Helium Antenna Compatibility with Meshtastic

Frequency Compatibility

Helium network antennas can be fully compatible with Meshtastic nodes, provided they match the frequency requirements:

• US/North America/Australia: 915 MHz Helium antennas work with 915 MHz Meshtastic devices
• Europe: 868 MHz Helium antennas work with 868 MHz Meshtastic devices
• Asia (some regions): 433 MHz antennas for both systems

The key factor is matching the frequency band, not whether the antenna was specifically marketed for Helium or Meshtastic.

Connector Compatibility

While the frequency may match, connector types often differ between Helium miners and Meshtastic devices:

1. Meshtastic devices typically use:

   • SMA connectors (most common)
   • IPEX/U.FL connectors (internal, requires adapter cable)

2. Helium miners typically use:

   • RP-SMA connectors (Bobcat, many indoor miners)
   • N-type connectors (outdoor antennas)

3. Adapter solutions:

   • SMA to RP-SMA adapters
   • SMA to N-type adapter cables
   • IPEX/U.FL to SMA pigtail cables (for connecting to external antennas)

Antenna Types and Performance

Helium antennas come in various types that can be repurposed for Meshtastic:

1. Stock/rubber duck antennas (2-3 dBi)

   • Omnidirectional
   • Good for portable use
   • Limited range (1-2 km in optimal conditions)

2. Fiberglass outdoor antennas (5-8 dBi)

   • Weather resistant
   • Better range (3-10+ km in optimal conditions)
   • Require proper mounting
   • Common in Helium deployments and excellent for fixed Meshtastic nodes

3. High-gain antennas (8-12 dBi)

   • Longer range but narrower radiation pattern
   • Better for flat terrain
   • May perform worse in hilly areas

Technical Considerations

When reusing Helium antennas for Meshtastic:

1. Impedance: Both systems use 50 Ohm impedance antennas (compatible)

2. Power handling: Helium antennas are designed for similar or higher power than Meshtastic requires (compatible)

3. Mounting:

   • Outdoor Helium antennas typically come with mounting hardware
   • Higher placement improves range for both systems
   • Fiberglass antennas are most durable for outdoor use

4. Cable loss:

   • Keep cable runs as short as possible
   • Use low-loss cables for longer runs
   • LMR-400 or similar quality cables recommended for runs over 3m

Specific Helium Antenna Examples Compatible with Meshtastic

1. Rokland 6 dBi Low Profile N-Female Omni Outdoor 915 MHz Antenna

   • Explicitly states compatibility with Meshtastic
   • Requires N-type to SMA adapter cable
   • Weatherproof fiberglass construction
   • Includes mounting hardware

2. RAK 5.8 dBi Fiberglass Antenna

   • Used in many Helium deployments
   • Compatible with 915 MHz Meshtastic devices
   • N-type connector (requires adapter)

3. Stock Helium miner antennas (2-4 dBi)

   • Usually RP-SMA connector (requires adapter)
   • Limited range but portable
   • Good for testing or mobile use

Conclusion

Surplus Helium antennas are excellent candidates for reuse with Meshtastic nodes, offering several advantages:

• Cost savings: Reusing existing antennas reduces project costs
• Quality: Many Helium deployments used high-quality antennas
• Performance: Properly tuned antennas improve range significantly
• Durability: Outdoor Helium antennas are designed for long-term deployment

The main consideration is ensuring the correct frequency match and obtaining appropriate adapters if connector types differ. With these addressed, Helium antennas can provide excellent performance for Meshtastic nodes.