__ With a permanent marker, write the RF module’s frequency on the board in the space
provided next to the antenna (i.e. “915”).
Eggfinder RX Antenna Options
The Eggfinder has pads for either a permanent “stick” antenna or a RP-SMA edge connector
for a removable/remote antenna. Your choice of antenna will depend largely on your rocket,
and how much range you need.
The standard Eggfinder RX ¼ wave “stick” antenna is very simple and produces decent gain
without being directional (i.e., the signal strength is pretty much the same in all directions).
We have maintained a line-of-sight range of over 8,000’ with this antenna, we think that most
people will find that this simple antenna will suit their needs just fine if your primary goal is to
get good enough GPS data to help you easily find your rocket.
In some cases, however, you may need to use a different antenna. If you want to track your
rocket’s flight as accurately as possible or if you are intending to fly over 10,000’, you may
need to use a higher gain antenna, such as a 5 dB dipole antenna. If you’re really going high,
you may want to use a high-gain directional antenna, such as a 10 dB panel antenna. In those
cases, you will want to go with the RP-SMA connector option. Note that any antenna that you
get must have an RP-SMA MALE connector on it; this connector has INSIDE threads with a
JACK in the center of the connector. It must also be rated for the 900 MHZ band, NOT 2.4
GHz. Be careful what you buy, we have seen some eBay-type vendors that are selling 2.4 GHz
“WiFi” antennas for use with 900 MHz systems. They “will” work, but they are certainly not
optimal, and would most likely produce less range than the stick antenna. Also, be sure that
it’s a RP-SMA antenna; we’ve seen some vendors selling standard SMA antennas but calling
them RP-SMA.
If your antenna requires a pigtail cable, get the shortest length that will work, to minimize
signal loss due to cable resistance and impedence mismatch. Usually, you can get them in ½
meter (about 19”) lengths, this should be fine for most applications. A pigtail cable rated for
2.4 GHz will work fine at 900 MHz, and a ½ meter length is so short that the type of cable
(typically RG-174) is irrelevant. Make sure that the pigtail’s other connector matches your
antenna, of course; most of the panel antennas use N-female connectors (outside threads, center
jack) so you will most likely need an N-male connector (inside threads, center pin).
Directions for installing a RP-SMA connector are at the end of this manual; the following
instructions are for the “stick” antenna, and can be skipped if you are going to use a connector.
Building the Stick Antenna
___ Using a hard eraser or emery cloth, clean about ½” from one end of the antenna to
remove any signs of oxidation.
___ Bend one end of the 1/32” brass antenna wire in a 90° angle, about 1/8” from the
cleaned end.
___ Put the bent end of the antenna into the ANT pad, but do not solder it in. Have it stick
straight out from the board, and tape it in place.
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