The Railroad Frequency Antennas are sold exclusivly by Internet Reseller Westcoastmall.net, (Oregon)
Click on the provided link above to visit the Westcoastmall website.
Model RR-4B: $24.99 (MSRP*)
*MSRP(Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price) in U.S. Dollars
The Firestik Railroad frequency mobile antenna utilizes the perfected design of our 5/8 wave, 6db gain amateur antenna series. Initially offered in 1980, these antennas have stood the test of time. Although most railroad enthusists use their antennas with a scanner for monitoring the American rail system, our RR-4B is just as impressive to those needing a mobile antenna that efficiently transmits in the band. Since receiving efficiency is a reciprocal function of transmitting, when you have an antenna that can meet the demanding requirements of a transmitter, you know you are using an antenna that will maximize the performance that you want from your scanner. When it comes to antenna efficiency, low standing wave ratio (SWR) over a wide bandwidth makes for a superior antenna ... and this antenna has plenty of sub 2:1 SWR bandwidth. Our target center frequency is 160.530 MHz. This is the center of all the VHF bands utilized in the rail business, that being 159.494 to 161.565 MHz (coverage of all the train frequencies as well as those used by the railyard motor carrier equipment). In actual vehicle installations this antenna had sub 2:1 SWR across more than 6 MHz of bandwidth. That means it is a dependable transmiting and receieving antenna from 157.530 to 163.530 MHz. And even though the far reaching frequencies may not have a special interest to you train enthusists, it does mean that the efficiency of the antenna, as shown by low SWR, will be superior in those middle target frequencies that interest you.
By character of design, 5/8 wave antennas have a very low angle of radiation. Because of that, ground wave propagation (down where you are!) is greater than what you can expect from other antenna designs. The RR-4B offers the lowest angle of radiation of any mobile VHF antenna and may very well be the best kept secret among those in the know. This antenna, when centered over available counterpoise (ground plane) exhibits excellant omni-directional characteristics which eliminates "flat spots" within its wave pattern. This 5/8 wave (physical & electrical) antenna has a nominal impedance of 50-52 ohms and can achieve average tuned SWR of 2.0:1 over more than 6 MHz. As an added benefit, the covering on this antenna eliminates almost all of the static caused hissing and popping that is common to wire whip antennas. The overall length is 42.5" (108cm). Gain over isotropic is 6 dB. Gain over 1/4 wave is 3 dB. The antenna is rated at 400 watts AM, 800 P.E.P.
The core is 3/8" (0.375" or 10mm) solid fiberglass (special Firestik formula for balance of ruggedness and flexibility). The conductor is that of double insulated 19 guage copper wire. The covering is made of high quality PVC with added UV and pigment stabilizers. The antenna base is chrome plated machine brass with standard 3/8"-24 threads for full compatibility with all Firestik mounts and accessories. The antenna is black with a red tip.
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| Model: RR-BASE |
| $69.99 (MSRP*) |
| *MSRP (Manufactures Suggested Retail Price) in U.S. Dollars |
The RR-BASE radiating element has the same characteristics and physical/technical specifications as the mobile antenna with the exception of being white in color. A ground plane is added to supply the counterpoise that would be otherwise be available to a mobile antenna by a vehicle body.
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 hobbyist, it will offer numerous opportunities to be creative. For further information on the hub plate, click here.
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.
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!
5 Year Limited Warranty on the mobile antenna and radiating element of the base station antenna. All other components are warranteed for one year.