The BHI Mini-SATCOM Antenna Kit is a very versatile mini UHF SATCOM antenna system. It’s compact, lightweight, offered with several deployment options like the pistol grip mode shown below. Essentially, you fold the elements which are shock corded to the antenna and store the antenna. When needed, it can be pulled out and intuitively pointed toward the bird to make the shot. It’s been done for years with other antennas including umbrella styles (showing my age here), but no one put a pistol grip on them to make it easier. The grip is a hollow design and stores an adjustment wrench.

Weighing only 1.1 pounds, the dual quad radials collapse and fold alongside the collapsible boom to fit into a water-resistant MOLLE-compliant carrying pouch. The antenna is treated to a dull black anodized finish to reduce glare and protect the metal against weatherization. The kit includes the 243 antenna, tripod, pistol grip, magnetic mount and ground spike, MOLLE-compliant carrying case and a waterproof mini hard case to secure all components.

Key Features – Benefits
• Ultra light weight
• Compact for individual troop carry
• Rapid deployment
• Four deployment options
• Easy-carry MOLLE-compliant pouch
• Dull, black anodized finish

BHI has also incorporated a couple of other features. For example, there’s a one-step elevation adjustment via friction joint (no locking knob or lever required). Additionally, they’ve addressed common issues that arrive during operations in the field. The connector is slightly recessed to protect from damaging drops or unintentional misuse. The extension mechanism is designed to prevent possible jamming due to sand or dust contamination and the interface mount mechanism keyed to prevent improper connection. Finally, additional mounting options include a stainless steel spike providing sturdy, durable staking in all soil conditions and a rare earth magnetic mount.

www.bhicommo.com/bhi-mini-satcom

Blackheart International’s Limited Visibility & Concealable Antenna (LVCA) is a tactical antenna that is smaller, lighter and less obtrusive than conventional external combat radio antennas. And now, it’s offered in kit form, which adds a PALS-compliant, water-resistant pouch that holds the antenna and allows it to be secured conveniently and unobtrusively to the operator’s gear.

The LVCA’s patch-panel antenna configuration works in the 30-512 MHz frequency range. Additionally, it is self-tuning and requires no operator intervention and transmits via circular polarization to eliminate “dead zones” or the need for any directional alignments. This means you can mount it virtually anywhere from a placing it in a pocket to Velcroing it into place on equipment. It can even be used for clandestine emplacements.

Blackheart does a great job here of explaining the technology behind the LVCA’s patch panel antenna design: “The LVCA is comprised of an array of monopole antenna elements coupled in a dual-offset array that allows the antenna to receive and transmit on multiple frequency ranges. The cumulative effect of the individual antenna elements coupled together enable transceiver operations on multiple frequency ranges that monopole or dipole antennas cannot operate on because they are tuned to a single frequency range. Furthermore, traditional antennas are typically metal tubing or wire, whereas the LVCA is embedded in a Printed Circuit Board in a pattern that is impossible to create in free-standing metal or wire.”

The LVCA is 3.5″ x 2″ and comes with a 18-inch length RG58A/U cable. It is offered in Black (standard) or in Tan as an optional color. The cable delivers 10 Watts peak, 5 Watts continuous with no amp from the radio to antenna. TNC connectors fit Thales, Harris and SINCGARS units; SMA connectors fit Motorola units.

Granted, it won’t match the performance of a tuned antenna built specifically for a radio, but it’s very agile and can be used with a variety of radios. That specialty antenna becomes useless when you drastically change freqs or try to use with a new radio.

Throughout my military career, I spent quite a bit of time in the commo business and I am a big fan of this antenna. Low profile, broadband, and self-tuning. What’s not to love? Plus, it’s a low cost solution. In fact, the price is low enough that an individual could afford one.

www.bhicommo.com/bhi-lvca