Help finding the right WiFi antenna & connector for data logger

[Martin F]

Hi there,

We're developing a small data logger where we need to add an external WiFi antenna.
The enclosure is as in attached PDF drawing and we need the antenna to go out of the Ø6.50 hole on page 5/5.

We've looked at the following that matches our technical specs, but not the size:

Connector:
https://www.mouser.dk/ProductDetail/taoglas/cab721/?qs=%2fv8iy7V9uix41yCF2gxgAA==&countrycode=DK&currencycode=DKK

Antenna (Small):
https://www.mouser.dk/ProductDetail/linx-technologies/ant-24-cw-rh-sma/?qs=K5ta8V%252bWhtZm2nPYHBDdAg==&countrycode=DK&currencycode=DKK

Antenna (Large):
https://www.mouser.dk/ProductDetail/microchip/rn-sma-4/?qs=3vk7fz9CmNwM0uJP168ecg==&countrycode=DK&currencycode=DKK

A few pain points with above that we're trying to solve:
1) The connector has a very long screw head, which means the antennas we can find leave a lot open (as the width of the end cap is only 1.5mm)
We'd ideally want something that could avoid this problem.

2) The wire that goes inside the enclosure from the connector is very long - we'd prefer something shorter

3) The Antenna (Small) is unable to bend, which makes it less ideal for packaging etc.

4) The Antenna (Large) is too large and exceeds the width of the product

5) The outlined examples are all quite expensive - we're interested in a cheaper solution if one exists

We'd ideally like an antenna that can "bend" (ideally in all directions), but which is close to the size of the Antenna (Small).
And ideally a connector that fits the antenna in our enclosure with only a 1.5mm end plate.

We're rookies when it comes to WiFi antennas, so we'd love to hear any tips/ideas for this.

Thanks a ton!

Martin

[stevelup]

Search for 'stub' or 'stubby' antennas - that's what you want for this in my opinion.

If the SMA connector is protruding too far through your case, just put a spacer on the inside?

Mouser is an expensive place to buy this stuff - depending on volumes, you'd be better off getting it from China.

[Martin F]

Thanks for the tip - any Chinese retailers you can recommend ?

[stevelup]

I'd start with AliExpress

35mm stub antenna:-
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/small-size-WiFi-Antenna-rubber-antenna-short-2-4GHz-Antenna-stubby-antenna-Zigbee-Antenna-RP-SMA/32827467388.html

You can get the pigtails from there for about 7 NOK