Antenna Guide
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Answer: The Sensecap M1 on the Hotspot side is RP-SMA Female, which means it will require a RP-SMA Male connection. The cable you purchase must have an RP-SMA Male end.
Answer: Most manufactures use N-Male connections, meaning the other side of the cable must be N-Female connection. However, certain manufactures may use N-Female connections, if that is the case, you must use N-Male connection. Please do your own research when purchasing antennas to ensure your cabling is correct.
For cables purchased from Seeed Studio, you will need RP-SMA Male to N-Female.
Answer: Yes, please visit Seeed Store here.
NOTE: When purchasing antennas, please ensure you also select the correct frequency.
In electromagnetics, an antenna's power gain or simply gain is a key performance number which combines the antenna's directivity and electrical efficiency. In a transmitting antenna, the gain describes how well the antenna converts input power into radio waves headed in a specified direction.
Antenna gain is the same during receive and transmit modes. For example, if antenna gain is +3 dBi in the direction that the signal is received, the received signal power is 3 dB stronger compared to an omnidirectional antenna.
In general, isotropic radiator is a hypothetical or fictitious radiator. The isotropic radiator is defined as a radiator which radiates energy in all directions uniformly. It is also called isotropic source. As it radiates uniformly in all directions, it is also called omnidirectional radiator or unipole. Basically isotropic radiator is a lossless ideal radiator or antenna.
The expression dBi is used to define the gain of an antenna system relative to an isotropic radiator at radio frequencies . The symbol is an abbreviation for "decibels relative to isotropic."
Typically a higher dBI antenna does not always mean further/more coverage to earn more rewards. You will need to truly take a look at your surroundings and nearby Hotspots to determine the correct dBI.
Higher dBI antennas are more narrow and pass coverage to longer distances. (flat terrain/low Hotspot density)
Medium DBI antennas provide a bit more wider coverage than higher, but also don't reach as far. (consider this the middle of the two)
Lower dBI antennas provide more uniform AKA round coverage to a certain degree. (uneven terrain/surroundings with high Hotspot density)
NOTE: It is important to have proper antenna placement. Ensure your antenna is not blocked by concrete walls, stucco, massive buildings or dense trees/surroundings. If you can, consider moving your antenna outdoors such as mounting to a roof with a clear line-of-sight if your results are not feasible indoors.
Moving the antenna outside and higher can potentially result in higher earnings. Again, each Hotspot location is different, please do your own research before proceeding.
Please visit the Helium Tools page to find resources on Hotspot placement and RF coverage areas. There are many resources to help you make the best choice.
We've included a detailed video below from a fellow community member.
