impresses on the network analyzer, showing strong responses in the 5G band and a secondary response for mid-range cellular networks.

Takeaways

• 📡 The video focuses on building a high gain 5G antenna, offering an alternative to expensive commercial options.
• 💰 The host expresses dissatisfaction with the high prices of available 5G antennas, motivating a DIY approach.
• 🔍 The host has previously reviewed 5G antennas, finding one good and the other disappointing.
• 🛠️ The antenna design is inspired by a previous video, aiming for around 9dB of gain using specific materials like brass.
• 🔩 Materials can be substituted; using cheaper materials like tin may reduce gain by about 1dB.
• 🔩 The build uses brass for its electrical properties and ease of use, but galvanized steel or even cookie tins can be alternatives.
• ✂️ Basic tools are required for the build: calipers, a set square, scissors, masking tape, and a soldering iron.
• 📏 Detailed measurements for the antenna's main driven element and reflector are provided, crucial for accurate frequency tuning.
• 🔗 The antenna is constructed with M3 nuts and bolts, and the video includes a template for cutting parts.
• 📊 The antenna shows excellent performance on the network analyzer, especially in the 5G frequency band of 3.1 to 3.7 GHz.
• 🌐 The video concludes with a positive assessment of the DIY antenna's capabilities and a call to action for viewers to build their own.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the video?

The main purpose of the video is to guide viewers on how to build a high gain 5G antenna.

Why is the presenter not impressed with the 5G antennas available in the market?

The presenter is not impressed with the available 5G antennas because they seem to have a high price tag that does not match their performance, which he considers as '5G price tag hype'.

What is the expected gain of the antenna if built with the same materials as the presenter's?

The expected gain of the antenna is around 9 dB if built with the same materials as the presenter's.

What material does the presenter recommend for building the antenna?

The presenter recommends using brass for building the antenna due to its properties and because it does not require a case to be built over it.

Can other materials be used to build the antenna, and what would be the impact on performance?

Yes, other materials like galvanized steel or even old cookie tins can be used, but there might be a slight reduction in gain, potentially by about 1 dB or slightly more.

What is the frequency range that the main driven element of the antenna is designed for?

The main driven element is designed for a frequency range of 3.3 to 3.8 gigahertz.

How many parasitic elements does the presenter suggest for optimal performance?

The presenter suggests a maximum of four parasitic elements for optimal performance, as going beyond that can drop off in performance.

What tool does the presenter use to cut out the antenna elements from the brass sheet?

The presenter uses a bandsaw for cutting out the antenna elements, but mentions that a decent pair of scissors can also be used.

How does the presenter ensure the accuracy of the measurements for the antenna elements?

The presenter ensures the accuracy of the measurements by marking out the segments on the brass sheet with masking tape and using calipers to measure the dimensions.

What type of coax cable does the presenter use to connect the antenna?

The presenter uses semi-rigid coax cable to connect the antenna, with an SMA connector already soldered on one end.

What is the purpose of the network analyzer demonstration at the end of the video?

The network analyzer demonstration is used to show the performance of the built antenna, particularly its frequency response and gain across the 5G band.