Helium Miner Antennas: Everything You Need to Know
Posted by Michael Crudele on
Antenna Gain: What is dBi and What Should I Pick?
One of the most important factors in choosing your Helium Miner Antenna is the gain. The gain of an antenna is measured in dBi and is directly affected by the antenna's height. Here are some diagrams that helps demonstrate more clearly how gain works and why it is important:
Gain Shown in a City/Urban Setting
Gain Shown in a Flat/Rural Setting
A smaller antenna with a lower dBi will have a more vertical reach, but not reach as far laterally. A larger antenna with a higher dBi will have far lateral range, but not much range vertically. If you live in a rural flat area, a larger antenna would be the best choice since there will not be much in the way to block the signal. However, if you are in a city with many buildings and structures, a lower dBi may be preferable.
Omnidirectional vs Directional Antennas
It's important to mention that the diagram represents the range of a omnidirectional antenna. A directional antenna only radiates signal in one single direction, not all around it like an omnidirectional antenna does. While the directional antenna will have a longer range in that single direction, it is not ideal for a mining as you will be missing out on hotspots in other directions!
Cables for Miners
There are 2 options that we recommend for connecting your high gain external antenna to your 900 MHz Helium Miner:
Option 1: You can connect the antenna directly to the Miner (that works fine if installing indoors, in covered area (like a balcony), or if the chance of lightning striking your antenna is minimal.
Option 2: You want to utilize a lightning arrestor between your antenna and your Miner if you have any concerns about lightning striking your antenna (a strike will definitely destroy your Miner)
Here are the steps to take in regards to choosing cables for each option:
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For Option # 1
Simply go to our webpage and configure the cable as follows: https://www.arcantenna.com/collections/cable-builder Choose cable type PT240 for lengths up to 55 feet, choose cable type PT400 for lengths over 55 feet. Next choose the appropriate cable length for your installation. Connector # 1 should be type RSM (RP-SMA Male) which connects to the Miner and Connector # 2 should be SNM (Standard N Male) connects to the antenna. Please be mindful of the fact that cables are NCNR non-cancellable & non-returnable, so double check your choices. |
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For Option 2
If you want to add the lightning arrestor, then start by purchasing a UL rated lightning arrestor like the RFMAX # RSP-90-3-SNF-SNFBH. Keep in mind you need to crimp a copper grounding wire (sold separately at Amazon or Home Depot) and bring that to an earth ground. You can find ideas for getting that done by searching Google “how to install to earth ground” You will need TWO cables for this set up. One to go from the Miner to the lightning arrestor, and one to go from the lightning arrestor to the antenna. Go to the cable configuration tool at: https://www.arcantenna.com/collections/cable-builder You’ll want a short cable to go from the Miner to the lightning arrestor (like 5-15 feet) Choose cable type PT240, and the appropriate cable length for your installation. Connector # 1 should be type RSM (RP-SMA Male) which connects to the Miner and Connector # 2 should be SNM (Standard N Male) connects to the lightning arrestor. The second cable will go from the lightning arrestor to the antenna. Choose cable type PT240 for lengths up to 55 feet, choose cable type PT400 for lengths over 55 feet, then choose the cable length appropriate for your installation. Connector # 1 should be type SNM (Standard N Male) which connects to the lightning arrestor and Connector # 2 should also be SNM (Standard N Male) which will connect to the antenna. |
Here are links to RP SMA Male to Standard N Male cables:
Here are links to the Standard N-Male to Standard N-Male cables:
Or you can visit our custom cable builder:
https://www.arcantenna.com/collections/cable-builder
Setting Up Your Cables
The diagram below depicts how to set up your antenna, cables, and miner. Note that if you do not have a lightning arrestor you can ignore that step. Refer to Option 1 above if you are not using an arrestor and Option 2 if you are.
Recommended Helium Antennas
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The RFMAX ROSA-902-5-SNF. Medium Range 915 MHz antenna for LongFi RAH Hotspot Miner, 24” tall. This is optimum for Urban and hilly/rocky/bumpy areas. This antenna can be mounted with the ROSA-HDM1 from RFMAX. |
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The RFMAX ROSA-902-8-SNF. Longest Range 915 MHz antenna for LongFi RAH Hotspot Miner, 61” tall. This is optimum for Rural and flat/level areas. This antenna can be mounted with the ROSA-HDM1 from RFMAX. |
Economy Antenna & Bracket: (only 9” tall)
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The RFMAX ROSA-900-SNF. Economical 915 MHz antenna for LongFi RAH Hotspot This antenna can be mounted with the RFMAX ROSAHDM2. |