rf interference

[qip]

is anything in front of the antenna considered interference ,like say a curtain,or how about glass window....and ive read about bending metal to improve range ,does it mater wether the metal is steel or aluminum..and how far behind the antenna do you put it...and mpkn3rd i ordered the 19dbi panel and it comes in tomorrow thanx for the help

[M/Q]

As for blocking the signal, you can try and imagine there are two methods. Absorption (not the exact technical term) and reflectance. You can tell if something is absorbing the signal by placing a test piece in a microwave, if it gets hot it is absorbing. Reflectance will occur with any hard shiny object as wireless is almost like radar. The best reflectors are metal. The aluminum or steel you mention is not noticeably different in that regard. I have linked that site that has the little reflectors I think you are referring to, it has the dimensions and talks about how it works.

http://osiris.urbanna.net/antenna_designs/projects/template/

[qip]

i gather that the reflector wont be nessessary for me cuz im using a panel antenna,i think it is meant to use on omni antennas to make it directional and focus the waves in front .....correct me if im wrong or missed something ,but thats what i assume from reading and looking at the pictures.

[M/Q]

No you are correct. I thought you had a noce that had the normal vertical dipoles attached to it as well