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Stupid question, but in my understanding the application layer is what is different, the hardware(frequency and modulation) is the same both for lora and helium?
If I buy antenna for helium network, I can use it for meshtastic?
Am I forgetting something?
Thanks 👍
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Yes. As long as it's a 915 mhz antenna (or the applicable frequency for your country) it will work just fine, no matter if it's "Meshtastic" or "Helium" or "Lora" (Or "bobcat"?). At the end of the day, all these things use Lora as the data link layer, which is 915 mhz on the physical layer (OSI Model FTW).
On Rokland, for example, you'll see their 802.11ah (Wifi HaLow, which is ALSO on ~900mhz spectrum) antennas also list helium, bobcat, meshtastic and others. None are any different frequency wise.
(Note: Keep in mind not all antennas are made equal. There is different sensitivity, radiation patterns, designs, purposes... quality. But in general if it's a properly made ~900mhz antenna, it'll work for Meshtastic.)
I use the McGill Microwave antennas I had for Helium for Meshtastic and they work great. They are LoRa antennas and tuned for the LoRa frequencies. They were just marketed for Helium but as it uses the ISM band that’s exactly what you need.
Depends on which Meshtastic frequency you are using. Buy an antenna specific for that frequency, rather than any advertised uses.
Yes you can! I repurposed my HNTenna for my home base.
The only real things you should be looking for are the frequency and the connector. As long as they match, you’re good! If the connector doesn’t match, you can get adapters as well
https://www.reddit.com/r/meshtasticCanada/s/vNwkANpEll
Certainly, I use a helium antenna for it.
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I understand, thanks 🤗