I purchased a M7E-TERA-CB rfid reader module (DigiKey part 1523-M7E-TERA-CB-ND). I also purchased antennas for it, part number antenna S9025PRRTN (DigiKey part # S9025PRRTN-ND). I need to mount the antennas 48" from the reader. Can someone recommend cabling (and links if possible). This is my first time ordering RFID equipment and want to get it correct on the first try.
Thanks,
Brian
Hello brian_brinker, welcome to the TechForum! The antenna chosen may not be the best combo based on what we have. The conversion would need to be from a U.FL female to an RP-TNC mate . The longest we have is 11.81" and it appears the RP-TNC ones we have would be the wrong gender according to the drawing for the antenna here.
Here is a list of what I could find based on the types of connectors described.
The longest that we have with other kinds of connector ends are 39.4" long, click here. I’m not sure we have a combination that meets the needs.
Greetings,
The need for an MMCX to RP-TNC transition at the endpoints, given the equipment mentioned would appear correct.
Note however, that the reader module would most likely require an enclosure, through the walls of which the cabling would need to be passed.
A likely approach to this would be to use short cabling with MMCX plugs to a panel-mount jack with connector of one’s choosing internal to the box, and a longer cable then connecting the jack on the enclosure wall to the antenna. Assuming that you’re doing your own installation rather than building a system for resale, the choice of intermediate connector style would be up to you.
Standard coax assemblies with an MMCX plug and length under 12" can be found here. A selection for in-box cabling from among these would seem reasonable. Once the intermediate connector is chosen, one would need to pick a cable the goes from that connector to an RP-TNC plug to connect the antenna.
Also, a resource to order custom coax cable assemblies is available here.
