Best material for a reflector?

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SUMMARY

The optimal material for constructing a cylindrical reflector for a 2.4GHz antenna is silver-plated copper, which provides superior performance due to its excellent conductivity. While aluminum is the most cost-effective option, copper offers the best performance for the price. The surface quality of the material is crucial, as skin depth at 2.5GHz is minimal, emphasizing the importance of a smooth surface. For DIY projects, aluminum foil is a practical choice, and numerous resources are available online for building parabolic reflectors to enhance Wi-Fi signals.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of RF signal properties, particularly skin depth at 2.4GHz
  • Knowledge of antenna design principles
  • Familiarity with materials science related to conductivity
  • Basic DIY skills for constructing reflectors
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the properties of silver-plated copper for RF applications
  • Explore antenna design techniques for 2.4GHz signals
  • Learn about the effects of surface smoothness on RF signal reflection
  • Find online resources for building parabolic reflectors for Wi-Fi enhancement
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for antenna designers, RF engineers, hobbyists constructing DIY antennas, and anyone interested in optimizing Wi-Fi signal performance.

david90
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What material would be best to use when making a cylindrical reflector (antenna) for a 2.4Ghz signal?
 
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Material

At 2.5 Ghz the skin depth of RF signals is quite small so to keep down losses
it should at least be smooth , but aside from that there is probably little difference between conductors such copper or aluminum.
 
Best material is silver.

Most cost effective material is aluminum.

Best performance for the buck is copper.
 
Material

The last post may be correct but the point is that it is only the surface which counts not the bulk.
Ray
 
david90 said:
What material would be best to use when making a cylindrical reflector (antenna) for a 2.4Ghz signal?

Are you perchance making a parabolic reflector to enhance your Wifi?

There's lots of literature on the Web about it, including blueprints for shape and curvature, and full instructions. I built a couple myself, takes about an hour and can be done entirely in your kitchen. The most sophisticated material used is aluminum foil.
 
rayjohn01 said:
The last post may be correct but the point is that it is only the surface which counts not the bulk.
Ray


I stand corrected.

Silver-plated copper is best.
 

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