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As a spin off from our celebrated 2004 student project "Cookware" WiFi
dish mesh antenna (=> http:// www.usbwifi.orcon.net.nz ), we've
recently considered a similar approach to enhance marginal Woosh
signals here in Wellington/Hutt. Of course 2.4GHz WiFi is near Woosh's
~2GHz IPwireless service, but usefully a parabolic reflector brings
signals to a fixed focal point that's unrelated to frequency. The small
Woosh modem ceramic antenna is behind the curved top indicator LEDs, &
has best pick up when at 90 degrees to the Woosh site - it works better
one way too ( when upright with the Woosh label/battery cover side
pointing AT their site)

Gentlemen - using the same 300mm "scoop" cookware as for USB WiFI, it's
been a doodle to bring weak Woosh signals up GREATLY. A typical
portable trial over a ~5km link ( mostly LOS harbour but with some
trees & buildings our end) raised both a miserable 1 bar strength &
quality signal to 3-4 bars, with corresponding service speed
improvement. Not only is this new antenna dead easy to make and adjust,
but it even looks (eek!) a fashion accessory that'll suit portable work
in a library etc. Covered with a jersey or plastic bag it becomes
almost invisible. Recommended !

Of course Woosh market an external antenna, BUT that best suits a fixed
location & hey - this is the laptop age ! In fact our "scoop" approach
can even still be used for WiFi by swapping out the Woosh modem for a
USB dongle. Such flexibility is handy here in Wellington where the
celebrated CafeNet WiFi covers the city. Along with the original 4
Wellington City sites, the 4 new Woosh Hutt sites ( Petone, Moera,
Naenae, Queens Drive) allow us capital road warriors extreme wireless
Internet convenience.

NOTE: Woosh have a 6.5km radius footprint here in Wellington, & even if
signals are strong ( such as 8 - 11km away across the harbour in
Eastbourne) the service will annoyingly NOT connect. Don't know why
they've limited to this, since similar IPWireless services elsewhere
are greater - Maui Sky Fiber in Hawaii quote 7 miles (~ 11km) & even
GSM/GPRS cellullar is good for 35km.

Bill of materials largely a 300mm #12" cookware scoop ( ~ NZ$10 from
most Asian Food outlets - Davis Trading Petone etc) & a flexible stalk
desklamp ( ~NZ$8 from The Warehouse) + screws etc. For $NZ 20 & basic
hand tools you could rustle one up in a flash.
See the WiFi version => http://www.usbwifi.orcon.net.nz/btique.jpg -
we'll add a Woosh variant as =>
http://www.usbwifi.orcon.net.nz/wooshant.jpg in a few days.

Stan. @ Massey