Introduction: What the Ajax ExternalAntenna 104117.290.NC Is and Why It Matters
TheAjax ExternalAntenna 104117.290.NCis a compact, weather‑resistant external antenna designed specifically for the Ajax Hub BP family. With an SMA male connector and a roughly 3 m coaxial cable, the antenna gives installers a simple, low‑cost way to dramatically improve LTE and Ajax radio (Jeweller and Wings) reception when the hub’s internal antenna is obstructed by metal safes, concrete rooms, cabinets or other signal‑shielding enclosures.
Key features at a glance:
- Passive antenna— no power required, simple to connect and maintain-free.
- SMA male connectorand approximately 3 m cable for easy routing out of the hub enclosure.
- Breakage detection— the Ajax hub reports cable/antenna damage or tampering.
- Weather‑resistant designsuitable for typical outdoor mounting (not continuous immersion).
- Compact and lightweightwith pre‑applied double‑sided tape for discreet mounting.
- Affordable— low suggested retail price and backed by a 2‑year Ajax manufacturer warranty.
Understanding the technical specifications helps explain why this simple accessory can be a practical solution for many installations. Below is a concise specification summary followed by how each attribute delivers tangible benefits.
- Model / MPN:104117.290.NC / ExternalAntenna
- Compatibility:Ajax Hub BP and compatible hubs (connects to Jeweller, Wings or cellular SMA connector)
- Frequency bands:698–960 MHz and/or 1710–2690 MHz (product variants / regional band ranges)
- Supported radios:LTE (2G/3G/4G) and Ajax Jeweller / Wings
- Connector:SMA male
- Cable length:3,000 mm (approx. 3 m)
- Dimensions:Approx. 115 × 21 × 6–7 mm
- Weight:Approx. 41–46 g
- Operating temperature:−40 °C to +85 °C
- Operating humidity:Up to 95% (non‑condensing)
- Mounting:Adhesive (double‑sided tape supplied); route cable out through hub casing
- Breakage detection:Yes — cable/antenna breakage reported by hub
- Warranty:2 years (Ajax manufacturer warranty)
Benefits explained:
- Broad frequency coverage:Covers typical cellular and Ajax radio bands so one antenna supports both LTE and proprietary Ajax communications, keeping the hub connected to monitoring and devices even in marginal signal areas.
- SMA connector and 3 m cable:The SMA male plug is common on Ajax hubs and allows quick connection without adapters. The 3 m cable gives flexibility to position the antenna outside the hub enclosure and find better reception points without complex cabling work.
- Passive and robust:A passive design means no external power is needed and fewer failure points. Its operating ranges and weather resistance make it suitable for most rooftop, wall or outdoor placements encountered in alarm system installations.
- Breakage/tamper reporting:Unlike generic antennas, this accessory integrates into the Ajax security ecosystem: if the cable is cut or the antenna becomes disconnected, the hub logs and reports the fault, preserving security integrity.
- Price and warranty:With a suggested retail price of about $19.99 and a two‑year warranty, the ExternalAntenna offers a cost‑effective way to resolve radio issues without replacing the entire hub or undertaking expensive relocation work.
The ExternalAntenna is designed for straightforward, practical problems encountered in both residential and commercial alarm installations. Typical scenarios include:
- Safes and metal cabinets:When a Hub BP is installed inside a safe or steel cabinet for security, internal antennas may be blocked. The ExternalAntenna lets the hub remain protected while restoring radio and cellular connectivity.
- Concrete rooms and basements:Thick reinforced concrete can attenuate signals. Mounting the antenna on an outer wall or near a window often recovers reliable links for both Jeweller/Wings and LTE communication.
- Server rooms and locked enclosures:IT closets sometimes require the hub to be out of sight. Running the 3 m cable to an external antenna preserves both concealment and signal strength.
- Temporary installations and site surveys:Installers can use the antenna to test reception points quickly before committing to a permanent mounting, or to provide an interim fix while planning a more extensive installation.
- Light outdoor mounting:For hubs placed near exterior walls, the weather‑resistant antenna can be affixed outside to capture better cellular and Ajax network quality, with the hub itself remaining indoors.
In all these cases, the combination of a standardized SMA connection, modest cable length for routing, and the hub’s monitoring of cable integrity make the ExternalAntenna a practical choice for improving system reliability without costly changes.
Not all external antennas are created equal, and understanding the common alternatives will help determine when the Ajax ExternalAntenna is the right tool:
- Passive vs active antennas:The Ajax antenna is passive (no amplifier). Active or amplified antennas can provide higher gain but require power and may introduce complexity or incompatibilities. For many installations where the hub is just marginally shielded, a passive antenna suffices and avoids installation complexity.
- SMA vs other connectors:The SMA connector is common for consumer and many alarm hubs. Other solutions use N‑type or F‑type connectors better suited to higher‑power outdoor cellular antennas. Those are overkill for Hub BP installations and often need adapters or custom cabling.
- Mounting style and mobility:Magnetic or screw‑mount antennas exist for temporary placement on metal surfaces or roofs. The Ajax ExternalAntenna’s adhesive mounting favors discreet, low‑profile installs where a permanent, visible antenna is undesirable.
- Integration with alarm system monitoring:A key advantage of this model over generic RF antennas is the breakage detection reported to the Ajax hub. Generic antennas rarely offer tamper reporting integrated with security systems, which can be a crucial difference for monitored sites.
- Cost and suitability:Compared to full outdoor cellular antennas or rooftop arrays, the ExternalAntenna is inexpensive and designed for the specific electrical and mechanical needs of the Hub BP. For most indoor‑to‑outdoor routing problems it is a pragmatic and economical choice.
While large‑scale public reviews for small, specialised accessories are limited, feedback from installers and resellers highlights consistent themes:
- Installers report quick, reliable restoration of LTE and Jeweller/Wings links when hubs were previously isolated inside metal housings or concrete enclosures.
- Resellers note that the accessory reduces the need to relocate hubs, saving time and customer disruption.
- Users appreciate the tamper/breakage reporting integration — the antenna does not just improve reception but also preserves the security monitoring chain.
Typical comments paraphrased from installer forums and reseller notes include observations such as: "Simple to fit — solved a persistent signal problem inside a safe" and "Good value for money compared to running longer bespoke coax or upgrading to expensive outdoor cellular gear." These anecdotes reflect the product’s role as a targeted fix rather than a wholesale radio upgrade.
The Ajax ExternalAntenna 104117.290.NC is a focused, cost‑effective accessory that addresses a common pain point for Hub BP installations: poor radio or cellular reception caused by signal‑shielding enclosures or challenging installation sites. Its SMA connector and 3 m coaxial cable make it easy to route the antenna to a better reception point while keeping the hub protected and hidden. The passive, weather‑resistant design minimizes maintenance, and integrated breakage detection keeps monitoring integrity intact.
For installers, system integrators and end users seeking a straightforward way to restore or improve LTE and Ajax radio connectivity without expensive or invasive changes, this antenna delivers a practical balance of performance, simplicity and affordability. Backed by Ajax’s two‑year warranty and a sub‑$20 suggested retail price, it is an attractive, low‑risk upgrade that often resolves the very issue it was designed for: keeping alarm systems connected and reliably monitored.
