In real deployments, antenna placement usually matters more than radio power. Height and clear line of sight are the primary drivers of range and reliability.
Caution:
Do not transmit without an antenna connected. This can damage the radio.
Placement Rules That Work
- Higher is almost always better
- Outdoor is almost always better than indoor
- A window is better than the center of a building
- Avoid metal screens, foil insulation, and HVAC ducts near the antenna
- Keep coax runs short if possible
Antenna Basics
- Use an antenna tuned for your region frequency
- Mount vertical antennas vertically
- Give the antenna some separation from electronics and wiring
- Weatherproof outdoor connections