Nighthawk M1 external antenna connectors

[ContiGT]

Hi folks

I am having problems with my M1 regarding external antenna signal strength - like no improvement! The tech lined the antenna up with the tower on the highest point on my roof but no result!

I have 2 bars signal strength operation in my living room using just the internal antenna but if I take the modem outside and stand inline with the tower location I get 4 bars.

I decided to have an external antenna professionally installed and when the tech connected it up the signal strength remained at 2 bars. I disconnected it and took it outside again to the same position I had 4 bars before and the signal strength jumped back up to 4 bars. The antenna is a Sierra Wireless Technologies Telstra Broadband WMM-8G-7-38-15-TS9.

Is there any way to tell if the antenna ports on the modem are functioning or do they have to be activated within the firmware. Any ideas?

Cheers

Chris

[W1lliam · Accepted solution]

The problem isn't on that antenna but the antenna port on M1, these two ports only designed for low bands (such as B1/3/8/28..,etc.), unfortunately your environment seems preferred on B7 and that two TS-9 port does not help on B7. There are 4 antennas inside M1, designed for different bands.

[W1lliam]

Quickest way to validate if the external antenna works, take it with you to where you have 4 bars signal, without external antenna, and plug the antenna to see if signal dropped. Theory behind is when you plug external antenna into TS-9 port, the internal antenna will be disconnected.

You can also check on singal information from SETTINGS->Nighthawk M1 Status->Diagnostic, looking at RSRP, RS-SINR, Quality also Current Radio Band what is changing between with and without external antenna.

[ContiGT]

Many thanks for the reply! I tried as you suggested and signal strength inside was -110db, moved outside to the area I get 4 bars and read off -88db. Plugged the antenna leads in and signal strength did not change! It stayed at -88db ( with +/-2db variation).

I purchased this unit as a "near new refurbished" item - it appears all is not what it seems!

[W1lliam]

Can you check on what is the Current Radio Band? TS-9 port does not support high bands

[ContiGT]

Sorry for my ignorance but where will I find that info? Under diagnostics? What am I looking for?

[ContiGT]

Sorry found it! LTE B7

[W1lliam]

Under Diagnostics page, check on Current Radio Band info

[W1lliam]

Since your M1 is now stayed on B7 as main radio band, adding extenrla antenna does not help. So, it might not be the problem on that antenna but TS-9 port can't do anything on high band, they all installed as internal antenna. Some people done rework with the antenna connection, you probably can try to Google for more information.

[ContiGT]

Thanks for the info! Well that's $600 (antenna cost and installation) wasted. So the external antenna won't overide the internal. Its supposed to cover 3G, 4G, 4GX and 5G bands and a 9dbi gain!

I think I may have to have a chat with the Antenna Shop!

Thanks once again.

[W1lliam · Accepted solution]

The problem isn't on that antenna but the antenna port on M1, these two ports only designed for low bands (such as B1/3/8/28..,etc.), unfortunately your environment seems preferred on B7 and that two TS-9 port does not help on B7. There are 4 antennas inside M1, designed for different bands.