LoRa Antenna Reviews

LoRa Antennas

Helium mining is growing in popularity and it has opened up a whole new genre of commerce for thousands of people. There are a lot of ways to get involved with Helium mining but before you get started, you will need a LoRa fiberglass antenna. Depending on the LoRa antenna design you can increase your mining production possibilities dramatically. Before we get into suggesting the best LoRa antenna, let’s cover a little bit about crypto mining, LoRa antennas, and how it can help you gain financial freedom.

What is LoRa?

Now, before we go too deep you may be wondering what is Lora? How does it relate to Helium mining? What do I need to do to get in on the trend? We are going to cover all of these questions and more before we go over the best LoRa antenna for Helium mining. LoRa is shorthand for long-range. LoRa is a modulation technique that is specifically spread spectrum. It was invented partly from chip spread spectrum, or CSS, technology. Long-range, low-power wireless by Semtech is the basic platform for IoT and is used in a wide range of applications.

LoRa frequencies transmit on a range that doesn’t require a license. This essentially makes it free to use and transmit. Of course, you will need to invest in the right tools and antennas to tap into that frequency, but imagine no longer having to pay for internet access! In urban areas, your basic signal will range between three and five miles. In rural areas with a clear line of sight, this can go as high as 10 miles. We will delve more into that later on.

LoRa Antennas & Helium

Helium uses IoT devices to send data to and from the internet. This decentralized wireless network operates on hotspots that are placed by various people all over the world. In order to provide coverage for the Helium network, or mine HNT, you need to place a hotspot antenna. Most of these devices are placed in high areas outside. They can be positioned on top of buildings, homes, or even out in the bare terrain so long as there is a reliable power source. LoRa antennas are the most common type used for Helium mining.

It is worth noting that a high-gain LoRa antenna will give you the best witness returns, but there are many LoRa antenna designs to choose from.

The Importance of LoRa Antenna Range & Frequencies

There are certain environments needed in order to successfully mine HNT. Before you buy a LoRa fiberglass antenna, you will need to know which frequency each model supports. There are three frequencies, each of which covers a different geographical area. In order for you to get the best LoRa antenna range and to be able to mine HNT, you will need a device that matches your countries frequency.

LoRa fiberglass antennas that have a 470 MHz frequency are suitable for use in China. Those that have a 915 MHz frequency will work in Asia, South America, Australia, the USA, New Zealand, and a handful of other countries. Those with an 868 MHz frequency work in India, the EU, Russia, and a couple of other places. The LoRa antenna range varies by device, but if you are not using the right frequency for your location, it won’t work at all.

What is a LoRa Antenna Gain, dBi, or Dbd?

A gain in reference to a LoRa antenna is the output ratio intensity versus the input signals strength. This strength is measured and often referred to as dB and dBd. Different antennas used for Helium mining will have different gains which will depend on how they are configured and their specific orientation. An external Wi-Fi antenna will help you boost your signal strength which in turn will expand the coverage area of your hotspot. The more coverage you have the more witnesses you will be able to collect.

LoRa fiberglass antenna also has other features that can improve their overall performance. Some beam signals in directional patterns while others are omnidirectional among other options. By adding a LoRa fiberglass antenna to your Helium access point device, you will be able to extend the distance of your hotspot and thus improve the coverage of the Helium network. Most Helium hotspots used outdoors or over large areas are actually high gain LoRa antennas which is why they have such a wide range.

The Advantages and Disadvantages of High Gain LoRa Antennas

There are some good reasons to add a high gain LoRa antenna to your Helium mining setup. The main reason is that you are able to have a connection that is more stable. Hotspots have antennas built-in, but they are generally smaller and only cover a limited area. Each LoRa antenna range will differ depending on the model, but overall external LoRa antenna will offer a much higher signal strength than a stock hotspot antenna.

The best LoRa antenna models on the market will eliminate or at least greatly reduce the amount of Wi-Fi congestion is experienced by other users. There are very little in terms of disadvantages to setting up an antenna other than trying to figure out the differences between LoRa antenna designs and perhaps the initial investment.

Another great thing about LoRa antenna ownership is that you can put your equipment to work on your behalf. Helium network doesn’t force people into costly or lengthy contracts like many other providers. It is important to understand that you will have to have your own data package before connecting with the Helium network to start mining. Hotspots paired with a high gain LoRa antenna are the best way for your existing data to work for you while also providing additional coverage for the Helium network.

The 5 Best LoRa Antenna On the Market – LoRa Antenna Reviews

Helium mining is a great opportunity to earn crypto passively with very little out-of-pocket investment. All you need is a good quality high gain LoRa antenna and the right placement to start generating HNT from the network. There are literally thousands of antennas on the market to choose from. Each has their uses and some will be more effective than others. Instead of circling down the rabbit hole and settling for a sub-optimal antenna, check out our LoRa antenna reviews.

1. Signalplus LoRa Antenna 868/915

If you are looking for sturdy LoRa antennas that are perfect for outdoor mounting, this is our top pick. It comes with an integrated ground plane so your installation will be a breeze. The antenna itself is made of weatherproof fiberglass that has a high gloss finish. It works well for Helium mining as well for other applications. The cable that comes with it is a standard cable, but to maximize your impressions and lower signal loss you may want to upgrade. The gain many claims for this model is 12dBi which means you can ping hotspots as far as 30 miles away over flat terrain.

For those looking to set up a hotspot in Europe, this LoRa antenna will give you great gains and can even be used in conjunction with a Rak miner. Overall it’s a plug-and-play device that is effective for both new Helium miners and veterans with a whole daisy chain of antennas.

2. Nelawya 915 Fiberglass Omni LoRa Antenna

Are you looking to boost your HNT mining rewards? If so, you need a device that can handle a variety of LoRa antenna range options. This model operates on the 915MHZ frequency and is best for mining Helium in the city. It can be used indoors or outdoors though the best returns are gained when mounted on a rooftop. The industrial-grade construction will ensure that your LoRa antenna will keep transmitting even in harsh weather. The set comes with a molded cable which offers a reliable level of performance with lower levels of signal loss.

A bonus is that this particular set also comes with a lightning arrestor which will keep your Helium mining antenna safe from sudden strikes of lightning. At just under $90 this is a great value for those looking to get started in the field of Helium mining without investing a fortune.

3. Signalplus External 8dBi LoRa Antenna

Veteran Helium miners tend to enter the market already knowing what they want to buy. The external 8dBi antenna is one such expert ranked product for miners who are heavily into Helium mining. These units are best for wide-open terrain that does have many obstructions like trees, hills, or tall buildings. The idea that a high gain antenna is the only way to get a strong signal is the wrong way to think. This is why many people run out to purchase 8dBi or perhaps even a 10dBi LoRa antenna without checking their surroundings and end up with no connections.

Beam patterns vary and this model offers 27 degrees of coverage in a mildly narrow arc. If your nearest hotspot is pretty far away, this is going to be the best LoRa antenna for your buck.

4. Eifagur external 5.8 dBi LoRa Antenna

For those who need to pay attention to both coverage and distance, the external 5.8 dBi antenna is a good buy. It works well in suburban areas and falls in the middle of 3dBi and 8dBi which is perfect for Helium mining. In order to get the best results out of these antennas, however, they will need to be mounted as high as possible to prevent energy loss. The beat pattern of this unit is 35 deg which is the spread of the RF waves moving outwards from the antenna epicenter.

If you are trying to detect hotspots that are lower to the ground this model will miss some of them but they are able to detect Helium hotspots that are further out. For those living in a congested area, this can help reduce the number of double pings which often leads to HNT losses.

5. 915MHz External 3dBi LoRa Antenna

If you are just starting out or if you want to keep your setup simple, the external 3dBi antenna is ideal. It is very close to a stock-style Helium miners antenna, but it performs much more efficiently. It is larger than a stock antenna since it is intended for outdoor mounting, but has a price point that can’t be beat. It will increase the range of your coverage and allow you to connect with other Helium hotspots in your local area.

The more witnesses you get with this LoRa fiberglass antenna, the HNT you will earn each day. It is 40 cm long which makes it perfect for long-range sending and receiving in an urban landscape. It does have lower gains but you make up for that in higher local area coverage.

If you live in the city, high density can quickly cut into your profits. Mounting your LoRa fiberglass antenna high will enable you to tag lower-placed hotspots while blasting your signal more effectively.

The Lowdown On LoRa Antennas

The majority of Helium mining LoRa antennas are Omnidirectional which makes them easy to install and highly versatile. If you are looking for a specialized antenna with directed focus make sure to check the fine print on the specs before making your purchase. Usually, directional models will be placed in front of hills or big buildings where a way-point is needed between other hotspots. LoRa antenna range is also something to keep in mind if you live somewhere with open terrain or if there are few connecting hotspots in the area.

Don’t forget to pick up a lightning arrestor for any LoRa antenna you plan to mount outside, even if you live in a low precipitation area. Another tip we like to tell all-new Helium miners is to check the cables that come with your LoRa antenna. Some models provide high-quality, low signal loss cables as a standard practice. However, most mid-range antennas will come with less than stellar cables that can prevent you from getting the coverage and the HNT gains you are looking for. Be sure to let us know which LoRa antenna design you like the most in the comments below.