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Recommended Antenna Matrix

Written by Jay Parikh | Apr 30, 2024 5:06:54 AM

Can I Do 'x' Distance w/ Mesh Rider Radios?

A frequently asked question we encounter is, "What antennas should be use for 'x' kilometers range with Mesh Rider Radios?" This can be a complex, application specific and case-by-case answer due to the numerous variables involved. However, this quick "Self-Serve" guide will comprehensively outline 35+ antennas including Doodle Lab's antennas and our recommended & trusted third-party vendor's  antennas expected performance as a robust starting point. 

UAV and UGV Application Note: In most cases, UAV telemetry ranges will be multiple-times further in km, than as compared to UGV. This phenomenon is due to UAV normally having more minimal RF link object obstructions in the air (ie maybe only when flying around skyscrapers, very large hills or mountains, etc.) , thus UAV have less concern  with multipath pass loss and in-general a much higher Fresnel Zone clearance.

Doodle Labs Recommended Antenna Matrix

Antenna Matrix is Organized by Gain (dB) from high to low 

Commercial and Professional Grade Antennas     
Manufacturer Model Frequnecy (MHz/GHz) Gain (dB) Type Refrence Link
KP Performance KPPA-900DPY17 880-960 MHz 17.5 Yagi Antenna Link
TrueRC TRURC Gatling 2.4 GHz 16 Patch Antenna Link
KP Performance KP-5HA-45-N 4.9-6.4 GHz 16 Horn Antenna Link
Southwest Antennas 1055-011 4.4 - 7.4 GHz 15 Patch Antenna Link
Mars Antennas MA-WA22-DP14 1700 - 2700 MHz 14 Patch Antenna Link
Mars Antennas MA-WC90-DS13 850 - 960 MHz 13 Sector Antenna Link
Southwest Antennas 1009-015 1625 - 2500 MHz 12 Patch Antenna Link
TrueRC X-AIR 2.4 MK. II 2.4 GHz 10 Patch Antenna Link
Mars Antennas MA-WO-56-DP10 4.9-5.9 GHz 10 Omni Antenna Link
Southwest Antennas 1004-005 4 - 6.4 GHz 9 Patch Antenna Link
KP Performance KP-5DPFP-9-NF 4.4-6.4 GHz 9 patch Antenna Link
Mars Antennas MA-WA22-DP8 1.7 - 2.7 GHz 8 Patch Antenna Link
Mars Antennas MA-WA-27TB-DP8B 698-960 MHz, 1.7-2.3, 2.3-2.7, 5.1-5.9 GHz 7.5 to 10 Patch Antenna Link
KP Performance KP-24VOMNI-6 2.4 - 2.5 GHz 6 Omni Antenna Link
KP Performance KP-58-SPOMA-6-NF 5.1 - 5.9 GHz 6 Omni Antenna Link
TrueRC TRUE-MOX 2.4 2.4 GHz 5.9 Patch Antenna Link
Pasternack PE51078 2.4 GHz 5.5 Omni Antenna Link
Southwest Antennas 2001-111 5.2 -5.9 GHz 3.8 Omni Antenna Link
TE Connectivity L9000020-01 2.4 GHz 3.2 Omni Antenna Link
Doodle ANT-915-3-O 915 MHz 3 Omni Multipolarized Antennas
Doodle ANT-1370-3-O 1.3 GHz 3 Omni Multipolarized Antennas
Doodle ANT-1700-3-O 694-960 & 1710-2750 3 Omni Multipolarized Antennas
Doodle ANT-2025-3-O 1625-2500 MHz 3 Omni Multipolarized Antennas
Doodle ANT-2450-3-O 2.4 GHz 3 Omni Multipolarized Antennas
MP Antenna MPSL900+2400 915 MHz + 2.4 GHz 3 Omni Antenna Link
MP Antenna 08-ANT-1019 915 MHz 3 Omni Antenna Link
Southwest Antennas 1001-126 4.4 - 6 GHz 2.3 Omni Antenna Link
Southwest Antennas 1001-251 4 - 8 GHz 2.15 Omni Antenna Link
Pasternack PE51RD1020 2.4 GHz 2 Omni Antenna Link
TrueRC Singularity 2.4 V2 2.4 GHz 1.9 Omni Antenna Link
Fig. 1 Doodle Labs Recommended Commercial Grade Antennas

 

Military Spec and DoD Grade Antennas     
Manufacturer Model Frequnecy (MHz/GHz) Gain (db) Type Refrence Link
Optimum Solutions OS-PT-25-L/S-48 4 - 6 GHz 33 Dish Antenna Link
Optimum Solutions OS-PT-25-L/S-30 4 - 6 GHz 31 Dish Antenna Link
Optimum Solutions OS-PT-10-C 4 - 6 GHz 29 Dish Antenna Link
Optimum Solutions OS-PT-25-L/S-48 1.7-2.5 GHz 26 Dish Antenna Link
Optimum Solutions OS-PT-25-L/S-30 1.7-2.5 GHz 24 Dish Antenna Link
Optimum Solutions OS-PT-10-L/S 1.7-2.5 GHz 22 Dish Antenna Link
Hascall-Denke FXSP1.35-2.7.14-D 1350 - 2700 MHz 15 Patch Antenna Link
Hascall-Denke MPDP1.25-2.7-5 1250 - 2700 MHz 5 Omni Antenna Link
Hascall-Denke MPDP2.1-2.5/4.4-5.9 3 dBi @2.1-2.5 GHz 4.5 dBi @4.4-6 GHz 3 to 4.5 Omni Antenna Link
Fig. 2 Doodle Labs Recommended DoD Grade Antennas

Link-Budget Calculation and Our Throughput Estimation Tool

Throughput Estimation Tool

Antenna Gain and Expected Distances

Choosing an appropriate antenna gain requires a link-budget calculation. Based on the network capacity and link distance required, you can calculate the required antenna gain. Also note that there are many factors which can affect RF propagation loss such as reflections off large objects, and Fresnel Zone clearance. Have a look the Application Note, Optimizing the RF Link in our Technical Library.