Faraday fabric Meshtastic Compact, Flexible, 'Tie' Tactical

Overview

In this project, I explore a new way to build a super flexible, lightweight, and compact antenna for a Meshtastic node using Faraday tape. This approach allows for a low-profile antenna that’s ideal for adding to fabric sub-straights like a TIE! Watch the video below for the complete build.

Key Features

✅ Faraday Tape Construction – A non-traditional antenna material with unique RF properties

✅ Compact & Flexible – Can be bent or rolled

✅ Highly Portable – Great for TiTactical Meshtastic nodes in the field

Build Process

1. Material Selection: I used Faraday tape (nickel/copper fabric tape) for the radiating element.

2. Antenna Tuning: The flexible nature of the tape required adjustments to length for resonance.

3. Wearand get your alpha nerd on: I tested it on-air and with an analyzer to compare it against traditional whips.

Results & Testing

This design offers a unique balance between portability and performance. While it doesn’t have the rigidity of a standard antenna, the flexibility makes it a great alternative forthings like fabric