| Re: \"generic\" WiFi antennas for Nikon WT-1
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I don't see any reason why I couldn't use one of these and save the $100+. What am I missing? Has anyone tried this before? Results?
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The Nikon WT-1 (as well as WT-2 and Canon WFT-E1) use a standard RP-SMA antenna connector, so there is a wide range of choices that you can work with if desired. Many of the standard WiFi vendors (eg D-Link, Linksys, etc.) offer antenae that will work with this transmitter, and there are a few aftermarket companies as well (eg Hyperlink). In many cases they may be preferable to the WA-E1 as conventional rubber-duck designs will mount directly on the camera.
Naturally, you do have to keep track of the EIRP so you don't exceed the FCC limits in order to stay legal (although given your background, you're probably very familiar with that as it stands). That isn't too difficult with the WT-1 as it's peak output power is only 5.5dBm (from their FCC filings) so you've got plenty of headroom for high-gain antenae but it's still something to keep in mind.
As for why the Nikon offering costs as much as it does, it's likely just a matter of the quantity of these units that they sell. Wireless transmitters are a bit of a niche market to start with, and only a subset of those users will need bigger antenae. As such, the unit costs of producing, stocking and distributing them in all of their markets is somewhat high. Wireless routers, on the other hand, are generally mass-market devices so accessory antenae are more common and factors of production help to push the prices downward.  | 
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