Antenna guide

PLACEMENT BEATS HYPE.

Use the right band and connector, minimize feed-line loss and get the antenna into a clear position. Those choices usually matter more than the biggest gain number.

Last reviewed September 2026.

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Portable pick

MESHTAC 2.5 dBi flexible whip

A compact 902–928 MHz SMA-male omni for handheld and companion nodes. Verify your device uses SMA—not RP-SMA.

View at Rokland ↗
Fixed-node pick

ALFA AOA-915-5ACM 5 dBi omni

A compact outdoor antenna for fixed and solar nodes. Plan the N-type connection, weather sealing and feed line before mounting.

View at Rokland ↗
Before checkout

Connector and cable audit

Confirm SMA vs RP-SMA, male vs female, cable length, adapter count, outdoor sealing and physical mounting.

See a complete build →

Avoid these mistakes

  • Transmitting without an antenna attached.
  • Buying a Wi-Fi-band antenna instead of a US 915 MHz antenna.
  • Adding long, lossy coax to gain a small amount of height.
  • Trusting unverified gain claims or skipping connector weatherproofing.