What is a Bi-Cone Antenna? (We’re glad you asked!)
The Bi-Cone Antenna is a Dipole Antenna
The Bi-Cone antenna is essentially a finite length dipole antenna that exhibits very wide resonant bandwidth performance. This is unlike the more common
1/2 wavelength dipole antenna, which is resonant at only a narrow band of frequencies. In addition, the Bi-Cone antenna range of near resonant frequencies is determined by a combination of the angle of the elements and the element lengths. However, the 1/2 wavelength dipole antenna range of near resonant frequencies is determined principally by the element lengths.
Each pole of the Bi-Cone antenna is alike and they are mirror images of each other. The conductors of each pole are configured to resemble a cone; the vertices of each cone are placed in close proximity and the antenna feed-line is connected to them. The open end of these cones are then closed, using similar cone shaped structures consisting of conductors that are interfaced at vertices terminating the outside ends of the antenna.
How does it perform?
The Bi-Cone Antenna exhibits ULTRA-Wide Bandwidth
The Bi-Cone antenna has a very wide bandwidth and can exhibit bandwidths of over 10 times the minimum design frequency. The more common
1/2 wavelength dipole, made of wire, has a bandwidth of typically 0.5 times the minimum design frequency.
The Bi-Cone Antenna designed by Light Beam Antenna & Apparatus
(Model: LB-BC) has a bandwidth well over 10x the minimum frequency. The Standing Wave Ratio (SWR) is 2.0:1 or less from 50 MHz to well over 500 MHz.
What are my impedance options?
Impedance Options
Proper impedance matching ensures maximum signal transfer between the antenna and equipment. At VHF and UHF frequencies, it is important that a good quality coaxial cable is used to minimize feed line losses.
The impedance of the Light Beam, LB-BC Bi-Cone antenna varies between 35 Ohms to 100 Ohms depending upon the frequency. Therefore, 50 Ohm coaxial cable or 75 Ohm coaxial cable are optimal choices for this antenna. With a
Type-F coaxial connector available at the antenna, this feed line option provides the user flexibility when interfacing with equipment having either a 50 or 75 Ohm input/output impedance.
What is the best way to mount this antenna?
Polarization Options
The Bi-Cone antenna can be oriented horizontally to provide horizontal polarization or vertically to provide vertical polarization.
When mounted horizontally, the azimuth radiation plot is bi-directional having major lobes broadside to the antenna axis. The radiation elevation angle is dependent on the height of the antenna over the ground.
When mounted vertically, the azimuth radiation plot is circular. The antenna is omnidirectional. The radiation elevation angle is very low with maximum radiation near zero degrees regardless of the antenna height.
How is the Light Beam LB-BC Antenna constructed?
Construction
The Light Beam LB-BC Antenna is manufactured to ensure trouble-free operation for many years. The central support structure incorporates a laminated fiberglass structure. The fiberglass material is UV stabilized to resist degradation from exposure to harsh sunlight. The laminated fiberglass boom is also a very strong structure to ensure survival when exposed to snow, ice and high wind loading.
The antenna elements and the element end vertices consist of high quality
6061-T6 aluminum and all hardware is stainless steel to resist corrosion over time. The boom-to-mast coupling is also corrosion resistant.
Important Parameters
The antenna gain and radiation patterns of the Bi-Cone antenna are similar to the simple 1/2 wavelength dipole antenna.
VHF and UHF applications:
Military
Emergency Services
Commercial
Amateur Radio
Scanner / Short Wave Listener
FM Broadcast Radio
Digital TV
Bi-Cone Antenna Deployments:
Base Station
Land Mobile
Marine Mobile
Properties:
8 Ft. / 2.43 M. long
2 Feet / 0.61 Meters in diameter
3 lb. / 1.36 kg.