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Proper antenna for high power deck?


 
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BlueCab146
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Joined: 11 Jul 2006
Posts: 85
Location: McLean County, IL

PostPosted: Wed 29-Oct-2008 02:07    Post subject: Proper antenna for high power deck? Reply with quote

I just installed a 110W Astro Spectra UHF deck in my truck and was wondering one thing, are the 1/4 wave spikes safe to use with these power levels?

Just want to make sure I don't fry something the first time I key up. Although I am pretty sure this is safe considering my VHF deck is set up the same way with no adverse affects.

Thanks.
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QualityLights
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Joined: 23 Sep 2007
Posts: 1650
Location: Port Jervis, NY

PostPosted: Wed 29-Oct-2008 06:54    Post subject: Reply with quote

As long as the antenna height is trimmed to the proper length you won't have any problems. The primary issue with ANY antenna is that it is tuned properly for the specific frequency(s) that is transmitted on (not receiving on). Tuning is accomplished by trimming the antenna to a specific height. Also, lengths vary depending on the style of antenna (1/4 wave, 1/2 wave, 5/8 wave, gain, etc) The actual manufacturer of the antenna doesn't matter. Also, any commercial antenna will handle the output wattage if any mobile two way radio, usually up to a 300 watts. The only time most people run into problems is when they run illegal an linear with a CB. The coaxial cable generally can not handle the higher wattage and melts the center core of the cable.

If you either post or PM me the frequency, I can let you know what the whip length should be.
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60a
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Joined: 11 Jan 2006
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Location: Columbus, OH

PostPosted: Wed 29-Oct-2008 12:10    Post subject: Reply with quote

Some antenna's do have a lower limit, such as some of the Antenex Phantoms but I agree with Qualitylights, most whip/ 1/4 waves will push 110 watts and still be nowhere near their max rating.
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BlueCab146
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Joined: 11 Jul 2006
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Location: McLean County, IL

PostPosted: Wed 29-Oct-2008 14:01    Post subject: Reply with quote

Well its good to know that I won't be hurting anything. I'm the first on the agency to be running high power decks, so we were unsure.

For those wondering about the band splits in use:

On the VHF (TK-730HG): 150-160MHz
On the UHF (Astro Spectra 110W) 450-460MHz
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QualityLights
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Joined: 23 Sep 2007
Posts: 1650
Location: Port Jervis, NY

PostPosted: Wed 29-Oct-2008 14:47    Post subject: Reply with quote

What is your highest and lowest frequency in each split? Example: 152.000 MHz and 158.000 MHZ, 457.000 MHz and 459.000 MHz.
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BlueCab146
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Joined: 11 Jul 2006
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Location: McLean County, IL

PostPosted: Thu 30-Oct-2008 09:31    Post subject: Reply with quote

Let see here, if I remember correctly:

154.000-158.000 and 453.000 to 459.000 to be more exact.
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BlueCab146
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Joined: 11 Jul 2006
Posts: 85
Location: McLean County, IL

PostPosted: Thu 30-Oct-2008 13:18    Post subject: Reply with quote

EDIT: the exact splits are:

151.000 to 159.000
453.000 to 467.000

Our radio network here is very diverse.
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