5.6GHz atV - antenna

5.6ghz antenna

As mentioned I use separate antennas for RX and TX, thus removing the need for changeover relays. This does of course make for a more expensive system, but a sacrifice I was happy with.

Initially my plan was to try a panel antenna on TX and a yagi for RX. I had seen a 16dBi 5.8GHz yagi that covered the frequency in question, so thought I'd give it a go. Following some initial tests with Nick, G0HIK, it did not seem to perform very well, so the yagi was removed and swapped for a panel antenna instead – this vastly improved the system.  I use two slightly different panel antennas, as mentioned, more than anything to do with availability at time of purchase.

TX Antenna

The TX antenna is a '5Ghz 24dBi HV WIFI RP-SMA Wireless Signal Booster' antenna obviously intended for WiFi use, but works perfectly for ATV. At a cost of £44 delivered, its pricey, but a price I felt worth paying. It has a female N type connector on the back so the TX unit can be connected straight to it with no need for any coax that would start to introduce losses. The antenna is easy to mount with bracket that is attached to the back of the antenna, either horizontally or vernally, which will also determine the polarisation of the antenna. Even though this is an FM system, the antennas are horizontally polarised for ATV.

Specification :

  • Gain : 24dBi
  • Polarization : Horizontal or vertical
  • Horizontal half power beam-width : 10.5°
  • Vertical half power beam-width : 10.5°
  • Connector : Female n type
  • SWR : 1:2 (when intended for WiFi use)
  • Impedance : 50 Ohm
  • Dimensions : 330mm x 330mm x 20mm
  • Weight : 1.3kg

The antennas are where the majority of the weight in system comes from, but again, a sacrifice I am happy with – and it does not make the system exceptionally heavy.

Having 2 panel antennas means you need to be mindful of any wind resistance – or lack if it, if the wind is not in a favourable direction. But there is little difference between these and say a satellite dish – both tend to act in the same way. So a weight on the tripod is advisable to prevent the system falling over in windy conditions.

Allot of research was done to ensure this would be a suitable antenna for ATV needs and an SWR plot was received from the manufacturer which shows the SWR at 5665MHz would be around 1:1 so ideal for use at this frequency.

RX Antenna

Due to the stock issue of the antenna above, the second, which is used for RX, is slightly different.  Instead a TP Link TL-ANT5823B antenna was bought from Amazon at a cost of £55.00 (it was on offer at the time) Due to the stock issue of the antenna above, the second, which is used for RX, is slightly different.  Instead a TP Link TL-ANT5823B antenna was bought from Amazon at a cost of £55.00 (it was on offer at the time as these are currently retailing at over £80)

The TL-ANT5823B covers 5GHz and offers a gain of 23 dBi and is again intended for WiFi use but works perfectly for 6cm ATV. 

Specification:

  • Gain : 23dBiGain
  • Connector : Female n type
  • Weight : 1.36 Kg
  • Frequency : 5.15 to 5.85GHz
  • Impedance : 50 Ohms
  • VSWR(MAX.) : ≤1.5
  • Polarization : Vertical or Horizontal
  • Maximum Input Power 100W
  • Dimension : 320×320×20(mm)

Again, this antenna is a key contributor to the weight of the station.  It is easily attached to the tripod boom by means of a bracket that is attached to the antenna (which determines the polarity) and the RX unit connects directly to the antenna via an N type / RP SMA connector.

Ensuring this would have a low SWR on 5665HMz, I first checked with the manufacturer before purchase.  As per the other panel antenna the SWR is around 1:1 on the required frequency.

5.6GHz ATV antenna

5.6GHZ TX Antenna

5.6GHZ TX antenna

5.6GHZ RX Antenna

RX and TX Antennas

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