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How to Build your own Cantenna
DIY Technical Guide
How to Build Your Own Cantenna
A simple, effective directional antenna you can build from a food tin. Properly constructed, a cantenna delivers approximately 8.5 dBi gain with very low loss — ideal as a reference antenna or for extending WiFi and 5G range.
📌 Critical: The can diameter must be exact for your target frequency. Always measure from the closed end and trim if needed. The probe must not touch the can walls.
2.4 GHz Cantenna (WiFi)
Bandwidth: 1.9 GHz to 2.5 GHz — covers all WiFi 2.4 GHz channels
Specifications
| Can size | 117 × 100 mm |
| Suitable tins | Large food tins (potato, dog food) |
| Gain | ~8.5 dBi |
| Connector | N-type panel mount |
3.5 GHz Cantenna (5G)
Suitable for 5G mid-band applications
Specifications
| Can size | Standard 400g tin |
| Suitable tins | Soup, beans, standard food tins |
| Gain | ~8.5 dBi |
| Connector | N-type panel mount |
5.8 GHz Cantenna
Compact design using smaller tins
Specifications
| Can size | Small tin (see diagram) |
| Suitable tins | Baby food, tomato purée |
| Gain | ~8.5 dBi |
| Connector | N-type panel mount |
Mounting & Installation
Indoor Use
- Screw the base directly to a bracket, or
- Drill two small holes and thread a cable tie through to attach to a pole
Outdoor Use
- Position with connector facing upward
- Drill ~4mm drainage holes on the opposite (lower) side
- Optionally cover the opening with UV-resistant plastic or cling film
- Alternative: inject expanding foam to seal the interior
Patch Leads
You’ll need a patch lead to connect the cantenna to your device. Common options:
Need help identifying your connector? See our connector identification guide.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
⚠️ Probe touching the can — This is the most common issue. If the probe contacts the can wall, you’ll see decreased signal strength instead of a gain. Ensure the hole is wide enough and the probe is centred.
Customer feedback: “I noticed the cantenna decreased my signal strength. When I took it apart I found the probe was touching the can. I widened the hole and now have a constant 10 dB improvement.” — P. Robinson
💡 Tip: Our cantenna kits include a pre-cut probe at the correct length — simply follow the drilling diagram and you’re done.
Why Use a Kit?
📏
Pre-Cut Probe
Correct length for optimal impedance matching — no trimming needed.
🔩
Hardware Included
Screws and nuts supplied — just add a suitable tin.
✓
Tested Design
CST Microwave Studio verified for reliable 8.5 dBi gain.
Ready to Build?
Our cantenna kits include everything except the tin. Pick your frequency and get started.
Radiation pattern analysis courtesy of CST Microwave Studio. Posted by Peter Martin.