Meshtastic Antennas: Measuring and Comparing Omnidirectional vs. Yagi

In this video, we explore the functionality and performance of two types of meshtastic antennas.

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We start by explaining how antennas work, focusing on how they direct and reflect signals to gain strength without boosting the signal itself. We use a Nano VNA to measure the SWR and peak frequencies of these antennas, revealing their real-world performance. Through practical tests using Heltec V3 devices to measure RSSI changes, we compare the antennas' effectiveness in improving signal strength. Despite some tuning challenges, our results align with manufacturers' claims, highlighting the importance of choosing the right antenna for your needs, whether for connecting to a mesh network or simply enhancing your signal. This video serves as a straightforward guide for anyone looking to understand and optimize their antenna setup.

#hamradio #amateurradio #shortwaveradio

[davidm]

Love the charts, guessing software for NanoVNA?

[KateHikes]

So much of this is way over my head. Is a higher dbi antenna always better?

[KboxLabs]

This is a good explanation. This however applies more to more traditional HAM frequencies, and not so much for LoRa, especially in a mesh environment. You'll run into line of sight issues long before any extra gain is needed, and spread spectrum is very effective at reducing interference.