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> New the flatrabbit fma-101 fm broadcast antenna
New the flatrabbit fma-101 fm broadcast antenna
The FMA-100 has been discontinued and replaced by the FMA-101. The FMA-101 has all the features of the original FMA-100 and also adds field replaceable telescoping rods. No tools required and the replacement rods are readily available via our website and e-tailers like Amazon.
~This listing includes the Flatrabbit FMA-101 only~
See my other listings for a complete package that includes a nylon zip carry case and a spare telescoping antenna element.
The Flatrabbit FMA-101 is a half-wave center-fed dipole antenna compatible with the VHF-FM radio band. It can be used for both transmitters and receivers. Here are the key features:
* Completely self-contained - No whips need to be attached. The antenna is designed with two replaceable telescoping rods directly opposed to each other at 180 degrees.
* Completely portable - The Flatrabbit quickly collapses to a lightweight and inconspicuous package measuring 27 inches by 8 inches.
* Protective threaded caps cover the ends of the telescoping rods when collapsed and packed to prevent accidental damage.
* Can be used with or without the protective telescoping rod "sleeves".
* Uses a quality Ideal brand 'F' style compression connection to use inexpensive and readily available RG-6 or even RG-59.
* A stub feedwire is standard. Optional longer attached feedwire configurations are available.
* Impedance-matched from 300 ohms at the antenna rods to the 75 ohm RG-6 using an internal matching circuit.
* Weather-resistant - The main antenna assembly is encased in 3/4" ID PVC. The 1/2" ID PVC protective sleeves thread on after tuning for a durable semi-permanent solution.
* The cable pass-through is an Arlington Industries water-tight compression fitting which is far superior to an F barrel threaded through a PVC cap.
* All PVC is solvent welded for a watertight and permanent bond. However, I can also leave it unbonded for you tinkering types. Just ask.
The Flatrabbit is infinitely tunable. When working with the low power transmitters typically associated with microbroadcasting, every bit of efficiency that can be gained is a big deal. Basically, the lower the SWR the better. While the fixed-tuning antennas work well in their sweet spot , they fall of quickly in efficiency as the desired broadcast frequency moves away from that spot. The Flatrabbit has no sweet spot because it can be specifically tuned and optimized for whatever frequency you desire. Any point on the VHF-FM range can be a sweet spot!
The Flatrabbit is easily transported. If you are like me and use your broadcast rig here and there, transporting around a six foot long PVC assembly is a bit cumbersome and altogether obvious. The Flatrabbit quickly breaks down and fits into its inconspicuous carry bag.
The Flatrabbit is fully assembled and ready to go to work. If you are the die-hard that insists on putting together a kit, I ll be glad to send you a box of loose parts. But frankly, it s not really all that much fun anyway. Trust me. I've built more than I can remember at this point.
