WiFi Antenna with w.FL, Product ID: 5445

[peter24]

Hello, I recently ordered a few of these because I assume they're better than the PCB antenna on the Huzzah32.

Are these antennas directional?
If so, what's the best way to mount them?

Thank you!

[mikeysklar]

Did you mean the Adafruit ESP32 Feather V2? I believe that is the only Adafruit board using a w.FL connector. There are several others baords that have a uFL option.

https://www.adafruit.com/product/5438

As long as the antennas are broken out the enclosure and ideally have line of sight to an AP you should be good. Also a good idea to crank up TX power if you have the juice to do it.

[peter24]

Yes, the ESP32 Feather V2, #5438 :)

I'll be installing the Feather, battery and antenna inside a polycarbonate case like the one below.

I see that the antenna has an adhesive sticker back - I assume sticking it to the inside top would be good, but was wondering if placing it on the side might increase signal strength in that direction?

wp-37_15.jpg (2.21 KiB) Viewed 121 times

Thanks for your input!

[mikeysklar]

Side or top placement both sound reasonable if it must be inside the case. I like to look at the RSSI levels through the AP and the ESP32. You can easily enough print that out in the code or login to your AP. that will give you a better idea if side or top helps more for antenna placement.

[peter24]

Thanks again - I'll try different ways before hard-mounting.

And thanks for the tip on increasing the Tx power on the ESP32!