Antenna Help

Sensors NFC & RFID
1

Hello all and thanks in advance for your help,

I’ve gathered a M6E-Nano and using Universal reader Assistant was successful with reading a tag using no external antenna. I now want to use the WRL-14131 antenna to read the same tag. I could not read the tag? What should I change to be able to read the tag with the external antenna?

Thanks again for your support,

Parts I picked up

UHF RFID Antenna (RP-TNC) -WRL-14131

and the M6E-Nano

Interface Cable for RP-TNC to RP-SMA - 1m - CAB-14132

SparkFun Serial Basic Breakout - CH340G -DEV-14050

Break Away Male Headers - Right Angle -PRT-00553

JST Right-Angle Connector - Through-Hole 2-Pin -PRT-09749

SparkFun LiPo Charger Basic - Micro-USB -PRT-10217

Lithium Ion Battery - 6Ah -PRT-13856

Interface Cable RP-SMA to U.FL -WRL-00662

2

https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/si … al-antenna

3

Thank you YellowDog for your attention. How do I get more direct support? I used this document to get as far as I did before I requested help.

4

What should I change to be able to read the tag with the external antenna?

Using an External Antenna

The u.FL connector is an easy way to connect higher gain directional antennas. However, there are stipulations as to what external antennas can be used and additional FCC certifications may be required.

Note: The onboard PCB antenna complies with the FCC regulation.

Attaching the External Antenna

If you want to switch from the onboard antenna, you will need to change the antenna jumpers around to enable the u.FL connector.

Using some solder wick, clear the solder jumper to the trace antenna and close the solder jumper to the u.FL connector by adding a blob of solder.

Next, attach the u.FL to the RP-SMA connector cable. Because this connector is fragile we recommend either taping or hot gluing the sheath of the cable to the PCB. This will help prevent damage to the u.FL connector in case the cable gets pulled on.

5

Many thanks YellowDog,

The above information was very helpful. I completed your suggestion and found success. I’ll enter a new post to make my next inquiry.

6

I also want to use an external antenna, however I am not sure exactly where the solder blob should be placed. Can you use the image to show the process?

Screenshot 2024-03-01 101400.png

7

https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/si … al-antenna

8

How does your link help. It just shows the exact same image I put in that I asked help with. Please draw a line on the image to show where to make the connection.

9

Cut or desolder the connection between the two pads over the “e” and “l” in “ANT Select”. Then add a connection to the two pads above “S”.

Compare download/file.php?id=8863 (before) and https://cdn.sparkfun.com/r/600-600/asse … ial-12.jpg (after)

10

Thanks, got it.