IPEX 1 (U.FL) to RP-SMA Female Bulkhead Pigtail - 10cm RG178 Cable (11mm Long Thread)

Specifications

• Cable Type: RG178 Coaxial (50Ω Impedance)

• Length: 10 cm

• Connector A: IPEX 1 (U.FL / MHF1) Female

• Connector B: RP-SMA Female (Bulkhead / Panel Mount)

• Bulkhead Thread Length: 11 mm

• Frequency Range: DC to 6 GHz

• Insulation: FEP (Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene) - 200°C Rated

• Mounting Hardware: Gold-plated Nut and Star Washer included

Key Applications & Projects

• IoT Enclosures: Mounting external antennas on thick ABS or 3D printed boxes for ESP32/ESP8266 projects.

• FPV Drones: Connecting VTX modules to frame-mounted antennas (RG178 withstands crashes better).

• LoRa Gateways: Upgrading internal PCB antennas to high-gain external aerials.

Virtual Technician & Wiring

• ⚠️ Connector Identification:

  • IPEX 1 (U.FL): Connector diameter ~2mm. Standard for most modules. (Note: Not compatible with MHF4 found on M.2 cards).

  • RP-SMA Female: Has external threads and a Male Pin in the center. Fits standard WiFi antennas (which have a Female hole).

• Installation Tip: When tightening the bulkhead nut, hold the connector body still to prevent twisting the delicate IPEX end.

Accessories & Parts

What's Included:

• 1 x IPEX 1 to RP-SMA Female Bulkhead Pigtail - 10cm RG178 Cable

Compatible Upgrades:

• Antenna: 2.4GHz 3dBi WiFi Antenna (RP-SMA Male).

• Dual Band: 2.4/5.8GHz 5dBi Antenna for Drone VTX.

• Extension: RP-SMA Male to Female Extension Cable (if 10cm is too short).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the difference between RG178 and the standard black wire? RG178 is a premium coaxial cable (~1.8mm thick) with a brown FEP jacket. It is much more durable, heat-resistant (200°C), and offers better shielding than the standard thin 1.13mm black wires found on cheap pigtails.

2. Does this connector have a pin or a hole in the center? This is an RP-SMA Female connector. In the "Reverse Polarity" standard, the Female connector (which has threads on the outside) actually has a Male Pin in the center.

3. Will this fit my WiFi router antenna? Yes, most standard WiFi antennas are RP-SMA Male (Threads inside, Hole in center), which mates perfectly with this cable.

4. Will this fit an ESP32-WROOM-32U? Yes, the ESP32-WROOM-32U uses a standard IPEX 1 (U.FL) connector, which this cable is designed for.

5. Will this fit an M.2 WiFi card (like Intel AX200)? No. M.2 WiFi cards typically use the smaller IPEX 4 (MHF4) connector. This cable uses the larger IPEX 1.

6. How do I tell the difference between IPEX 1 and IPEX 4? IPEX 1 has a connector height of ~3.0mm and diameter of ~2.0mm. IPEX 4 is extremely low profile (~1.2mm height). If your connector looks tiny and flat, it's likely IPEX 4.

7. What is the "11mm Thread" advantage? Standard bulkhead connectors only have ~6mm of thread. This 11mm version allows you to mount the antenna connector through thicker panels, such as 3D printed cases or waterproof enclosures (up to 7mm wall thickness).

8. Is the cable stiff or flexible? RG178 is semi-flexible. It is stiffer than 1.13mm wire, which helps it hold its shape inside an enclosure, but it can still be bent to route around components.

9. What is the minimum bend radius? We recommend a minimum bend radius of 9-10mm to avoid damaging the internal shielding. Do not make sharp 90-degree folds.

10. Does it support 5.8GHz (FPV) frequencies? Yes, RG178 is rated for frequencies from DC up to 6GHz, making it suitable for both 2.4GHz WiFi and 5.8GHz drone video systems.

11. How much signal loss does this cable add? For a short 10cm length, the loss is negligible (approximately 0.3dB - 0.5dB), which will not noticeably affect performance.

12. Is the connector gold plated? Yes, the RP-SMA body and pin are typically gold-plated brass for corrosion resistance and conductivity.

13. Can I use this outdoors? The cable itself is durable, but the bulkhead connection is not waterproof on its own. You should use a rubber O-ring (not included) or silicone sealant if mounting on an outdoor box.

14. What size drill bit do I need for the hole? You need a 6.5mm (approx 1/4 inch) hole to fit the SMA bulkhead.

15. Does the nut come with a washer? Yes, a star washer is included to prevent the connector from spinning when you tighten the antenna.

16. Can I cut and solder this cable? Yes, but coaxial cable is difficult to solder manually without creating signal loss. We recommend buying the correct length if possible.

17. Is this compatible with Raspberry Pi Zero W? The Raspberry Pi Zero W has a U.FL connector, but it is often used for testing/factory use. If you have modified your Pi to use an external antenna, this cable will fit.

18. Can I use this for GSM/LTE/4G? Yes, provided your LTE antenna uses an RP-SMA connector. (Note: Many LTE antennas use Standard SMA, which has a pin on the antenna side. Check carefully!).

19. What is the impedance? Standard 50 Ohms, matching all standard RF equipment.

20. How tight should I make the nut? Tighten it firmly by hand, then add 1/4 turn with a wrench. Do not over-tighten (Max torque ~0.5 Nm) or you may strip the brass threads.