Diamond HF Base Antenna

Diamond shortwave base station antenna - main technical characteristics

The category includes both wideband and multi-band Diamond antenna solutions. The documented frequency ranges of the wideband versions are 3-30 MHz, 2-30 MHz, and 2-28.6 MHz. Multi-band versions include antennas specified for 7/14/21/28/50 MHz and 3.5/7/14/21/28/50 MHz. In addition, dedicated 50 MHz and 28(29)/50 MHz configurations are also included.

Which frequency bands are covered by the Diamond shortwave antenna range?

The documented frequencies show that the shortwave antenna category is not limited to a single operating range. Wideband versions covering 2-30 MHz and 3-30 MHz are available, together with antennas designed for several individual amateur radio bands. In addition to 3.5, 7, 14, 21, and 28 MHz, 50 MHz also appears among the multi-band configurations, while dedicated 50 MHz and 28/50 MHz base station antennas are also documented.

Wideband HF antenna for frequency ranges around 2-30 MHz

The wideband HF antenna range includes versions specified for 3-30 MHz, 2-30 MHz, and 2-28.6 MHz. Their maximum output power is documented as 150 W PEP or 250 W. Their physical lengths differ significantly, with documented values of 6.4 m, 10 m, and 25 m. Their weights are 800 g, 1.7 kg, or 3.1 kg, while the connector type is PL female.

Wideband and multiband base station antenna designs

When selecting a base station antenna, it is important to distinguish between configurations specified for a continuous frequency range and those designed for specific bands. The category includes antennas for 7/14/21/28/50 MHz and 3.5/7/14/21/28/50 MHz. Their documented lengths are 3.6 m and 4.6 m, while their weights are 3.4 kg and 4.9 kg. Both use PL female connectors.

What maximum power is specified for the multiband antennas?

Maximum power varies depending on the antenna and frequency band. The 3.5/7/14/21/28/50 MHz version has a documented maximum power of 200 W SSB. Another multiband antenna has different SSB power ratings depending on the band, with documented values of 200 W, 400 W, and up to 500 W. The radio output power should therefore always be compared with the value specified for the relevant operating band of the selected antenna.

50 MHz and 28/50 MHz Diamond base station antenna designs

The 50 MHz antenna in the category uses a 2 x 5/8 Lambda design and has a documented gain of 5.5 dBi. Its maximum output power is 200 W FM and 500 W SSB. Its documented length is 6.8 m at 53 MHz, weight is 2.7 kg, and the connector type is UHF female. This configuration differs technically from the wideband shortwave antennas using PL female connectors.

What are the characteristics of the 28/50 MHz multiband Diamond antenna?

The 28(29)/50 MHz amateur radio antenna combines two different antenna structures. At 28 MHz it uses a 5/8 Lambda design, while at 50 MHz it uses a 2 x 5/8 Lambda construction. The documented gain is 3.4 dBi at 28 MHz and 5.5 dBi at 50 MHz. Maximum output power is 200 W FM and 500 W SSB, maximum length is 6.8 m, weight is 2.9 kg, and the connector type is UHF female.

What radial lengths are used with the 28/50 MHz configuration?

The 28/50 MHz design uses different radial lengths for the individual frequency bands. The 28 MHz radial is approximately 1.8 m long, while the 50 MHz radial is approximately 1.5 m. The category also includes two separate optional radials specified for 3.575-3.650 MHz and 3.650-3.725 MHz. Both optional radials are 1.8 m long and weigh 0.7 kg.

Antenna connector, length, and weight

The antenna connector depends on the construction and can be PL female or UHF female. The wideband antennas around 2-30 MHz and the multi-band shortwave antennas use PL female connectors, while the 50 MHz and 28/50 MHz configurations use UHF female connectors. Documented antenna length ranges from 3.6 m to 25 m, while weight varies between 800 g and 4.9 kg.

Diamond fixed-installation antenna dimensions

• 3.6 m long, 3.4 kg multiband configuration.
• 4.6 m long, 4.9 kg multiband configuration.
• 6.4 m long, 800 g antenna for 3-30 MHz.
• 6.8 m long, 2.7 or 2.9 kg configuration for 50 MHz or 28/50 MHz.
• 10 m long, 1.7 kg antenna for 2-28.6 MHz.
• 25 m long, 3.1 kg antenna for 2-30 MHz.

Because the physical dimensions differ considerably, the available installation space should be checked against the dimensions of the selected fixed-installation antenna in addition to frequency and power requirements.

What should be checked when selecting a Diamond shortwave base station antenna?

We recommend first determining the required frequency band or frequency range. Then check the maximum output power and the operating mode for which it is specified, the antenna length and weight, and whether the connection is PL female or UHF female. In multiband designs, power and gain may vary between frequency bands, so these values should not be replaced by a single general specification.

Diamond HF antenna selection checklist

• 2-30 MHz, 2-28.6 MHz, or 3-30 MHz wideband operation.
• 3.5/7/14/21/28/50 MHz or 7/14/21/28/50 MHz multiband design.
• 50 MHz or 28(29)/50 MHz application.
• Documented power rating of 150 W PEP, 200 W, 250 W, or up to 500 W depending on the band.
• Documented antenna length between 3.6 m and 25 m.
• Documented antenna weight between 800 g and 4.9 kg.
• PL female or UHF female antenna connector.
• Documented gain of 5.5 dBi at 50 MHz and 3.4 dBi at 28 MHz where specified.
• Requirement for an optional radial for the relevant frequency range.

FAQ - Diamond shortwave base station antennas

• Which wideband frequency ranges are available?
  The documented wideband versions cover 3-30 MHz, 2-30 MHz, and 2-28.6 MHz.
• Are antennas available for multiple amateur radio bands?
  Yes. The category includes configurations specified for 7/14/21/28/50 MHz and 3.5/7/14/21/28/50 MHz.
• Is a dedicated 50 MHz base station antenna available?
  Yes. The documented 50 MHz version uses a 2 x 5/8 Lambda design and has 5.5 dBi gain.
• What maximum power ratings are available?
  Depending on the configuration and frequency band, documented values range from 150 W PEP up to 500 W.
• Which connectors are used in the category?
  The documented antennas use PL female or UHF female connectors.
• Are optional radials included in the category?
  Yes. Two optional 1.8 m radials are specified for 3.575-3.650 MHz and 3.650-3.725 MHz.

Summary

The Diamond shortwave base station antenna category includes wideband, multiband, and 50 MHz fixed-installation antennas, as well as optional radials. The documented frequency coverage extends from 2 MHz to 50 MHz across several different antenna designs. Maximum power varies from 150 W PEP to 500 W, antenna length ranges from 3.6 m to 25 m, and the connection can be PL female or UHF female. To select the appropriate antenna, the frequency range, power rating, physical dimensions, connector type, band-specific gain, and radial configuration should all be checked together.