[NetMetal5] Can I use single chain?

Hardware MikroTik hardware general
1

Hi to all, I’ve bought NetMetal5 with dual chain (CH0 and CH1 SMA connectors).
I need to use it with single polarization antenna, I ask for confirm before damaging radio: can I use NetMetal5 in single chain using only main chain (I suppose CH0)?
Thanks.

2

Make sure you put load on the unused chain, either a 50Ohm load “cap” or a rubberduck antenna for example.

This way if chain gets activated for some reason output amplifier won’t be damaged.

That being said, looks like a waste to devote a netmetal to a single chain antenna, why not use a Metal52AC for that?

3

It’s an emergency solution.

4

Mmh, in my NetMetal5 I’ve found in Wireless → wlan1 → HT:

Tx chains: chain0 = checked, chain1 = unchecked
Rx chains: chain0 = checked, chain1 = unchecked

So NetMetal is, as default, set for single chain antenna?

5

No, default config enables both chains.

Use any rp-sma rubberduck antenna as load for the unused chain then (the ones on most cheap wireless routers)

6

Strange, It’s first time I take out brand new RB from package and I switch it on…

7

I noticed this on some firmware/ROS versions combinations with certain devices. What’s the ROS version / Firmware version?