Meshtastic RF Connector types

Published on: November 18, 2024

The many meshtastic connectors

Meshtastic is often some peoples first introduction into radio equipment that requires connecting to Antennas (Aerials) and the many different types of connectors can be a bit daunting.

This is just an introduction to hopefully get you started. I can't stress enough when buying connectors read all the text and double check its the correct one for your requirements. (Trust me we have all ordered the wrong type at some point)

Be especially careful of the "RP" (Reverse Polarity) types sometimes you need these sometimes you don't.

If you intend to mess around with many different nodes and antennas it can be worth investing in a connector adapter kit that contains SMA to N-Type and gender converters (we used to call them "gender benders" back in my days at Marconi.)

⚠ NEVER power up your meshtastic node without a correctly connected Antenna (Aerial) it can permanently damage the node

Traditionally Male connectors have a PIN and Female connectors have a receptacle that the pin goes in, and yes we even refer to them as mating connectors. However this has been messed with over the years and the SMA RP (Reverse Polarity) connectors are an example of that.

⚠ One side of two mating connectors "MUST" have a pin to ensure an electrical connection.

Meshtastic Node with IPEX U.FL connector

A typical meshtastic node with a IPEX U.FL connection to connect to pigtail and then antenna

Meshtastic Node with SMA female connector

A typical meshtastic node with SMA connection - can connect strait to antenna or via pigtail.

Meshtastic Whip aerial with male SMA

A Typical Meshtastic whip Antenna with SMA Male connector.

Meshtastic Antenna with N-Type Male

A Typical Meshtastic Aerial with N-Type Male Connector

IPEX to SMA Pigtail lead

This is used for connecting Meshtastic node with IPEX U.FL connector to Antenna with SMA connector. Nicknamed "pigtail" as often pink and coiled up.

IPEX U.FL connector

IPEX U.FL connector used on many Meshtastic nodes. These are very delicate use with caution.

IPEX U.FL Female connector lead end

IPEX U.FL connector end that connects to the meshtastic node

IPEX U.FL Male connector lead end

IPEX U.FL Male connector end (NOT often used on Meshtastic nodes)

SMA Female connector

(no pin) Very common connector be careful not to confuse with RP versions

SMA Male connector

(with Pin) Very common connector be careful not to confuse with RP versions

SMA RP Female connector

SMA Female RP (Reverse Polarity) be careful not to confuse with strait SMA versions

SMA RP Male connector

SMA Male RP (Reverse Polarity) be careful not to confuse with strait SMA versions

N-Type Female Connector

Some aerials use Male connections and need a Female to connect to it.

N-Type Male Connector

Some aerials use Female connections and need a Male to connect to it.

SMA to N-Type Female Adapter

There are many adaptors from SMA to N-Type pay close attention to get the right one for your requirements

SMA to N-Type Male Adapter

There are many adaptors from SMA to N-Type pay close attention to get the right one for your requirements