Home > Consumer Reviews > SMC SMCHMANT-4 Antenna 4DBI Indr Omni

If you're looking for big gains then look elsewhere.

Pros:
- 'stylish' for an antenna (some would think)
- multiple adapters included

Cons:
- 4db is not much of a boost compared to other antennas
- attached base does not tilt/swivel, so you're stuck with vertical orientation
- fixed 2ft cable is too short if you need an extension, but too long if you don't

Might be useful to someone with an under-desk system unit who needs to get the antenna up onto the desktop, but does not work well on either my SMC broadband router or D-Link repeater.

I'm not sure what hardware the last reviewer was trying to use to attach to this antenna -- maybe their toaster or bed-side alarm clock? Sure, I'm being a bit sarcastic, but one can see how dangerous making sweeping statements can be when one hasn't actually tested ones assumptions on other hardware.

I decided to buy this product, despite the poor review. I found that it comes, as stated by the manufacturer, with the standard size connector for reverse SMA-style connection (looks like a small coax with the male side on the router). It worked out of the box with my (original form-factor) D-Link DI-713P wireless router. It also comes with 2 adapters, one very small (the kind of coax they must use in Munchkinland) and one quite large (I would say close to the size of a standard cable TV coax).

The products performs very well if your requirement, like mine, is to get a bit of a power boost to reach the sundeck or backyard. Users wishing to become their neighbors' top choice for free wireless hotspot need not apply (the same goes for internet cafes, etc.)

Overall excellent price/performance.

I had no problems installing this antenna on my Belkin PCI wireless adapter. All I had to do is screw off the old antenna and replace it with the new one. Immediately, I got a much stronger signal (improved from fair to excellent). The 4dbi signal gain from the atenna and the ability to relocate it made a big difference.

The antenna has a nice metal base that adds weight to it so you don't have to worry about the cable dragging the antenna off.

The only improvement suggestions I have are:
1. Would be nice if the metal base had a rubber or felt bottom so it'll stick even better and won't scratch.
2. The cable (approx 3 ft) is adaquate if you plan to put the antenna on top of your computer or somewhere nearby. I wish the cable was longer so I can put the antenna higher up on a shelf.

I had a problem down the basement getting a signal.

Before, I had 0 signal

After, I had about half, or 46% signal strength

Hey, it's better than nothing

product will not plug into any of the popular network cards with jack provided or with adapters provided. Manufacturer's customer service has a long hold time and totally unhelpful "customer service" representatives. Could not find usable adapter at any supply house. Returned product. Save yourself the trouble and avoid this product.