The Terra features three antennas ports. Each port has a special purpose.
Looking at the Terra Stations underside with the antenna ports at the top the connections are as follows:
Left Port: BluSeries (IE: Monarch butterfly tags, sensors, etc)
Center Port: WiFi
Right Port: Motus (UHF/Radio Tags)
Additionally, the Terra features two internal antennas, one for BluSeries and the second for Motus (UHF). There is no internal WiFi antenna - the external antenna is required; we designed it this way in order to improve range and reliability.
For basic operationnothing more is needed than the center WiFi antenna: the Terra Station will detect BluSeries and Motus with its internal antennas. Those who wish to expand the range for these tags/sensors can make use of the external antenna ports. External antennas are available through our website. Each external port can be switch on and off independently using the mobile app.
Internal Antennas
Terra features two internal antennas, one that works at 2.4GHz for BluSeries and Terra Accessory Sensors, the other is for 434MHz for Motus (UHF). The 2.4GHz antenna is an inverted F PCB antenna and the 434MHz antenna is a helix antenna. Both offer great performance for reception of tags in a typical yard and perhaps part of your neighborhood!
Connecting Antennas
Terra makes use of standard SMA antennas and coaxial cable. Please note that this connector is not compatible with RP-SMA, so when ordering cables and antennas, make sure that you order the correct type or use an adapter to convert between the two. Also, the connector is intended to be connected hand tight. Over tightening SMA connectors with force by hand or using tools will damage the Terra and its connectors. Connector tightness will not improve receive quality. Once the SMA is secure, if you are connecting the WiFi antenna, rotate the antenna and move the hinge upward so the antenna is facing up. This will provide the maximum signal strength.
Coax
It is advised to make use of good quality coax to connect your antennas if they are more than a couple feet or so. We suggest using LMR-400 or better for runs over 10 feet, especially when it comes to 2.4GHz, as coax will have much higher signal loss at that frequency.
How Far Does Terra WiFi Go?
Terra features an 802.11n WiFi and will connect only to 2.4GHz networks.
Troubleshooting WiFi
Is the green light steady or pulsating? If it is slowly fading in and out, it is not connected to WiFi. If it is steady and flickers ever so slightly every 5 seconds, that means Terra is connected.
If you are having trouble with Terra's WiFi, you can try the following:
- Make sure the WiFi antenna is connected to the center port and connected securely (but not too tight!)
- Make sure Terra has the correct WiFi name and password
- Make sure you are connecting to a 2.4GHz network. Terra does not currently support 5GHz networks.
- Move Terra closer to your WiFi
- Purchase a WiFi signal booster or mesh system, placing one of them near a wall or window closest to Terra outside
- Purchase a high gain antenna, such as 2.4GHz yagi
If you still are having difficulty, one idea is to move Terra close to your WiFi router to rule out any other sort of issue.
If that doesn't work, we suggest you submit a ticket.