There's a simple solution... I wouldn't unsolder your SMA connector!
Just take a pigtail from something you have laying around or order a cheap one from ebay. By "pigtail" I mean a piece of coax cable with a RP-SMA connector on at least one end.
Cut the cable as needed. Figure this by adding antenna length + any distance you want from the radio to the outside of your plane. Now strip off the shield the proper distance for your frequency from the non-SMA end. Optionally shrink tube it a bit for added durability.
Done!
.
RC receivers often use this method. This way you have a better antenna that is more easily placed properly and you don't have to remove anything from the board. The "antenna" is the end length of coax where you have removed the shield.
You can remove the little RP-SMA connector and put on a wire antenna if you like. Just make sure you make it the right length for the frequency you're using. Solder the wire to the middle of the 3 antenna pads. Alternatively it should work fine to just solder the wire antenna onto the middle pin of the 3 pin RP-SMA connector where it connects to the board while leaving the connector in place. That will allow you to easily remove it later if you want to use a RP-SMA antenna again.
The prototypes came with wire antennas so I've been flying these radios with a wire antenna for a while, and it certainly works well for small planes. I even used a wire antenna for my 7.6km long range test.
Replies
There's a simple solution... I wouldn't unsolder your SMA connector!
Just take a pigtail from something you have laying around or order a cheap one from ebay. By "pigtail" I mean a piece of coax cable with a RP-SMA connector on at least one end.
Cut the cable as needed. Figure this by adding antenna length + any distance you want from the radio to the outside of your plane. Now strip off the shield the proper distance for your frequency from the non-SMA end. Optionally shrink tube it a bit for added durability.
Done!
.
RC receivers often use this method. This way you have a better antenna that is more easily placed properly and you don't have to remove anything from the board. The "antenna" is the end length of coax where you have removed the shield.
Hi Mark,
You can remove the little RP-SMA connector and put on a wire antenna if you like. Just make sure you make it the right length for the frequency you're using. Solder the wire to the middle of the 3 antenna pads. Alternatively it should work fine to just solder the wire antenna onto the middle pin of the 3 pin RP-SMA connector where it connects to the board while leaving the connector in place. That will allow you to easily remove it later if you want to use a RP-SMA antenna again.
The prototypes came with wire antennas so I've been flying these radios with a wire antenna for a while, and it certainly works well for small planes. I even used a wire antenna for my 7.6km long range test.
Cheers, Tridge