Description
HVU-200 - High Performance HF/VHF/UHF 4-Band Mobile Communication Antenna
Product Overview
The HVU-200 is a professional-grade multi-band mobile communication antenna engineered for amateur radio operators requiring comprehensive frequency coverage across HF and VHF/UHF bands. This high-performance antenna delivers simultaneous operation on four frequency bands including 28.8MHz (10-meter HF), 52MHz (6-meter), 146MHz (2-meter VHF), and 435/445MHz (70-centimeter UHF), eliminating the need for multiple antennas or band-switching systems. The HVU-200 features impressive power handling capabilities with 200-watt SSB capacity on VHF/UHF bands and 120-watt capacity on HF bands, accommodating high-power amateur radio transceivers. With optimized gain characteristics including 4.5dBi on UHF and 1.8dBi on 2-meter VHF, plus low VSWR across all bands, this antenna ensures efficient signal transmission and reception. The compact 132cm overall length provides excellent multi-band performance while maintaining practical mounting height for mobile installations. Standard PL-259 connection ensures universal compatibility with amateur radio equipment.
Key Features
4-Band Simultaneous Coverage - Single antenna operates across 28.8MHz, 52MHz, 146MHz, and 435/445MHz bands without requiring tuners or band switching, providing comprehensive amateur radio frequency coverage from HF through UHF bands.
High Power Handling Capacity - Robust construction accommodates 200 watts SSB on 146/430-450MHz VHF/UHF bands and 120 watts SSB on 28.8/52MHz HF bands, supporting high-power amateur radio transceivers for extended-range communication.
Optimized Multi-Band Gain - Engineered gain characteristics deliver 4.5dBi on 430-450MHz UHF band and 1.8dBi on 146MHz VHF band, providing enhanced signal strength and extended communication range across amateur radio frequencies.
Low VSWR Performance - Precision-tuned antenna elements maintain low voltage standing wave ratio across all four bands, ensuring efficient power transfer from transmitter to antenna while protecting radio equipment from excessive reflected power.
Compact Mobile Design - 132cm overall length provides practical mounting height for mobile vehicle installations while maintaining effective radiating elements for HF, 6-meter, 2-meter, and 70-centimeter amateur radio operations.
Standard PL-259 Connection - Universal PL-259 coaxial connector provides direct compatibility with amateur radio transceivers and standard coaxial cables, enabling straightforward installation without requiring special adapters or connectors.
Technical Specifications
Frequency Coverage:
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Band 1: 28.8MHz (10-Meter HF)
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Band 2: 52MHz (6-Meter)
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Band 3: 146MHz (2-Meter VHF)
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Band 4: 435MHz or 445MHz (70-Centimeter UHF)
Power Handling:
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146/430-450MHz: 200W SSB Maximum
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28.8/52MHz: 120W SSB Maximum
Performance:
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Gain (430-450MHz): 4.5dBi
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Gain (146MHz): 1.8dBi
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VSWR: Low Across All Bands
Physical:
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Overall Length: 132cm
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Connector: PL-259
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Impedance: 50 Ohm (standard)
Application:
- Amateur Radio Mobile Operations
- Multi-Band HF/VHF/UHF Communications
- Contest and DXing Activities
- Emergency Communications (EMCOMM)
- Field Day Operations
Installation Notes
The HVU-200 multi-band antenna mounts using standard mobile antenna bases or brackets compatible with PL-259 connections. Select mounting locations providing adequate clearance for the 132cm antenna height while ensuring ground plane requirements for optimal HF operation. For vehicle installations, roof-top mounting typically provides best performance across all bands, though alternative locations like trunk lips or tailgate mounts can be utilized with appropriate ground plane considerations. Connect the antenna directly to the mounting base's SO239 connector, ensuring the PL-259 connection is tightened hand-tight. Route coaxial cable from the antenna mount to the transceiver location, avoiding sharp bends that could damage cable or increase signal loss. Test VSWR on all four bands after installation to verify proper antenna performance. The low VSWR design should require no tuning adjustments. For optimal HF performance on 28.8MHz and 52MHz bands, ensure adequate vehicle ground plane or utilize ground strap connections. The antenna accommodates high power levels but verify your transceiver's output power remains within the antenna's rated capacity on each band.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can this antenna operate on all four bands simultaneously?
Yes, the HVU-200 is designed for simultaneous multi-band operation, meaning you can switch between 28.8MHz, 52MHz, 146MHz, and 435/445MHz bands on your transceiver without requiring antenna tuners or band-switching devices. The antenna's internal matching system provides proper impedance on all four bands simultaneously.
What does SSB power rating mean for FM operation?
SSB (Single Sideband) power ratings typically represent continuous carrier power capacity. FM operation uses intermittent carrier transmission, so the antenna safely handles the rated SSB power for FM transmissions. The 200W SSB rating on VHF/UHF accommodates typical amateur FM transceivers operating 50-100 watts, while the 120W HF rating covers standard 100-watt HF transceivers.
Will this antenna work with my dual-band VHF/UHF radio?
Yes, the HVU-200 covers standard amateur 2-meter (146MHz) and 70-centimeter (435/445MHz) bands used by dual-band transceivers. The antenna also provides bonus coverage on 10-meter (28.8MHz) and 6-meter (52MHz) HF bands if your transceiver supports these frequencies or if you operate separate HF equipment.
How does the 132cm length affect parking garage clearance?
The 132cm antenna height is moderately tall for mobile installations. When mounted on typical vehicle roof heights, total vehicle height may exceed 2.2-2.4 meters. Consider removable antenna mounts or folding base options for vehicles requiring frequent parking garage access. The multi-band performance requires the 132cm radiating element length.
Is a ground plane required for HF band operation?
Yes, for optimal performance on HF bands (28.8MHz and 52MHz), adequate ground plane improves antenna efficiency. Vehicle metal roofs provide excellent ground planes. For non-metallic mounting locations, consider ground strap connections or utilize alternative HF-specific antennas. VHF/UHF bands (146MHz and 435/445MHz) are less dependent on ground plane but still benefit from proper mounting configurations.
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