AD-17/C-1512 — Wideband VHF/UHF Disc-Cone Antenna

Overview

The AD-17/C-1512 is a wideband VHF/UHF disc-cone antenna designed for base station and field transportable applications. It features a robust, low-weight construction from high-grade aluminum alloy, ensuring excellent resistance to atmospheric influences.

The antenna elements are made of high-grade aluminum alloy rods, protected with an irridite coating and painted with black two-component PU UV-resistant paint. This construction provides excellent resistance against atmospheric influences while maintaining a low weight.

The antenna exhibits constant gain and a stable radiation pattern over its complete frequency range of 100 to 512 MHz. It is composed of a support hub, 12 disc elements, and 12 radial (cone) elements.

Two versions are available: the AD-17/C-1512 for base station applications and the AD-17/C-1512-T for field/transportable applications.

Technical Summary

Key technical specifications for the AD-17/C-1512:

• Antenna Type: Wideband VHF/UHF Disc-Cone, Omni Antenna
• Frequency Range: 100 to 512 MHz
• Polarization: Vertical
• Power Handling: Less than 1 kW
• Construction: High-grade aluminum alloy rods with irridite coating and UV-resistant PU paint for durability and low weight.
• Elements: Support hub, 12 disc elements, 12 radial (cone) elements.
• Performance: Constant gain and stable radiation pattern across the specified frequency range.

Operational Use Cases

This antenna is suitable for a variety of communication needs:

• Base station operations requiring wideband VHF/UHF coverage.
• Field transportable applications where robust and lightweight equipment is essential.
• Fixed site deployments for consistent RF performance.
• Tactical communications systems.

Deployment Environments

The AD-17/C-1512 is designed for flexible deployment in:

• Base Station Setups: Optimized for permanent installations.
• Field Environments: A dedicated field/transportable version (AD-17/C-1512-T) is available for temporary or mobile deployments.

Performance Metrics

Performance highlights of the AD-17/C-1512:

• Frequency Range: Operates effectively across 100 to 512 MHz.
• Gain: Maintains constant gain characteristics throughout its operational frequency range.
• Radiation Pattern: Delivers a stable radiation pattern across the entire 100 to 512 MHz spectrum.
• Polarization: Vertical.
• Power Handling: Capable of handling less than 1 kW of power.

Setup & Portability

The AD-17/C-1512 offers versatile setup options:

• Mounting: Includes a mounting console for installation on masts with an outer diameter between 25 to 60 mm.
• Mounting Accessories: Other mounting options are available through the ADK family of consoles, clamps, and arms.
• Versions: Available in a base station version (AD-17/C-1512) and a field/transportable version (AD-17/C-1512-T).
• Design: Its low-weight and robust construction make it suitable for transportable applications.

Compatibility

The AD-17/C-1512 is designed for seamless integration:

• Mast Compatibility: Compatible with masts having an outer diameter from 25 to 60 mm using the included mounting console.
• Accessory Compatibility: Further mounting flexibility is achieved through compatibility with the ADK family of consoles, clamps, and arms.

FAQs

Selecting an Omnidirectional Antenna

How do I choose an omnidirectional antenna for a specific application?
For omnidirectional antennas, consider several factors: determine if the antenna is primarily for receive-only or for transmitting various power levels (most tactical antennas handle moderate power); identify the platform it will mount to (e.g., handheld, manpack, vehicle, fixed site); specify the operational frequency, the maximum continuous power output from the transmitter, and the acceptable maximum VSWR. Also, evaluate the required gain and radiation characteristics, and whether a ground-plane dependent or independent design is preferred.

Antenna Performance Characteristics

What are typical gain characteristics for omnidirectional antennas?
Omnidirectional antennas typically have gains of about 0 to 2 dBi within 20 degrees above and below the horizon for standard-sized antennas. Wideband omnidirectional antennas can exhibit gains as low as -20 dB at the lower end of their frequency range for practical structures. Higher gain omnidirectional antennas may achieve 4 to 8 dBi, but this often results in radiation patterns compressed to ten degrees or less above and below the horizon.

Physical Considerations

Why is an antenna's form factor important?
The form factor, which includes the size, weight, and mounting details of an antenna, is critical in determining its suitability for a particular use case.