MCX port specification for M2?

Reach Module / M+ / M2 Hardware integration
1

Dear all,

We bought a convert SMA to MCX (https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001371713422.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.77036054aaso0K&algo_pvid=be094d6e-4f1f-469f-af38-a93d8f678839&algo_expid=be094d6e-4f1f-469f-af38-a93d8f678839-3&btsid=0b0a555f16171552641535487e4267&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0%2Csearchweb201602_%2Csearchweb201603_&fbclid=IwAR3UPe3ZcSUS0n8ZgjtgmatoCwW9TDTFrVIDJCWSXtpFM99Xvf4qJdDRle4) as shown in photo below but it did not fit well in M2 MCX port (it seems to be shorter than the cable we got from Emlid store: Reach M2/M+ SMA antenna adapter cable 0.5m | Emlid Store).

MCX converter
MCX converter1542×949 307 KB

My question is that does anyone here bought the correct version to the converter/adapter or know the specification for M2’s MXC port?

Thank you

3

not an adapter but a cable. I am guessing the body of the adapter will not let it go in far enough.

4

Yes, it could not go far enough. So we could only use the cable from Emlid store?

5

yes or they can be purchased elsewhere. I got one from Amazon

6

I had the same experience with those connectors they worked but would pop out easily.

7

Hi @l3technologycambodia,

Reach supports the standard MCX connector, but it requires a smaller plug’s body. The connectors with a smaller plug’s body, such as those from our store, are common. So, it should be possible to find the appropriate cable in a local store.

8

MCX male plugs for cable ends that fit are easy to find, but I have had a lot of trouble finding suitable MCX male ends when sourcing SMA adapters. I spent hours prowling Aliexpress, Ebay, Amazon, and local suppliers, bought and tried a few different models, but haven’t found something that fits in properly.

The opening on the M+ plastic case is 5.3mm diameter and the smallest MCX/SMA I found has an exactly 6mm base. It is frustratingly close yet doesn’t fit.

9

I bought these

The straight cable worked fine, the 90 degree MCX would not stay connected. This is the one I was speaking of in another thread.

Not sure if they enlarged the hole in the plastic body of the M2 -vs- the M+

10

Yeah, I tried the 90° MCX at first, it was evident it would never work. I was looking for a single fitting, not a cable, so I bought 10 of these. The big TNC cable I had required me to get a RP-sma female.
Since I have a bunch, I will try to mount one in a drill chuck, spin it like on a lathe, and grind it a bit thinner with a Dremel.

1 Like
11

butcher the case

3 Likes
12

Maybe the simplest solution :slight_smile::slight_smile::slight_smile:

1 Like
13

I want to avoid doing that, trying to preserve warranty.

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15

The warranty is only 6 months. My system design won’t even be finished in 6 months.

Besides, it is inconceivable to me that a company like Emlid would totally void a warranty because a user modifies the case.

I butchered my case.

But I like the idea of modifying the $5 connector. If I can do it, that’s what I will do next time.

17

Hi @Susquatch,

If the Reach M2 case is opened, the hardware components become more vulnerable to external damage. After that, the unit behavior becomes unpredictable. So, it’s hard enough to troubleshoot any possible issues you may face. That’s why we usually don’t recommend opening units.

Reach M2 receivers with manufacturing defects are replaced if reported within 60 days from the moment of purchase. Also, we provide lifetime support for all Reach devices. If you face any issues, please contact us. We’ll help you determine what went wrong.

18

On the M2 I have also switched to having a short straight cable at the start, saves wear and tear on the M2, have not noticed any drop in performance. Now the sma converters snap!

Also gives another release point if it gets hooked on something.

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