MB7VV uses a retail purchased Diamond X50NA dual band antenna.

This provides two functions:-

• Primary VHF antenna for MB7VV

• Emergency spare antenna for GB3BS/GB7BS if the main antenna fails.

Technical specifications (from Diamond X50NA site)

• 4.5dB gain (Measured as 5.5dB)

• 200w Maximum power rating.

• 135mph wind loading (no ice)

• Height  1.67m

• Element construction 3 x ¼λ (3 x ⅝ λ)

The antenna system is mounted 7m A.G.L. on a set of T/K brackets.

The coaxial feeder is 20m of CLF400 low loss cable.

Technical specifications and construction of CLF400 (from data sheet for 100m)

• 50Ω Nominal Impedance

• 85% Velocity factor

• 78.4ρF/m

• 5.0dB/100m @ 150MHz

• 16KW Peak Power.

Scaled values for 20m run (the actual specification used)

• 50Ω Nominal Impedance

• 85% Velocity factor

• 1.56nF

• 0.81dB @ 144MHz

• 16KW Peak Power.

• Terminated with pre-crimped N-Type connectors.

Physical construction of CLF400 cable.

• Inner conductor: Copper covered Aluminium wire. 2.77mm O.D.

• Dielectric: Gas injected Foamed Polyethylene 7.24mm O.D.

• Outer Conductor: Double side Aluminium Foil, covered by a tinned copper braid covering   90% of the foil.  Total 8.13mm O.D. (Braid made up of 24x7 0.66mm wire)

• Outer jacket: Black PVC

• Over all Cable size: 10.3mm  (20m weight 2.3Kg)