SL-DCA-75-550 Discone Antenna, 75–550 MHz, 300 W CW, N-type

The SL-DCA-75-550 is a broadband discone antenna covering 75 MHz to 550 MHz through a single 50 Ω N-type connector. It is vertically polarised and omnidirectional in azimuth across the whole band, with a nominal gain of 2 dBi. Rated for 300 W CW and 3000 W peak pulsed power, it works as a transmit antenna as well as a wideband receive antenna for surveillance, broadcasting and measurement.

A discone pairs a disc, here a ring of radial rods, with a cone of longer rods below it, and is fed where the two meet. That geometry gives a vertically polarised pattern that is omnidirectional in azimuth over a very wide band, so a single antenna covers the whole VHF and UHF range without tuning or band switching. The aluminium body has a chemical conversion finish and mounts vertically on a Ø50 mm tube below the feed point.

Pattern and gain. At the bottom of the band the pattern has the familiar vertical-dipole shape: a circle in azimuth with nulls along the antenna axis. Higher in the band the elevation pattern breaks into several lobes while the azimuth pattern stays close to a circle. On the unit measured, gain rises from below 0 dBi at 75 MHz to about 6 dBi near 500 MHz, so link margin is lowest at the bottom of the band. Measured gain, VSWR and radiation-pattern plots for a typical unit are given in the datasheet and shown in the product images.

Key specifications

Features

• 75 MHz to 550 MHz in one antenna
• 2 dBi nominal gain
• Omnidirectional in azimuth, vertical linear polarisation
• VSWR 2.0:1 max
• 300 W CW and 3000 W peak pulsed power handling
• 50 Ω, N-type female connector
• Aluminium body with chemical conversion coating
• Mounts on a Ø50 mm tube

Applications

• Surveillance and spectrum monitoring
• Broadcasting
• Antenna and EMC measurement
• System integration
• Radio and other receiver systems

Installation. Mount the antenna vertical on a Ø50 mm mast or tube so that the polarisation is vertical and the omnidirectional pattern lies in the horizontal plane, and give it as much clear space from large metal structures as the site allows. At the rated power levels the field close to the elements can exceed exposure limits for people; install it where nobody can come within the safe distance for the transmitted power.

Preliminary datasheet. Figures marked TBD have not yet been characterised and are subject to change. Contact support@stripline.org for the latest datasheet, quotations and technical support.