I am happy with my Nano ESP32 and arduino cloud connection. But I would like to place the esp32 in a waterproof casing with an external wifi attenna for a better range.
Any hardware to recommend?
it is not possible to use external antenna with that uBlox esp32. search for esp32 module or board with external antenna connector
That surprises me. I prefer to stick to arduino hardware.
Is there any board from the MKR or Nano product range that has this option?
Hi @vhbrijk
The Portenta H7 uses an external antenna:
This board isn't exactly what you were asking for because this board is in the Portenta/"PRO" family instead of the MKR board family, but it does use the MKR form factor.
Also not what you are asking for, but worth mentioning that the GIGA R1 WiFi also has an external antenna:
the Nano ESP32 is an ESP32S2. the boards support package is not by Arduino but by Espresif so if you use any other Esp32S3 board you will use the same core and the same sketch
Thank you @ptillisch for the alternatives. Can I connect any antenna with uFL connector to the Portenta H7, or are there any specific requirements?
@Juraj thank you for the explanation
I think any antenna configured for the 2.4 GHz band will be fine. Both boards come with an basic antenna, which you can see in this product photo;
No mater what you use an external antenna won't necessarily give you more range.
A plastic box will virtually have no effect on the WiFi signal. Before you spend money on an expensive board you should try the nano in a plastic box.
I question whether an external antenna will be of any benefit. I suspect your problem is internal to the Nano.
I have an old HP laptop, WIN7, using WiFI and no antenna other than what is inside the plastic housing. It can see the WIFI from neighbors that are 1/4 to 1/2 mile away. Of course I can't connect because of security. Ir works just fine with the house WIFI.
If your smart phone is using WIFI, that, being close by, can effect your NANO WIFI.
You are right @jim-p and @Paul_KD7HB in the case of a plastic box. But I want to use a metal casing, so I need antenna outside the casing.
Have you considered there is more than just putting an antenna on the box? How will you make the physical connection between the antenna and the Nano?
I am considering to buy this one: https://nl.mouser.com/ProductDetail/TE-Connectivity-Linx-Technologies/ANT-DB1-WRT-UFL-100?qs=t7xnP681wgVNq7uHiGTyaA%3D%3D
This one does not have an official IP rating, but I like its small size. So mechanical damage is much less likely.
Should work ok, since you are mounting on a metal plate. Please report back with your experience.