Betso SHARKIE

Betso SHARKIE [SHARKIE]

The Betso SHARKIE is a compact, wideband UHF active receiver antenna with a Log Periodic Dipole Array (LPDA) structure and cardioid directivity. Its built-in ultra low-noise amplifier with adjustable gain is intended to compensate coax cable attenuation in the field, or to use 0 dB/negative gain with short cables and strong signals to avoid overdriving the receiver input. Power is supplied externally through the coax cable (5–20 V DC).

Main Features

• LPDA structure with cardioid directivity.
• Passive antenna gain: 8 dB average (9 dB peak).
• Onboard amplifier with adjustable gain from −9 dB to +18 dB, in 1 dB steps.
• Ultra low-noise amplifier (noise figure < 0.75 dB) and high linearity (IP3 > 34 dBm).
• High-efficiency input filters to remove unwanted RF spectrum outside the main working range.
• Bright blue LED display with automatic or manual brightness settings and stand-by mode.
• Last gain setting is stored and shown on power-up.
• Powered through the coaxial cable: 5–20 V DC.
• Rugged, water-resistant construction; standard 1/4" and 3/8" mounting threads.

Specifications

• Frequency range: 470–850 MHz.
• Input filter attenuation: high below 450 MHz (e.g. −82 dB @ 100 MHz) and high above 870 MHz (e.g. −35 dB @ 2.4 GHz).
• Antenna gain: 8 dB average (9 dB peak).
• Directivity: cardioid.
• Polarization: linear.
• Amplifier gain: −9 to +18 dB (1 dB steps).
• Amplifier noise: < 0.75 dB.
• VSWR: < 1.2 (max. 0.8% of received signal power reflected).
• IP3: > 34 dBm.
• Display: bright blue LED with auto/manual brightness and stand-by mode.
• Powering: external 5–20 V DC via coaxial cable.
• Current consumption: 35 mA (depends on LED display mode).
• Mechanical construction: CNC milled, anodized aluminium alloy and glass-reinforced epoxy laminate.
• Mounting: 1/4" and 3/8" threads.
• Dimensions (h × w × d): 275 × 350 × 21 mm.
• Weight: approx. 320 g.

Included

• Betso SHARKIE [SHARKIE].