Hello,

I have a question about MIMO1 and MIMO2 entry of CHATEAU LTE12
When connecting external antenna on it, the signal is like non antenna are connected.
Is this normal ?

I was thinking that connecting antenna on it will have the same signal while connecting on MAIN or DIV Antenna but seems not
Thanks for light on this.

after change you must do System > Reboot !

and read this topic: viewtopic.php?f=2&t=161065&hilit=chatea ... al#p792861

Thank @SiB
I did reboot but no change

/interface lte at-chat lte1 input="AT+QRSRP"
output: +QRSRP: -81,-81,-140,-140

First two value is correct but both -140 should be around -81 too.
So looks that MIMO1 and MIMO2 aren't in use.

Will read the link

Maybe I didn't connect correctly ?
This is what I have done to use both antenna and both mimo2.

The idea is to set external antenna to NONE to set CHATEAU to use all internal, except here, I did connect all internal (MAIN/DIV/MIMO) to four external connector :
This give that :

ANT1 -> MAIN_INT
ANT2 -> MIMO1
ANT3 -> MIMO2
ANT4 -> DIV_INT

Like this, setting CHATEAU to NONE, will not emit any 4G wave (the router is near me) and all 4G will use external antenna but if I'm letting only connected ANT2 and ANT3.
We can clearly see that performance are not good like no antenna connected

PS : Reboot done ofc
EDIT : Led indicate no signal and internet is very low and after few seconds, no more internet !!!

Will read the link :)

I read that post like that:

1. There are total 4 antenna connections for the CAT12 modem

means, 2x antenna with mimo 2x2, but in specification and brochure of Quectel SoC we see "Mimo 2x2,4x2" who give us info about that 4 connectors are
[*]1st antenna (2 connectors): 1pair for DL+UL what give 2x2 as internal and external
[*]2nd antenna (2 connectors): 1 pair for DL only to create 4x2 but I think only with "internal setup" bcs with external that antenna will be not used ?! and that why you reach -140 ?? By testing only you can confirm that stuff. Remember that 2nd antenna not have pigtail to outside of chateau.
Chateau have got EG12-EA soldered at PCB and that 2nd internal antenna must be always set as internal and to use your own antenna you must unplug ipex from PCB and install own pigtail with still internal settings - because I not see at photos the empty connectors at PCB, they not should be exist. and setting the second one as external you just disable it.

and for 2 antenna connections you can change from internal to external antenna

means like we can change int/ext for both antennas

- you can configure both antennas connectors separately (which will be external and which internal).

again, means like we can change int/ext for both antennas

For the TX only the main (first) antenna is used - which can be configured to external.

Tx=UL=upload is done only at main, 1st antenna.

That I read this answer.

system/routerboard/modem/set main-antenna=
auto external internal
[admin@MikroTik] > system/routerboard/modem/set diversity-antenna=
auto external internal
[admin@MikroTik] > system/reboot ;

Seams like main-antenna is for DL+UL but second antenna know as diversity-antenna was always as DL antenna. And we not receive info about reboot needed but I have one person who confirm that only after reboot he see changes in signals.

I hope that can help you in anythink, maybe I just write obvious stuff and this is just empty post.

PS. 20 photos from inside Chateau here .

Thanks SiB,
I'm trying to understand what you explain
I have pigtail/SMA for ANT2 and ANT3 possibility, now just to figure out how to plug it and with correct settings to be usefull.

1. There are total 4 antenna connections for the CAT12 modem

OK
.

[*]1st antenna (2 connectors): 1 pair for DL+UL what give 2x2 as internal and external
[*]2nd antenna (2 connectors): 1 pair for DL only to create 4x2 but I think only with "internal setup" bcs with external that antenna will be not used ?! and that why you reach -140 ?? By testing only you can confirm that stuff. Remember that 2nd antenna not have pigtail to outside of chateau.
Chateau have got EG12-EA soldered at PCB and that 2nd internal antenna must be always set as internal and to use your own antenna you must unplug ipex from PCB and install own pigtail with still internal settings - because I not see at photos the empty connectors at PCB, they not should be exist. and setting the second one as external you just disable it.

I don't really understand this part
For me, one connector from motherboard (for example MAINT_EXT) is composed with 2 wired (PLUS the receiver and GND) this means 1 antenna.
So each connector = one antenna.
.

That I read this answer.

Ok, I'm pretty sure you are right but you lost me
.

system/routerboard/modem/set main-antenna=
auto external internal
[admin@MikroTik] > system/routerboard/modem/set diversity-antenna=
auto external internal
[admin@MikroTik] > system/reboot ;
.
Seams like main-antenna is for DL+UL but second antenna know as diversity-antenna was always as DL antenna. And we not receive info about reboot needed but I have one person who confirm that only after reboot he see changes in signals.

It seems that reboot is not needed anymore but I can't confirm this, at least I always set a setting and reboot and get the same result as when before rebooting.
.

I hope that can help you in anythink, maybe I just write obvious stuff and this is just empty post.

Me too, trying to figure out
.

PS. 20 photos from inside Chateau here .

Thanks
.
On board like seen in above photos, we have as 6 LTE connectors :

MAIN_INT
DIV_INT
MAIN_EXT
DIV_EXT
MIMO1
MIMO2

So in theory, we can connect 6 antennas, so based on normal configuration, MIMO1 and MIMO2 (are internal antenna) and should work only with internal antenna (MAIN_INT and DIV_INT) and I don't think it works when MAINT_EXT and DIV_EXT are set.

So from what I have tested, connecting only pigtail/SMA on MIMO1 and MIMO2 so using external antenna to get best signal (-80db for me), what ever the setting used, Auto/Both/Main/Div/None (each reboot between change), I'm not getting any signal !

I don't understand

I think they are connected like that:

What give you info that Ant1 and Mimo are H and V with 90° angle.
This mean the Ant2 Ext , even if you configure it at ROS, going to not soldered u.FL (not existing in Chateau) connectors, when you select the second antenna as external then you always receive NO SIGNAL.
GPS socket is not soldered to PCB too, no way to connect it even if EG12-EA support it. Means GPS have no signal bcs no antenna.

Thank you for your answer and help

So this means in the current hardware, the best will be to connect
MAIN/DIV (INT) ANTENNA1 to the external SMA (original)
MIMO1 and MIMO2 ANTENNA2 to new external SMA (need to be mounted on rear panel)

And setup Mikrotik as using INTERNAL ANTENNA :
In Modem setting, put "none" in External Antenna configuration.


In this configuration the value returned by this command gives : .
.
.
Strangely, doing this setup :
ANT1 -> MAIN_EXT (Existing SMA) *
ANT2 -> MIMO1 (Added SMA) #
ANT3 -> MIMO2 (Added SMA) #
ANT4 -> DIV_EXT (Existing SMA) *

* ANTENNA1 (XPOL)
# ANTENNA2 (XPOL)
Both mounted on roof.

Set in Modem setting, put "both" in "External Antenna" configuration, sometimes, the same above command return correct value (rarely but correct one) .
.
Does that mean MIMO1 and MIMO2 are always used ? if yes, I should get also value when using internal, it's what I'm thinking.

Ok,
Just tested your configuration :

ANT1 -> MAIN_INT (Existing SMA) *
ANT2 -> MIMO1 (Added SMA) #
ANT3 -> MIMO2 (Added SMA) #
ANT4 -> DIV_INT (Existing SMA) *

* ANTENNA1 (XPOL)
# ANTENNA2 (XPOL)
Both mounted on roof.
.
.
And config like this :

.
I'm getting too, some good value but not always at each typed command
.
It looks like random but at least, it seems working.

This is the answer from the support (thanks)

The modem supports 6 spatial streams, so it works like this:
- For 1 CA single band 4x4 mimo = 4 streams.
- For 2 CA primary band 4x4 mimo + secondary 2x2 mimo = 6 streams
- For 3 CA all 3 bands use 2x2 mimo = 6 streams

Modem uses the mimo1 and mimo2 antenna only when operating in 4x4.
The last 2 values of AT+QRSRP should return the levels of the mimo1 and mimo2 or -140 if not used.
But keep in mind that only main antenna is used for Tx and Rx the rest are only for Rx.

So 4x4 MIMO is supported only up to 2 CA for the EG12 modem.
Also 4x4 MIMO is supported only for LTE-FDD: B1/B3/B7.

so to understand..I would like to attach my panel antenna with two SMA connector to the chateau.
do I have to attach them to ANT1 and ANT4..correct?
then, how should I configure with winbox?

so to understand..I would like to attach my panel antenna with two SMA connector to the chateau.
do I have to attach them to ANT1 and ANT4..correct?

You can use a MIMO antenna (that who have 2 cables) to this two SMA connectors at back and it's all.

then, how should I configure with winbox?

Set Main and Div as external. This say that two cables/connectors will be moved to power bigger antenna (external one).
It's all.

Maybe I didn't connect correctly ?
This is what I have done to use both antenna and both mimo2.

The idea is to set external antenna to NONE to set CHATEAU to use all internal, except here, I did connect all internal (MAIN/DIV/MIMO) to four external connector :
This give that :

ANT1 -> MAIN_INT
ANT2 -> MIMO1
ANT3 -> MIMO2
ANT4 -> DIV_INT

Like this, setting CHATEAU to NONE, will not emit any 4G wave (the router is near me) and all 4G will use external antenna but if I'm letting only connected ANT2 and ANT3.
We can clearly see that performance are not good like no antenna connected :(

PS : Reboot done ofc :)
EDIT : Led indicate no signal and internet is very low and after few seconds, no more internet !!!

Where I can configure this?

magnavox

Where I can configure this?

ReRead this post #10 viewtopic.php?f=13&t=162363#p800352

Guys am I reading this right - to get full potential I need to solder uFL-SMA to get extra two SMA connectors?

Guys am I reading this right - to get full potential I need to solder uFL-SMA to get extra two SMA connectors?

Ant1 can be internat or external.
Ant2 can be

• use that Internal u.FL to connect pigtail to SMA and connect the external antenna.
• you must solder u.FL to use external not soldered "output"

Easier way is disconnect Ant2 Int antennas and connect pigtails to SMA.

OK so disconnect MIMO1 and MIMO2 and put there uFL pigtails <-> SMA, then connect another antenna.
Currently using 2 x ATK504 (45 degrees) I've got:
output: +QRSRP: -102,-104,-140,-140

This gives me B3 as primary band and B1+B20 as CA, so 3 CA working fine 60-120 Mbit depends on time of day, RSSI is ~ 75 dBm, RSRP (for B3) is 99-102 dBm (86-88 for B20), wondering if I can get anything more with that - got another not used antenna - Cybertech 1800-2100 that I can use anytime just neet to shorten cables and buy uFL pigtails.

output: +QRSRP: -102,-104,-140,-140
This gives me B3 as primary band and B1+B20 as CA

-140 means that is not work now, you can try download some stuff to generate traffic and check that in loop to see if it's activated.
system/routerboard/modem/set diversity-antenna=
auto external internal <- select internal
[admin@MikroTik] > system/reboot ;
MIMO4x4 works only when you have B3+1+7

The problem is that I don't have access to system/routerboard/modem

[admin@MT_LTE] > /system/routerboard/
mode-button reset-button settings usb export get print upgrade

Running 7.1b2

search in /interface lte ...

Only thing I can find there is:
[admin@MT_LTE] > /interface lte settings print
mode: auto
firmware-path: firmware
external-antenna: both

Running ftp download proves that all antennas been used:
[admin@MT_LTE] > /interface lte at-chat lte1 input="AT+QRSRP"
output: +QRSRP: -101,-101,-104,-113
OK

Hi, the discussion is very interesting and informative, thank you!
However, what is still not clear to me is how to connect a 4x4 MIMO antenna.
An antenna like this one for example
https://www.amazon.it/dp/B0054PT476/?co ... JQKMFWX8R4
The bands available in my area are B1, B3 and B20

Hi all.

It is quite clear to me how to connect the pigtails to the rear part of the router. What is scary for me is opening the box without destroying it. From the pics posted on the polish (mikrotikon) website, it seems that with a screwdriver (or better with two) it should be possible to unlock the front side of the box from the rear one. Can anyone confirm this?

Thank you

Hi all.

It is quite clear to me how to connect the pigtails to the rear part of the router. What is scary for me is opening the box without destroying it. From the pics posted on the polish (mikrotikon) website, it seems that with a screwdriver (or better with two) it should be possible to unlock the front side of the box from the rear one. Can anyone confirm this?

Thank you

This video will help you ;)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-RrXyGy3Ro

Hi all.

It is quite clear to me how to connect the pigtails to the rear part of the router. What is scary for me is opening the box without destroying it. From the pics posted on the polish (mikrotikon) website, it seems that with a screwdriver (or better with two) it should be possible to unlock the front side of the box from the rear one. Can anyone confirm this?

Thank you

This video will help you ;)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-RrXyGy3Ro

Thank you vins71 ;)

Hello Everybody. Has anyone successful in setting 4x4 MIMO with chateau 12. ???? Can someone post the picture . I would be of great help.

I not have that unit but with 2x https://mikrotik.com/product/acsmaufl you can do that connection for second mimo antenna:



And you do a MIMO1,2 at Internal connectors.

i have two chateau 12 with same version of ros 7.1beta6.

first device with mant antenna ok

second device in same menu the option for select antenna (auto, both etc) does not have it.

BillyVan write:

second device in same menu the option for select antenna (auto, both etc) does not have it.

What means "not have it" ? You means about hardware radio pad or no signal of second atnenna by AT+QRSRP ?

no tab to select

Temporary solution
From
Quick Setup
enable ext ant

@BillyVan

PLEASE
you can make two /export:

disable (on quickset) the ext antenna,
on terminal:
/export file=before

after that enable (on quickset) the ext antenna,
on terminal do again:
/export file=after

compare the two files and put the differencies on forum, please?

Same problem here ... external antenna not detected on chateau LTE12. Hard to find similar topic here

Same problem here ... external antenna not detected on chateau LTE12. Hard to find similar topic here

Did you set anything for "external-antenna" under /interface/lte/settings?

e.g.

This setting is only available for "Chateau" routers, except for Chateau 5G versions.
auto - measures the signal levels on both internal and external antennas and selects the antennas with the best signal(RSRP).
both - both antennas are set to external
div - diversity antenna set to external
main - main antenna set to external
none - no external antenna selected(using internal antennas)

Same problem here ... external antenna not detected on chateau LTE12. Hard to find similar topic here

Did you set anything for "external-antenna" under /interface/lte/settings?

e.g.

This setting is only available for "Chateau" routers, except for Chateau 5G versions.
auto - measures the signal levels on both internal and external antennas and selects the antennas with the best signal(RSRP).
both - both antennas are set to external
div - diversity antenna set to external
main - main antenna set to external
none - no external antenna selected(using internal antennas)

Mmh I have to check this. It's for work so I will let you know next week ! Thanks for the answer

As shown above, the following command shows the signal strength of the various antennas:
Keep in mind it's a 4x4 MIMO device e.g. two pairs of antennas. So any external antenna should help since that how you get to 2 pairs of antennas (2 outside, 2 internal).

You can try moving the antenna position since ideally main and "diversity" antennas be 90º each other, but that not so easy to determine on Chateau. Or move the entire Chateau either "higher" (so it more free space) or near window.

But presuming the external antenna has higher gain (and almost certainly it would)... you may want to the antenna-selection to "main". But you can try various combos in that setting, and the run above command to see the levels. Keep in mind RSRP is negative, so -95 is better than -105.

Thanks I will test it next week, I will keep you in touch here. Currently, I just tested the "antenna scan" but it detects nothing
Indeed I'm using a pair of antenna to connect both external antennas port.
In my case it's not about the gain but to put the antenne outside a metal room with a RF cable of 50cm (shelter so no signal inside but very good signal outside).

Hello Ammo
I tried the /interface commande
"I got QRSRP : -109, -109,-140,-140
OK"

So I suppose two antenna is working good (-109) but the two others are very low (-140)

I just tested it with classic dipole antenna (so low gain)

-109 is pretty bad. If a phone also has "1 bar", that make sense. But a phone gets a full signal, it shouldn't be -109 RSRP on Chateau with any external antenna (and outside a metal box)....

Otherwise, you may want to try other antenna-selections and re-run that command. Or, check your connections and/or position the 2 dipole antennas at 90º to each other (like a V or "rabbit-ear")

Hello I send you output from my Chateau LTE12. I use LTE antenna from the picture. Cables are 10m long. Today I tested it and led lights where 3, without external antenna just 2. I saw some improwment also on quick setup. But I forgot to put "bouth", it was "main". Maybe it would be easier if I setup external anntena "bouth". I was wondering If my MIMO antena would work because it is not Mikrotik antena. I send you pictures. How much improwment would I get if I shorten cables on maybe 1m, not 10m. Thanks
Google Drive link on my config file https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jE9fdh ... sp=sharing
Image of MIMO antenna https://drive.google.com/file/d/19JZW6c ... sp=sharing

Antenna feeder cables should always be as short as possible. It depends on cable quality and frequency used, but it easily exceeds 5dB per 10m.

As for the antenna, the almost only important thing is antenna gain (the higher the better), which again depends on frequency used. LTE can use anything between 600MHz and 3.6GHz and antenna, working with whole range equally well, simply doesn't exist. And with high gain antennas, which are always highly directional, make sure you're directing them properly.

And last, but not least: LTE is always MIMO with rank at least 2x2 ... so make sure you're using a "MIMO antenna" or a pair of antennas properly positioned relatively to each other. Without MIMO antenna system throughput will be reduced to roughly half of available (but can fail completely if modem can't properly handle absence of one MIMO leg).