Handheld or companion node
A portable whip
Choose an antenna intended for the operating band, with a connector that matches the node and a size you can carry.
Check official documentation ↗HARDWARE / BUYING GUIDE
Choose a 915 MHz antenna
Match the band and connector, keep the installation practical, and test the result.
Roofline or mast installation
A fixed outdoor antenna
Plan the mount, connector weather protection, cable route, and feed-line length alongside the antenna.
Consider before buying
Check official documentation ↗Higher advertised gain does not prove a better path through your terrain. Cable loss can offset the benefit.
Connecting the node to the antenna
A short, compatible feed line
Minimize unnecessary cable and adapters. Provide strain relief so the node’s small RF connector does not carry the load.
Consider before buying
Check official documentation ↗Moving the node closer to the antenna may be more useful than adding a long coax run.
Connector audit
- Verify the regional frequency band.
- Check SMA versus RP-SMA and inspect both the threads and center contact.
- Match male/female ends and any U.FL/IPEX connection on the board.
- Count adapters, estimate cable loss, and plan outdoor sealing.
- Attach the antenna before powering a transmitting node.
Measure the improvement
- Keep the node settings and test peer unchanged.
- Record antenna, mounting height, cable, terrain, and two-way message results.
- Change one part at a time rather than assuming a gain label predicts range.
Finish the build
Guidance reviewed October 10, 2026 against official Meshtastic® hardware documentation. Options are editorial starting points, not measured range rankings. Confirm the exact revision, included accessories, and current seller price before ordering.