Outdoor antenna for Max HD4

[RoverRadio]

I have a Max HD4 that is in the bay of tour bus. I need to put external antenna(s) for LTE on the roof of the bus.

What model antennas should I get? I was a little confused by the antenna product page.

Also, it looks like the cables for the external antennas are only 3m (about 10 feet). I need them to be about 12 or 13 feet. Any recommendations on the best way to achieve this?

Thanks!

[mldowling]

Hello @RoverRadio,
Where are you based, you are going to need a few antennas and depends on the area that the tour buses are operating in.
Here are two previous posts that may help,

Ext Antenna for BR1 for multiple providers

Hello @it_mbeya, There is a great amount involved in correctly choosing an antenna system that will deliver the most suitable outcomes for your application. Most wireless (be that cellular/mobile or Wi-Fi) antenna system for MIMO work best with an out of phase antenna array (+/- 45 Degrees of the vertical), meaning you can have a very tightly packed antenna with exceptional performance. The cabling system needs to be 50Ohm impedance (not 75Ohm as used for Terrestrial TV & most MATV systems). …

Ext Antenna for BR1 for multiple providers

Hello @mystery, We have looked and and tested many bands and designs of antennas, these are the three manufactures we trust & prefer globally for antennas: [Poynting] [Taoglas] [Commscope] In Australia we prefer to use antennas manufactured by both: [RFI Wireless] [Telco Antennas] We can not emphasise enough about avoiding the cheep knock offs and poorer quality antennas out there, it is not worth the ongoing costs and poorer reliability & performance. All of the above mentioned manufactu…

Happy to Help,
Marcus

[RoverRadio]

I’m in United States, using AT&T and Verizon SIMs.

Was hoping to pick one (or more, since I have Max HD4) of the Peplink antennas here: https://www.peplink.com/products/accessories/#antenna

Thanks

[mldowling]

Hello @RoverRadio
If you wish to use the Peplink range of antennas as is, then these are the options for the four (4) modems.
2 x ANT-100-LTE4-G

or
4 x ACW-854

If you are planning to use the Wi-Fi WAN, then use the four (4) combination of two (2) each
2 x ACW-853

2 x ACW-854

If the existing fly leads on the antennas are not long enough for you, consider these options:

• Moving the router closer or where the antennas are going
• Have (no more than 5 meters) extension SMA cables made up using LCU-195
• Have the fly leads on the antennas shortened to 0.15m with new connectors and then have cables made using LCU-400 to extend these (no more than 10 meters)

Why LCU-195 or LCU-400 cable? This cable is more flexible and better for locations where there is vibration or movement, or cables have to bend around a lot during the installation than the ridged LMR-195 or LMR-400 equivalent.

You can get these antennas through a Certified Peplink Partner, find one who is an RF specialist; they will have the resources and skills to customise the cabling for you.
Happy to Help,
Marcus

[RoverRadio]

@mldowling

2 x ACW-854

Great info, thanks so much! I think I’ll opt for the 3x 853 and 2x 854 option.

Would there be an optimal distance apart to mount these on the roof of the bus?

[mldowling]

Hello @RoverRadio,
Recommended distance apart needs to be based on frequency intermodulation and harmonics (complex maths), though if you were to keep them half a meter (or about 2 feet) apart, that would be adequate, any more than this is not necessary for most situations. Some people have successfully operated these at a quarter of a meter apart (about 1 foot). I’ve run them at 1 meter apart (more due to particularities of the installations).
Happy to Help,
Marcus

[dennis.hofheinz]

Hi Rover,

as Marcus wrote, it depends on the frequency. If the frequency is lower (like 800 MHz), then the distance has to be bigger than a higher Band (like 2400MHz).
The distance should be in my opinion at least lambda/2 (λ/2) (nearly 50cm at 800MHz - perfect for LTE)

Regards
Dennis