Antennas

30
Jul
Polar diagram comparing vertical radiation patterns of quarter-wave, half-wave, and 0.625-wavelength monopole antennas, showing longer elements flattening toward the horizon.

Antenna Gain vs. Takeoff Angle: Why Bigger Isn't Always Better in NEPA's Hills

A 9 dBi collinear sounds like a straight upgrade over a 2 dBi dipole, but in NEPAMesh's ridge-and-valley terrain it can make your node hear less, not more. Takeoff angle decides which antenna actually helps.
4 min read
16
May
NanoVNA pocket-sized vector network analyzer

Testing Your Antenna with a NanoVNA: What the Numbers Mean and What to Do About Them

How to calibrate a NanoVNA, connect your 915 MHz antenna, and read what the SWR graph is telling you. Covers homebrew and purchased antennas, what good looks like, and what to do when it isn't.
5 min read
05
May
NEPAMesh logo

Build a Better Antenna for Less than $10 and an Afternoon

The rubber duck antenna that shipped with your Meshtastic node is not your friend. I know. It looks official. It
13 min read