Description
Antennas.us VL-1220-496 VHF Low Profile Airband Antenna
Antennas.us Model VL-1220-496 is a small, Low Profile VHF Aircraft Band Antenna. It covers the entire Civil Aviation Band of 118-136 MHz (General Aviation). The VL-1220-496 comes tuned from the factory so no adjustments are needed. This Airband Antenna is perfect for airport ground operations vehicles, where height restrictions exist: for example, traversing under aircraft wings. Measuring only 4" (10 cm) in diameter and 6" (15.3 cm) tall, this radiator is a very efficient Low Profile Antenna. Please note, the VL-1220-496 is not a ground plane antenna. Do not install on a fiberglass structure without adding some metal under the antenna to create a ground plane. Aluminum or another nonporus metal will suffice.
Your Antennas.US VL-1220-496 Purchase Includes:
- 1 VL-1220-496 VHF Low Profile Antenna
VL-1220-496 Installation Guidelines
While the VL-1220-496 is a low profile antenna, it will outperform a stick antenna when installed properly. For optimum operation, install it near the center of a flat metal surface, such as the roof of a truck's cab or van. Preferably, the immediate metal surface surrounding the antenna should have a minimum, approximately flat size of 50" (127 cm) x 50" (127 cm). Magnetic mounts or trunk bracket mounts are not recommended.
The VL-1220-496 Aircraft Band Antenna features a DC shunt connection to the chassis to help protect its attached radio from limited Electro-Static Discharge (you will measure a short circuit when measuring across its terminals with a multimeter).
An electrically conductive chassis/ground plane is required for the proper operation of the VL-1220-496 Airband Antenna. If the intended mounting surface is non-conductive, such as a fiberglass roof: line the underside of the non-conducting surface with a thin foil of any convenient metal (Aluminum is widely used). Ensure that the NMO mount contacts the chassis/ground plane/foil securely.
Airband Antenna Specifications VL-1220-496 Datasheet
Frequency range: 118-136 MHz (VHF Civil Aviation Band)
Coverage: Omni-directional, low azimuthal ripple (1 dB)
Polarization: Linear, Vertical
Gain: +2 dBil (when mounted on a large ground plane - asymptotic gain)
Nominal Impedance: 50 ohm
Input Power: 50 Watts CW
VSWR: under 3.0 over 90% of the band
Connector: NMO, Female
Dimensions: 10 cm (4") average OD x 15.3 cm (6") h -- [OD: 9.2 cm (3.6") at top/11.2 cm (4.4") at base]
Mounting: NMO connector
Operating Temperatures: -40°C to +85°C
Weight: 300 g / 0.6 lbs
Shipping Weight: 400 g / 0.9 lbs (shipped individually)
You Ask ... Broadwaytwoway.com Answers
Your price is high compared to the manufacturer's website, why? Respectfully, we're in business to make a profit and we stock these antennas so you don't have to. Typical lead time for this antenna is up to 8 weeks. We ship same day.
Do I need anything else to make this antenna work? The ICOM A120 or another VHF two way radio is needed for this antenna to work. Additionally, you need an antenna mount with cable to connect to the radio.