DEDICATED
NOAA WEATHER BAND
5/8 WAVE BASE ANTENNA

 
 
Model: NOAA-BASE
 

The Firestik dedicated NOAA Weather Band base antenna utilizes the perfected design of our 5/8 wave, 6db gain amateur radio antenna series. Most antennas that are sold for "receive only" devices lack the attention they deserve. Unlike transmitting antennas, receive only antennas will not cause damage to the electronic circuitry of the unit if they are poorly designed. They will just return poor performance. The same is not true for transmitting antennas. Building a transmitting antenna requires both skill and experience. If you don't pay attention to frequency, standing wave ratio and impedence, the transmitter will suffer costly damage. The fact is, most companies that build external receive only antennas pay very little attention to critical antenna design features simply because they don't need to be technically concerned. But did you know that transmitting and receiving capabilities are reciprocal. If you want the best receiving antenna then you should build the best transmitting antenna. And that is exactly what we did with the NOAA-Base! The NOAA-Base accurately and effectively receives ALL of the NOAA broadcast frequencies.

If you had to transmit a signal over the Firestik NOAA-Base, you could do so with amazing efficiency. We build them that way! And because of that, you can rest assured that the receiving capabilities of the NOAA-Base are maximized. If you live in an area that exposes you and your family to natural disasters such as tornados, hurricanes and severe thunderstorms, you cannot afford to be without the best antenna you can get. Failure cannot be an option when your life may depend on receiving the right information.

The Receiving Element

The 5/8 wave (physical & electrical) receiving element has has a nominal impedance of 50-52 ohms and provides a sub 2.0:1 SWR over more than 6 MHz of bandwidth. The receiving element core is 3/8" (0.375" or 10mm) solid fiberglass. The conductor is double insulated 19 guage copper wire. The covering on this antenna eliminates almost all of the hissing and popping that is common to wire whip antennas because the wire is not exposed to atmospheric static charges. It is made of high quality PVC with added UV and pigment stabilizers. The overall height is 44" (112.4cm). The NOAA-Base is a "gain antenna" and offers 6 dB of gain over an isotropic antenna and 3 dB gain over a 1/4 wave antenna. The vertical receiving element is white with a red safety tip.

The Hardware

A combination angle bracket, u-bolt, hub plate and antenna stud is central to the assembly of the base antenna. This assembly will mount to the top of any mast up to 1.5" (38mm) in diameter. The kit comes with four (4) structural aluminum (6061) radials that measure 1/8"x1/2"x20" (3mm x 13mm x 51cm). Each is pre-drilled to mount to the hub plate. The hub plate is a unique item that we designed to bring this base antenna together as a commercial kit. For the hobbyist, it will offer numerous opportunities to be creative. For further information on the hub plate, click here.

The Coaxial Feedline

This kit comes complete with 50 feet of high quality FireFlex coaxial cable. One end of the cable is terminated with a PL-259 connector for easy attachment to the matching antenna stud of the base plate. The other end is processed but not terminated to facilitate easy routing to the interior base radio or scanner. We do supply an easy to install PL-259 connector and UHF/BNC adapter that fits all popular scanner inputs.

The top to bottom height of the entire base assembly is a mere 46" (117cm) and the diameter of the radial circle is 44" (112cm). All mounting and assembly hardware is included.

For static and electrical discharge concerns, see our in-line AR-10 arrestor connector.

If you are in an area with high winds, it is perfectly acceptable to use a spring betwseen the mount and the antenna to absorb wind created stress.

Visit our technical library to find the answers to the most common questions or to learn how to troubleshoot or even tune your CB antenna. It is unique on the Internet!

For Current Pricing ...See Link On Home Page for printable Manufacturers Suggested List Price Sheet.
Prices may vary at different locations.

5 Year Limited Warranty on the antenna. All other components are warranteed for one year.