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HF ANTENNA
APPLICATION GUIDE

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, as well as using the lowest mast height.  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 close-in 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:

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.

EXAMPLES OF SYSTEMS

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-180N    (1000 Watts 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 -  base use

Antenna:    BWDS-90N      (1000 Watts max)
                     BWDS-180N    (1000 Watts max)

Mast:         MK112-324B    (24 ft high middle mast pole)

Propagation:  NVIS or long range

Comments:  This setup will work NVIS or conventional long range.  The 180 foot antenna will give approx 3dB better performance than the 90 foot antenna on the low frequencies.  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.  These items are designed for permanent or semi-permanent installation.






LONG RANGE - Base - Roof Mount

Antenna:    ACS-110N    (1000 watts max)

Mast:         MK112-124R    (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.   These items are designed for permanent or semi-permanent installation.

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