ZeroTrace AirLeak Pro
Antennas
External, swappable antennas for range and directional surveying
AirLeak Pro uses external antennas, not the tiny etched antennas found on cheaper boards. That's a deliberate choice for a survey tool: external antennas give real range, and they're swappable, so you can fit a directional or high-gain antenna for the job at hand.
What's on the board
Each radio module brings its antenna out to a small external connector (U.FL / IPEX style):
| Radio | Band(s) | Antenna |
|---|---|---|
| Main radio | 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi + Bluetooth LE | External 2.4 GHz antenna |
| Wi-Fi co-processor | 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz Wi-Fi | External dual-band antenna |
| GPS | GNSS (positioning) | Part of the GPS module |
Antennas are included with the unit, fitted or bundled.
The active Ops tools transmit. Running a transmit Op with an antenna connector left bare can stress the radio. Keep antennas attached whenever you use the board.
Why external antennas matter
- Range, an external antenna hears networks and devices a PCB antenna would miss, so your survey reflects more of what's actually there.
- Directionality, swap in a directional (patch/yagi) antenna to sweep a bearing or home in on a source.
- Dual-band coverage, the co-processor's antenna covers both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz so nothing on the faster band is lost.
Swapping antennas
The connectors are standard, so you can fit aftermarket antennas:
- A higher-gain omni for wider-area collection.
- A directional antenna for bearing work or fox-hunting a specific transmitter.
- A low-profile antenna for a discreet in-vehicle setup.
Match the antenna to the band you care about, a 5 GHz-capable (dual-band) antenna on the co-processor, a 2.4 GHz antenna on the main radio. Handle the connectors gently; they're small.