Cantenna

As Tim and I wrapped up an evening of climbing, hot dogs, and “Kung Fu Hustle” – compliments of Sam and Mareika- and headed to bed, we went over our list of things to do before we left town.  Straighten up the house, pack the van, shop for supplies…and then Tim threw in the kicker.  “Oh and we have to make a Cantenna.”

“Excuse me?” I asked.  “You know, a cantenna!” he responded.   I didn’t know, but I was soon to learn.

We’ve  been reading up on remote work environments, and a new gadget that we’ve been interested in picking up is a wireless magnifier.  This allows you to sit outside a library or coffee shop in, well let’s say a Sportsmobile, for instance, and pick up an existing wireless signal.  It amplifies the signal and allows you work without needing to sit inside.  For me this device is great, because I have to make lots of phone calls when I work and that is difficult when in a quiet library.   We had a few things we wanted to buy for this trip but this was the thing we prioritized highest.  I left it in Tim’s capable hands to make the purchase in time for our departure.

Well instead of purchasing this handy $50 item, Tim decided to research instead.  He has found a website which teaches you to make the “cantenna” from scratch…with a Pringles can, an antenna cable and some cable ties.  Alrighty then.  Apparently there is some controversy amongst homebrew Cantenna sites.  A Nalley’s “Big Chunk” Beef Stew can is arguably the better device.  But Tim tells me that we can’t haul the Big Chunk can around in Frank because it takes up too much room.  His practicality is noteworthy.

So when people ask me what my weekend will entail, it won’t be skiing or biking or celebrating our last days in Jackson for a month.  It will be Ace Hardware, Pringles and Big Chunk Stew.  mmmm, mmmm, good….