Phased Array LoRa Antenna
This pair of directional LoRa antennas includes a phase controller, allowing you to create your own phased array of LoRa antennas.
You can combine the two panels to span a greater distance than either one could by itself…or you can aim the antennas in slightly different directions to customize your coverage area.
About this Antenna
There’s nothing really LoRa-specific about this antenna (or any others that I’m aware of), except for the fact that it’s sensitive to the range of frequencies typically used for mesh and LoRa systems.
Specs
Cost (2025): $129.00 (ebay)
Frequency: 902.0 - 928.0
Gain: 9.5dBi - 12.4dBi (customizable)
Height: ~25” Mounted
Type: Directional / Customizable
Max Power: 50 watts
Weatherproof: Yes
What’s Included
2 Antenna Panels
Brackets for mounting panels to mast
Phase controller
Cables for connecting antennas to phase controller
Mesh / LoRa Antenna Tests
Methodology
As a mesh communication firmware developer, my only interest is really whether this antenna plays well with LoRa mesh applications. My testing is pragmatic and focuses on reliability of encrypted mesh deliveries (one way and 2 way) at various distances, and that is really all.
As you can see in the screenshots below, using the ChatterBox mesh firmware, I’m able to see a live view of which devices/nodes I’m receiving pings from. I’m also able to send messages, which return an ECDSA signed confirmation (shows as check mark), so I know for a fact the message was received and validated, without seeing the distant device.
Testing with a LoRa Mesh Node
Mounting and running at a stationary position (base station) is likely the only way you’d want to use this antenna.
It’s weatherproof and ready to be mounted to a mast.
Due to the how this antenna is focused, you would want to have good control over where it is aimed/positioned at all times, for safety reasons.
My purpose for this particular antenna is to span a distance between 2 small towns, without transmitting/receiving in directions that don’t assist in that purpose. The two nodes involved in spanning this distance will provide secure/encrypted frequency-hopping LoRa coverage along the path between the two cities, and also bridge the nodes at either end, so those 2 nodes can become a “mesh pipe”, reliably connecting the two towns.
Findings
Typically I focus on a few common pairings of antennas to test with, and the standard battery of tests are a range between 1 and 8 miles. At 8 miles and beyond, earth curvature plays a factor and requires more height (at least here in the flat midwest). If an antenna is looking really promising, I’ll push the distance a little more…but again, the focus of my testing is mesh firmware compatibility, not breaking RF records.
Rating : Excellent - Highly Recommended
This Phased Array LoRa antenna, which can be purchased on ebay, can definitely help you bridge a gap, without leaking your RF in unnecessary directions.
While I have only tried positioning the panels in a couple of configurations (due to my reasons for using this), I can say the panels certainly do focus quite well. If you are within 1/4 mile, you’re likely to get a great signal no matter which direction you are from it. Beyond that short distance, it becomes quite apparent how well the pair can focus.
I continue to run this pair of LoRa antennas in a private ChatterBox cluster to be one side of a mesh bridge, and that deployment appears to be successful.
Although they were perfect for my needs, these antennas are definitely not for every situation. You need to consider how it concentrates RF. If you pair it with an amp involved, you definitely need to consider the safety aspect and be sure you’re never over-exposing anything to RF.