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Handheld Tactical Antennas
Technical Questions
Can you provide any feedback from users?
Here are comments on the HTA-TACSAT from a recently retired communications sergeant.
Your HTA-TACSAT antenna claims 243-318 MHz coverage. Why not 240-320 MHz?
It's the same thing. All military UHF TACSAT radios (PRC-5, PSC-117F, LST-5, MST-20, URC-101, PRC-148, PRC-152, etc.) use the same satellites and the same frequencies. Syntonics specifies the HTA-TACSAT's frequency band to the nearest 1 Mhz of the TACSAT band. Other manufacturers round off to the nearest 10 MHz, which is 240-320 MHz.
Your HTA-TACSAT documentation states 200 W at one place and 60 W at another. Why?
The HTA-TACSAT antenna can handle 200W with a "voice communications" duty cycle (10% TX). However, because no handheld or man-pack radio can put out more than 20W, we equip HTA-TACSAT antenna kits with highly flexible, lightweight coax cables that are rated for 60W.
Can HTA-TACSAT units be repaired?
We stock spare coax cables but to achieve minimum weight and maximum ruggedness, the HTA-TACSAT design is difficult to repair. HTA-TACSAT units will be replaced if a valid warranty claim is made.
Your HTA-420Y2 UHF fabric aantenna is designed for 370-460 MHz. Can I get a different frequency band?
Yes, Syntonics can produce a VHF or UHF fabric Yagi for any frequency band in the 108-512 MHz range, by special order with minimum quantities.
What are TNC versus BNC connectors?
First, all Syntonics HTA antenna are available with TNC or BNC connectors at the same price. Second, TNC and BNC are different types of RF connectors that are used on
tactical radios. The Thales AN/PRC-148 MBITR and the Harris AN/PRC-152 handheld radios both use a
TNC connector for RF output to the antenna. However, most current combat net radios (CNR) use a BNC connector
for RF output. The SINCGARS family of radios to include the ASIP also uses a BNC connector for the antenna. Mechanical adapters are available
to enable TNC-BNC inter-operation, but these are probably hard to obtain in-theater.
The connector on the antenna seems small/fragile. Is this a problem?
No, it should not be. This small connector is only ever used if the coaxial cable is damaged and must be replaced, it is not touched in normal antenna use. The connector on the antenna's driven elements is deeply recessed and well protected. Using a larger connector at this location would have increased the size/weight of the antenna driven element -- a negative, since the DoD sponsor who funded this antenna's development was VERY sensitive to weight -- and we probably could not recess a larger connector, it would be more exposed. A larger connector at this location would not result in a more robust or more functional design.
Quoting, Ordering, and Business Questions
How can I get a quote for HTA antennas?
Email us at Sales@SyntonicsCorp.com or call the factory at 1-410-884-0500 x203 and ask for a quote. We usually turn around quotes within one business day.
How can I purchase HTA antennas?
You can purchase HTA antennas direct from the factory with a credit card or Purchase Order (with approved credit). For orders less than $1,000, a credit card is required.
Can my unit use a credit card?
Yes, we accept credit cards. For orders less than $1,000, a credit card is required. For credit card orders greater than $2,500 we charge a 3% fee. We will validate your credit card when the order is placed, but you are not charged until the order is shipped.
Can we use GSA?
If you prefer to go via GSA, we will put you in touch with a company that sells most Syntonics HTAs from their GSA Schedule: Tactical Support Equipment in Fayetteville, NC.TSE can be called at 1-910-425-336 or emailed at sales@tserecon.com.
Can I order spare parts for the HTA-TACSAT or its accessories?
Yes. Syntonics sells spare cables, bags, prehensile tripods, and monopods.
Can you ship antennas to an APO address?
We prefer not to ship to an APO address because tracking has proven to be unreliable and expensive shipments have disappeared. (Syntonics lost a $40,000 shipment in 2006 by shipping to an APO address!) Please have your procurement office work with Syntonics to use a reliable commercial shipper. We will only ship to an APO address "FOB Origin."
Can my Agency buy on a sole-source basis?
There is solid justification for buying HTAs on a sole-source basis. For the details, please call a sales representative at 1-410-884-0500 x203 or email us at Sales@SyntonicsCorp.com.
What is the cost of the HTA antennas?
HTAs pricing varies widely depending on model and quantity. Please request a quote for your specific model and quantity.
Does HTA antennas come with a warranty?
Yes, HTA antennas come with a one-year limited warranty.
Will you please provide contact information for previous HTA purchasers?
We will provide a point of contact in any of the organizations that are using HTAs, within the limits of that customers’ sensitivity to inquiries. (Many HTA customers prefer not to be contacted except by peer organizations.) |
