Introduction - Utilizing the proper HF
antenna, set up the proper way, is critical for making reliable communications.
The unique thing about HF radio waves is that they can be reflected (bounced)
between the earth and sky many times, allowing long distances to be covered, and
communication with teams on the far side of mountains, down in valleys, etc. Its
all a matter of how you reflect the signal.
For most missions, short range
communication is adequate, within the NVIS range of 250 - 300 miles. NVIS
stands for Near Vertical Incident Skywave. It is a method of aiming the
radio signal essentially straight up, so that it will spread out slowly to give full omnidirectional
coverage with no skip zones, land and air. If your communication is
inside of this range, a NVIS setup should always give you the most reliable
communications. Generally, this will be your setup for tactical and
helicopter operations, as well as disaster relief.
For medium or long range
communications, an inverted Vee configuration is usually the answer. By tilting
the antenna wire from horizontal, the radio wave is propagated out at an angle
towards the horizon. This will cause reflections to
cover much greater distance. However, you may miss stations in between
- this is called skip. Our antennas will allow you to make the distance
necessary while maintaining the best
possible coverage. Generally, this will be your setup for some base
operations, as well as guard, FEMA and homeland defense interstate
communications.
Selection: Quick
Selection Guide for Antennas and Masts
| |
Tactical
Manpack
1 - 20 W |
Tactical
Forward
1 - 1000 W |
Tactical
Rear
1 - 1000 W |
Base
1 - 1000 W |
Rooftop
1 - 1000 W |
| MP-90B |
x |
x |
|
|
|
| BWDI-180N |
|
x |
x |
|
|
| BWDI-90N |
|
x |
x |
|
|
| BWDI-65N |
|
x |
x |
|
|
| BWDS-180N |
|
|
x |
x |
|
| BWDS-90N |
|
|
x |
x |
|
| BWDS-65N |
|
|
x |
x |
|
| ACS-110N |
|
|
|
|
x |
| MK114-306T |
x |
|
|
|
|
| MK114-312T |
|
x |
x |
x |
|
| MK114-324T |
|
x |
x |
x |
|
| MK114-124R |
|
|
|
|
x |
FORWARD SHORT RANGE TACTICAL - manpack
Antenna:
MP-90B
(20 watts max)
Mast:
MK114-306T
(6 ft high mast poles)
Propagation: NVIS
Comments:
This setup is specifically designed for manpack use. The antenna is the
minimum length to work with both day and night NVIS frequencies, which is 90
feet. The mast poles break down to 18 inch segments for ease of handling.
The antenna has detachable wires to break down. Very small and light, with
ultra fast deployment. Fully camouflaged.
FORWARD SHORT RANGE TACTICAL - vehicle transported
Antenna:
BWDI-90N
(1KW max)
Mast:
MK114-312T
(12 ft high mast poles)
Propagation: NVIS
Comments:
This setup is specifically designed for NVIS use. The antenna is the
minimum length to work with both day and night NVIS frequencies, which is 90
feet. The mast poles break down to 4 ft segments for ease of handling.
The antenna wire is extremely soft and flexible for rapid deployment and take
up. Fully camouflaged.
SHORT OR LONG RANGE TACTICAL - vehicle transported
Antenna:
BWDI-90N
(1KW max)
Mast:
MK114-324T
(24 ft high middle mast pole)
Propagation: NVIS or long range
Comments:
This setup will work NVIS or conventional long range. The center mast pole
is 24 ft. Set up all 24 ft to configure the antenna as an inverted Vee, or
only use 12 feet to do NVIS. The pulley and lanyard system allows you to
switch back and forth without having to change anything. The mast poles
break down to 4 ft segments for ease of handling. The antenna wire
is extremely soft and flexible for rapid deployment and take up. Fully
camouflaged.
SHORT or LONG RANGE TACTICAL -
base use
Antenna:
BWDS-90N (1KW max)
Mast:
MK114-324T
(24 ft high middle mast pole)
Propagation: NVIS or long range
Comments:
This setup will work NVIS or conventional long range. The center mast pole
is 24 ft. Set up all 24 ft to configure the antenna as an inverted Vee, or
only use 12 feet to do NVIS. The pulley and lanyard system allows you to
switch back and forth without having to change anything. The mast poles
break down to 4 ft segments for ease of handling. The antenna rolls
up for stowage and redeployment.
LONG RANGE - base use
Antenna:
BWDS-180N (1KW max)
Mast:
MK114-324T
(24 ft high middle mast pole)
Propagation: Long range
Comments:
This setup will work NVIS or conventional long range. The center mast pole
is 24 ft. Set up all 24 ft to configure the antenna as an inverted Vee, or
only use 12 feet to do NVIS. The pulley and lanyard system allows you to
switch back and forth without having to change anything. The mast poles break down to
4 ft segments for ease of handling. The antenna rolls up for
stowage and redeployment.
LONG RANGE -
Base - Roof Mount
Antenna:
ACS-110N (1KW max)
Mast:
MK114-124R
(24 ft high middle mast pole)
Propagation: Long range
Comments:
This setup will work conventional short or long range. The antenna is a
grounded configuration, and works best on a metal or concrete/rebar roof with
ground attachment. The mast pole comes with a roof foot.
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