The U.FL IPEX to SMA connector 868-915mhz glue antenna signal enhanced inner hole shade head

SKU: FA1065
Frequency Range

868MHz – 915MHz

Gain

3dBi – 5dBi (Model dependent)

VSWR

≤ 1.5

Impedance

50 Ω

Connector A

U.FL / IPEX (Generation 1)

Connector B

SMA-K (Female, Inner Hole/Socket)

Cable Type

RG178 or 1.13mm Coaxial

Cable Length

10cm – 20cm (Typical)

Polarization

Vertical

The U.FL (IPEX) to SMA Glue-Mount Antenna System is the standard solution for enhancing signal strength in LoRa, LoRaWAN, and Helium-based IoT projects. It is specifically tuned for the 868MHz (EU) and 915MHz (US) bands, providing a seamless bridge between internal RF modules and external antenna mounts.
Long Product Description
The 868-915MHz Signal Enhanced Antenna Kit is a high-efficiency RF solution designed to maximize the range of low-power wide-area network (LPWAN) devices. The kit consists of a high-gain “Glue Stick” (Dipole) antenna and a low-loss U.FL (IPEX) to SMA-K (Inner Hole) pigtail adapter.
This product is engineered to solve the common problem of signal attenuation caused by internal device enclosures. By utilizing the adhesive “glue” mount or screw-on SMA interface, users can relocate the antenna to a position with a clear line of sight. The “Shade Head” design refers to the protective housing of the SMA connector, which ensures a secure, weatherproof connection suitable for both indoor smart home hubs and outdoor industrial gateways. This is a critical component for anyone using ESP32 LoRa boards, Meshtastic nodes, or industrial RF modems.
Key Features
  • Precision Tuning: Optimized for the sub-GHz spectrum (868MHz to 915MHz) to ensure low VSWR and maximum power transfer.
  • High-Quality Pigtail: Includes a low-loss RG178 or 1.13mm coaxial cable with an IPEX (U.FL) connector for direct attachment to PCB radio modules.
  • Enhanced Signal Gain: Provides a significant boost over standard “on-board” ceramic antennas, often increasing range by 30-50%.
  • SMA-K Inner Hole Interface: Features a standard SMA-K (Female/Socket) head with an inner hole, compatible with most high-gain LoRa antennas.
  • Versatile Mounting: The “Glue Stick” style allows for easy adhesive mounting or permanent panel mounting via the SMA nut.
Usage Instructions
  1. Preparation: Locate the U.FL (IPEX) port on your PCB (commonly found on ESP32-LoRa or Heltec boards).
  2. Connection: Carefully snap the small IPEX connector onto the PCB port. Note: These connectors are fragile; use a vertical, steady pressure.
  3. Mounting: Drill a 6mm hole in your device enclosure. Insert the SMA head through the hole and secure it using the provided washer and nut.
  4. Antenna Attachment: Screw the 868-915MHz antenna onto the SMA head until finger-tight.
  5. Placement: For best results, ensure the antenna is oriented vertically and placed away from large metal objects.
Q: Will this antenna work for 2.4GHz Wi-Fi or Bluetooth?
No. This antenna is specifically tuned for the 868-915MHz frequency. Using it for Wi-Fi (2.4GHz) will result in extremely poor performance and could potentially damage your Wi-Fi radio due to high VSWR.
Q: What is the difference between SMA and RP-SMA?

This product uses SMA-K (Inner Hole). Ensure your antenna matches this. A standard SMA-J (Male) with a center pin is required to fit into this connector’s inner hole

Q: Is the pigtail cable weatherproof?

The SMA connector head is designed to be mounted through a casing to create a seal, but the IPEX side and the cable itself should remain inside a protected enclosure

Q: Can I use this for my Meshtastic node?

Yes! This is the most common upgrade for Meshtastic users looking to move their antenna outside of a plastic or metal case to improve communication range.

Q: Do you offer bulk discounts for business purchasing?

Yes. For manufacturing or large-scale IoT deployments, tiered pricing is available. You can find wholesale listings on Alibaba or AliExpress for quantities over 100 units