AC12-250

The AC12-250 is a strategic-grade VHF fiberglass omnidirectional collinear antenna engineered for the 220–290 MHz spectrum. Featuring a massive 5.6-meter (18.4-foot) aperture, it delivers an elite 10 dBd (12 dBi) gain. This antenna is designed for high-density radio sites and long-haul terrestrial links where extreme signal focus and structural resilience are paramount.

Elite Omnidirectional Reach

The AC12-250 represents the pinnacle of collinear engineering, offering a razor-sharp 9-degree vertical beam-width. By concentrating RF energy toward the horizon with extreme precision, the antenna maximizes regional reach and signal density. The center-fed design is a critical feature that eliminates pattern distortion common in base-fed antennas, ensuring a consistent, true 360 degrees horizontal footprint.

Strategic Structural Hardening

Constructed from 6063T6 ultra-corrosion-resistant architectural aluminum alloy and high-class brass, this antenna is built to endure the most hostile environments. All internal junctions are threaded together to prevent RF inter-modulation. The internal elements are housed in a high-tech ruggedized fiberglass radome, providing excellent RF transparency and enough structural integrity to withstand 200 Km/Hr winds.

Operational and Logistical Efficiency

Despite its overall length of 5.6 meters, the AC12-250 is designed for logistical ease. The antenna is supplied in two segments, reducing the shipping length to 3.0 meters. It is specifically optimized for side-mounting on towers and includes a non-metallic 1.2-meter (4-foot) horizontal arm to maintain proper spacing and prevent the tower structure from acting as a parasitic element and distorting the radiation pattern.

Detailed Technical Features

• Elite Gain: 10 dBd (12 dBi) omnidirectional gain for maximum regional coverage.
• Precision Targeting: 9-degree half-power vertical beam-width focuses energy specifically at the horizon.
• Stable VSWR: Maintains a VSWR of better than 1.5:1 across its 12 MHz operational window.
• Power Handling: Rated for continuous RF power of up to 150 Watts.
• Distortion-Free Pattern: Center-fed architecture ensures a perfectly circular horizontal signal.

Detailed Mechanical Features

• Massive Aperture: 5.6-meter overall length provides a high-profile transmission platform.
• Radiating Elements: Large-diameter brass elements stacked vertically and fed in phase.
• Elite Hardware: Supplied with Marine Grade Stainless Steel hardware and a 4-foot non-metallic side-arm.
• Sectional Shipping: Threaded two-piece design for simplified logistics and handling.
• Mounting Interface: Clamps securely to vertical masts up to 51 mm (2 inches) in diameter.

Detailed Environmental Features

• Hurricane Resilience: Wind survival rating of 200 Km/Hr (125 MPH).
• Radome Armor: High-strength fiberglass radome ensures survivability in the worst environments.
• Thermal Window: Operational in extreme climates from -30°C to +70°C.
• Humidity Tolerance: Certified for operation in 0 to 95% RH environments.

Key Advantages

• Ultimate Link Margin: The 12 dBi gain provides the power required for wide-area VHF coverage from a single tower.
• Interference Mitigation: The sharp vertical beam-width and included non-metallic side-arm spacing minimize ground reflections and tower interference.
• Maintenance-Free Build: Threaded junctions and air-sealed radome prevent performance drift and corrosion over time.

Primary Applications

• Regional VHF Backbone: High-gain master antenna for regional voice and data networks.
• Public Safety Infrastructure: Strategic omni coverage for emergency services in the 250 MHz band.
• Paging and Broadcast: Ideal for high-duty cycle paging networks requiring maximum penetration.
• Military Command Sites: Ruggedized design suitable for tactical and fixed-station applications.