Can external / directional antennas be used on the Bolt?

Which Bolt models can use external antennas?

Bolt models which feature external RP-SMA antenna connectors can use external / directional antennas, such as individual patch panel antennas or the Antenna Array offered by Teradek.

Compatible

• 1st generation Bolt 2000
• 2nd generation Bolt 600
• 2nd generation Bolt 2000
• 3rd generation Bolt 1000
• 3rd generation Bolt 3000

Not compatible

These models are not compatible with external / directional antennas because they have built-in omnidirectional antennas which cannot be modified or replaced:

• 1st generation Bolt Standard
• 1st generation Bolt Pro
• 2nd generation Bolt 300
• 3rd generation Bolt 500

How do external / directional antennas help?

Directional antennas or the antenna array can also help for most scenarios in which you're getting shorter-than-expected range.

Generally speaking, directional antennas will not only help focus/amplify the signal in the direction which they are pointed, but they will reduce the noise.

Reducing the noise often makes a bigger impact than amplifying the signal.

As an example, directional antennas can help in crowded venues (e.g. concert halls, convention centers or arenas) where there is interference caused by Wi-Fi or other wireless audio or video systems that is in the same unlicensed frequency range used by Bolt.