Antennas play a crucial function when it comes to wireless communication. They are primary components of an electrical unit and they offer interconnection between receivers and transmitters. We have various types of antennas with distinguished functions. The through hole mount antenna is hardly discussed.
They are several reasons antennas are used in various applications. However, the main function these antennas offer is the transmission of signals. The through hole antenna offers this function and a lot more. Antennas are classified based on their functions, design, mounting style, and more. Through hole antennas called through hole based on their mounting style.
What is a Through Hole Mount Antenna?
Through hole mount antenna has a stud that can go through an already drilled hole via the surface you are mounting it. This antenna can be mounted in wall panels or ceiling panels. You can mount them on the roof of a vehicle, drywall, and enclosure wall. The stud enables the antenna cable to function due to its hollow center.
Therefore, the cables are just in a side of the surface while the antenna is installed in the other side. Installing a through hole mount antenna involves creating a hole via the mounting surface. The hole must be of a diameter which can contain the stud. The stud must perfectly fit through the hole.
Through hole antennas are also referred to as screw mount antenna or through-hole screw mount antenna. These antennas can direct signal toward the horizon. Due to this, these antennas are suitable for use in applications in flat regions where there are sparse signals. These signals need to cover a large area in such a case.
Furthermore, these antennas have a gasket, washer, and a bolt. All of these help the antenna mount to screw firmly. The gasket seals the hole and as such, protects the cable-side of the antenna from water and the weather. One of the benefits of through hole mount antennas is that they are very rigid and weather proof.
They can withstand any form of shock and vibrations. You can mount these antennas on buildings, vehicles, roofs amongst others. However, you need to ensure the surface you are mounting this antenna on has the appropriate material and thickness in which the mount can screw through. Surface made of materials like plastic, sheet metal, wood, and plastic can accommodate these mounts.
Features of Through Hole Mount Antenna
Gain: The Gain of this antenna is within the range of 1dBi and 25 dBi. It is ideal to choose an antenna with higher gain since its radiation pattern is effective. Gain describes the extent of the directivity of the radial pattern of an antenna.
VSWR: The voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) is an important property of the through hole mount antenna. This property reveals the mismatch between this antenna and the feed line. It talks about impedance matching between the transmission line and the through hole antenna. For multiband frequencies, the VSWR of a through hole mount antenna is less than or equal to 3.0, while that of dual band frequencies is less than or equal to 2.0
Frequencies: Through hole mount antennas have various frequencies. These include 900 MHz, 1561 MHz, 698-960 MHz, 433 MHz, 5150-5800 MHz, 868 MHz, and more. The type of frequencies you opt for depends on the requirements of your application.
Direction: These antennas’ directions are omnidirectional. This means that these antennas radiate their signal in all directions. Therefore, they have a wider coverage. Since through hole antennas are omnidirectional, they are great options for wireless networking and transmission.
Polarization: Polarization is an important property of an antenna. When choosing an antenna type, this property is often considered. Just like how VSWR and gain determine a lot in an antenna, so does polarity. Through hole mount antennas are vertically polarized. These antennas feature less loss when you install them close to a side wall.
The method of mounting these antennas is through-hole screw mounted.
Benefits of Through Hole Mount Antennas
As a low profile antenna, the through hole mount antenna offers a lot of benefits. With its distinct features, one can easily tell that this antenna is very beneficial in various applications.
High gain
This antenna has a high gain. It is ideal for use in applications where you need to focus in a preferred direction. Due to this, through hole mount antenna offers better coverage while minimizing low-band congestion. The signal of this antenna goes far, which is beneficial in flat terrain environment.
Durability
As a sturdy antenna, it can stand the test of time. A through hole mount antenna can resist vibration and shock. So, it is a great alternative for various antennas.
Low loss
A through hole mount antenna experiences low loss of energy. Low loss describes the low attenuation or loss of an antenna over distance.
Good impact resistance
This antenna can resist any impact event. Through hole mount antennas have good impact resistance. It can easily withstand intense shock and vibration without experiencing any breaking or damages. Through hole antennas can function well in applications that are exposed to extreme shock.
High efficiency
With its high level of efficiency, through hole antennas have optimized dimensions. Most of the power in the input of through hole mount antenna is usually discharged. Antennas that feature high efficiency discharge a great proportion of the energy applied to it.
Low VSWR
This indicates that through hole mount antennas are well-matched to the feed line. Therefore, more power gets to these antennas. A low VSWR antenna provides an improved impedance match.
Applications of Through Hole Mount Antennas
In the next few years the Internet of Things (IoT) would connect billions of devices. Low-power and low-cost solution will be the foundation for most applications of IoT devices. Through hole mount antennas for IoT devices must be integrated in the devices or products.
Machine to Machine communication
The IoT ecosystem consists of big part which is the machine to machine communication (M2M). This part of IoT is capable of connecting machines in a cost-effective and easy way. However, the choice of antenna to use in M2M is a controversial topic.
Through hole mount antennas are great for LoRa modules due to their low loss and low VSWR. Also, their high gain and good impact resistance is a great benefit for LoRa modules.
GSM
Since these antennas can be easily mounted on roofs and ceilings, they are useful in GSM applications.
Other applications of through hole mount antennas include 2G, 4G LTE, GPRS, NB-IoT, ADS-B, and UMTS.
How to Install a Through Hole Mount Antenna on the Roof
Most times, people complain of damaging their antenna during installation on the roof. If you follow the necessary guidelines, you can easily install a through hole mount antenna without causing any damage to your roof. In all you are doing, avoid drilling holes in the roof to attach the antenna.
Here are spots you can install your through hole mount antenna.
On a gable
The gable is really a good spot to install your antenna as it doesn’t require any drilling of holes in the roof. You can place the antenna very high and direct it at South Mountain.
Chimney
The chimney is another great location to install your antenna. Get a kit that allows you strap the antenna. However, you need to understand that your signal can be interrupted due to ash and smoke. Therefore, this option is ideal if you have no fireplace.
Fascia
Since you may not have a gable or chimney, you can mount the antenna to the fascia. Be sure your fascia is working well and screw in the solid wood.
Avoid installing your antenna in certain places like plumbing vent. This antenna has a waterproof casing with gasket to prevent water from getting through.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a through hole mount antenna?
The cost of a through hole mount antenna varies. Since there are various models of these antennas in the market, cost is determined by these models.
Do through hole mount antennas have various sizes?
Yes, the sizes of these antennas differ. The size of your antenna should depend on the application for which it is intended to be used.
What are the safety standards through hole mount antennas adhere to?
These antennas are compliant to the RoHS or CE standards. Therefore, their safety and functionality have been fully tested.
What range of temperature should through hole antennas be stored?
These antennas have a storage temperature which is within the range of -40 degrees Celsius and +800C. It should be noted that the operating temperature of this antenna ranges between -400C and +850C.
Conclusion
Through hole mount antennas are available in different brands. The type of brand you choose will determine the size and weight of these antennas. As an omnidirectional and vertically polarize antenna, through hole antenna functions well in some applications. Also known as screw mount antennas, these antennas have high sensitivity and optimized dimensions.
