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Installing a RP-SMA Connector for an External Antenna
If you decide to install a RP-SMA connector for an external antenna on your Eggtimer TRS
board rather than using the "stick" antenna, you will need to follow the directions below.
For each board on which you want to install a connector, you will need:
RP-SMA board-edge connector, straight, .062" (1.5mm) board thickness
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(Linx Wireless part number CONREVSMA003.062 or equivalent)
You can get these from Eggtimer Rocketry, and you can also get them from electronics
distributiors such as DigiKey, Mouser, and Future Electronics. They're under $5 each in small
quantities.
If you look at the connector, you will see that there are two sides, separated by the thickness of
the PC board. The TOP side has three pins, the BOTTOM side only has two (there is no center
pin). Inside the outside-threaded connector is a pin; this is why it's called a "reverse"
connector, normally outside-threaded connectors have a socket in them and the matching
connector (with inside-threads) has a pin.
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Slide the RP-SMA connector on the edge of the board, so the three pins on the top line
up with the pads on the top of the PC board. With some masking tape, tape it into place on the
bottom side of the board so it won't move, leaving the pins and pads on the top side untouched.
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Solder ONE of the side pins on the top side to the pad on the top of the board. (Note:
You may find that the solder that comes with the Eggtimer TRS kit is too fine for soldering
these large pins to the board; if that is the case, use some "conventional" .032" 60/40 rosin-
core solder for the outer pins, but you DO need to use the included solder for the center
antenna pin.) Let it cool for at least 30 seconds.
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Check the connector to make sure that it is straight. If it has gotten a little crooked,
heat up the solder joint and gently move the connector into place.
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Solder the other two pins to the pads on the top of the board.
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Turn the board over, remove the masking tape, and solder the remaining two pins to the
pads on the bottom of the board.
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