Step 6: Securing the Pigtail
Run the pigtail cable alongside the wooden
platform (as shown in Figure 2-20). Use small drops of glue or
some tape to fix the first inch of insulation firmly to the
wooden platform. Zip ties or plastic bundle-ties also work
great. Just don’t use anything made of metal or antenna
characteristics could change.
Do not use metal twist-ties to secure the
pigtail. Twist-ties are often used to bundle cables together in
consumer electronics, especially with wireless networking gear.
The metal inside the twist-tie may adversely affect the antenna
properties. Use a nonconducting plastic or glue for best
results.
This will guarantee that the fragile soldered
connections do not need to bear the weight of the antenna, and
will help prevent breakage when the antenna is moved relative to
the laptop.
Step 7: Inserting the Antenna Elements
Insert the remaining three wires in their
appropriate locations as “elements.” The prongs don’t need to be
centered on the platform, but it is best to center them in
relationship to each other. (See Figure 2-21.)
Touch each wire with a drop of glue where it
passes through the platform, just to hold the wires in place.
(See Figure 2-22.)
