Omni-Directional Antennas -
We suggest buying the very best antenna for your main or master
station, as all communications comes and goes through this single
antenna. There are several very good antenna manufacturers which includes
Sinclair Technologies, RFS, dbSpectra, Commander Technologies, and
Telewave. My preference is Sinclair Technologies for the master antenna. There
are several issues to consider when deciding which model and brand to
purchase. These are outlined on the antenna page, with the link below. Specifications are located HERE.
Yagi Beam Antennas -
We suggest using the Laird YB8966 black anodized 6 element antenna. We
prefer this as the black anodized coating sheds ice better than other
antennas, and is non-reflective. It has a sturdy mounting bracket
and the connector is a female Type-N, built into the end of the mast.
Specifications are HERE.
Includes heavy duty cast aluminum bracket accommodates up to 2-1/2”
mast. Has gain of 9 dBd, or 11.2 dBi. Generally, these are
mounted to a 1.5 to 2.5 inch pipe.
Battery Backed AC Power Supplies -
We prefer the battery backed MeanWell DRC Series of AC supplies, that
can be DIN rail mounted. These are inexpensive and available in
12 or 24 VDC output, with a separate connection for a backup battery.
The input is auto-ranging from 90 to 264 VAC, so it will easily
take power surges on the AC line. We suggest the 60 watt version
to power a single SD9 Radio and the 100 watt version for two SD9
radios. This will allow for sufficient margin to charge the
batteries and run cool. The specifications for the DRC-60 are HERE and the specs for the DRC-100 are HERE. Battery is not included. See your local battery store.
Coaxial Cable -
We suggest using Heliax solid copper [with plastic jacket] cable
for all Master station installations and any remote with a cable run of
more than 50 feet. Otherwise, for short remote station installs, we
suggest using LMR400 style cable with crimp connectors. Heliax
cable comes in various diameters, but we suggest using what is
considered 1/2 inch for runs up to 100 ft, and 7/8 inch for 100 ft or
longer runs. The master station should always use 7/8" cable up
to 150 ft, and larger Heliax if longer. Heliax cable is cut to order
and connectors are attached at that time. The connectors can be
removed and replaced easily with normal hand tools should the cable
need to be routed through the wall. 
