Frequently Asked Questions

How heavy is this equipment?

The MAST weighs 33 lbs. The MAST accessories (stakes, ropes, etc.) weigh about 33 lbs.
The complete LFH weighs 48 lbs.
The MTA weighs 12 lbs.
The MTA-xl weighs 5 lbs.
The LONGSHOT is a two package kit and weighs 75 lbs.

Will these products work with ALE (Automatic Link Establishment)?

The FANLITE and LONGSHOT will both work with ALE. They are true broadband antennas. The MTA is designed to be "cut" or rolled out to the correct length to match the frequency, thus it isn't ideal for true ALE operations. However, field reports indicate that by rolling the antenna out to its entire length (75m), certain Ops radios work fine in ALE.

Do the antennas need a tuner?

Neither the FANLITE nor the LONGSHOT need a tuner.  The MTA is helped by one (see 2A above).

Can I use the antennas on a different mast, and conversely, can I use different antennas on the CTM CARRYMASTS?

Yes, in both cases.  The LFH simply requires a center balun height between 35-50 feet (10.7-15.2 m).  The CARRYMAST is designed to support multiple antenna families either simultaneously with the “T-Bar” and “Half-Way Up Adaptors” or alone.

Can the LFH be mounted on a building rooftop?

Yes, the LFH can be mounted on a building rooftop in a variety of ways depending on the roof shape, composition, etc.  A ground plane may be need to be laid out under it.

Is the LFH truly broadband and omnidirectional?

Yes.  No tuner is required and all frequency patterns are radiated 360° from the antenna.

Why do you refer to NVIS PLUS?

Although designed as a NVIS antenna and capable of 1000 miles, all field users report consistent use within 2000 miles and more.  Placed in Texas or Iowa, it can blanket the continental US.

Is the equipment difficult to repair?

No, the equipment is not difficult to repair.  All repairs can be done in the field with simple tools.  The wire antennas can be stripped, spliced and taped and the mast can be taken apart and reassembled in under an hour.  An occasional cleaning with water with a period of time to dry before storage is the only maintenance required.