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QT045 - FM114P, MA311 Detachable Antenna Connectors

Introduction

This Quick Tip covers the connector type used for the detachable antenna used on the Netgear FM114P and MA311 802.11b Wireless products.

Detail

The Netgear FM114P ProSafe Wireless Firewall and the MA311 PCI Wireless NIC both feature detachable antennas.  This allow the user to substitute a specialised antenna type to improve range and/or coverage.

While Netgear doesn't currently offer any alternative antenna products, these are available from some specialist suppliers.

The connector used on the FM114P and MA311 differs from the N-Type Connector used on many RF products.  This is because of a regulatory requirement of the FCC in the US.

The connector type used on the FM114P and the MA311, in common with many other 802.11b products is known as a Reverse SMA or Reverse Polarity SMA  connector.

There are two type types, male and female.  The sex is determined by the sex of the pin used for the centre conductor (not the position of the rotating sleeve).  The connector used on the device (FM114P, MA311) is a male connector.  The connector used on the antenna is a female connector. 

The antenna connector has the threaded, rotating sleeve that screws onto the bulkhead connector on the FM114P.

The illustration^** shows the Reverse SMA female antenna connector.

 

 

 

 

 

 

There are two other types of SMA connectors in use - both are incompatible with Reverse SMA:

• Standard SMA connectors, in which the male/female centre pin types are the opposite of those used in Reverse SMA.  For standard SMA connectors, the female connector is used on the device, and the male connector is used on the antenna.  In this case, the male connector has the threaded, rotating sleeve.

• Reverse Thread SMA connectors which have a left-hand thread.  These are less common, and are tightened by turning anti-clockwise.

Credits

^** Original illustration from www.solwise.co.uk/wireless_sundries.htm

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QT045 - FM114P, MA311 Detachable Antenna Connectors

Version 1.0, 20-OCT-02

Copyright © 2002 Fulton Network Technologies Pty Ltd.  All rights reserved. Not to be reproduced or distributed in any form without prior permission.

All information contain herein is provided to the reader on the understanding that the reader is responsible for ensuring the correctness and suitability of the information for his particular needs.

VERSION HISTORY

1.0   20-OCT-2002   Initial Release