What a very clever idea, and if you view the video you will see why. Every boat should have a back up VHF Antenna., and this is the best I have come across.
The GALAXY INFL8-5 by Shakespeare is the world’s first emergency antenna with the performance to earn the GALAXY name. It is an inflatable antenna that can be rapidly deployed via a CO2 cartridge or a manual tube and inflates to 5 ft (1.6 m) to offer a full 3dB antenna with a range of up to three times greater than any existing helical emergency antenna. Thanks to its inflatable design, the antenna can be deflated and stowed away safely in its easy-to-spot storage bag until it is needed again.
The antenna can be mounted with its hook and loop straps allowing for quick and easy installation in any weather to stanchions, outriggers or other vertical structures on board. The antenna also features grommets on the top and bottom to facilitate hanging and securing to spreaders, masts, hard tops and other structures even in case the inflatable bladder becomes damaged.
The connectors included in the package allow for versatile connection options. The pre-soldered PL-259 connector allows connection to a Fixed VHF directly or a handheld via the included SMA Adaptor. The package also includes a solder-free female UHF connector that allows the antenna to be spliced into existing coax cables on the boat.
Specifications
Band:VHF Marine BandAntenna Gain:3dBMax. Input Power:50 WattsSWR:nominally 1.5:1 at 156.8 MHzBandwidth:156-162 MHz within 2.0:1 VSWRMounting:Via 2ea x 2ft (600mm) long built-in hook-and-loop straps. Can be hung and tied to structures through its grommet holes.Inflation>24 hrs per cartridgeRecommended Cartridge16g threaded CO2 cartridgeCoax Supplied:20 ft (6m) of RG-174 cableConnector Supplied:PL-259 pre-installed. Adapter to adapt over to SMA male for use with handhelds. Unique solder-less UHF female connector to splice antenna into existing RG-8X or RG-58 coax cabling on boat.Polarization (Pattern):Vertical (Omnidirectional)Impedance:50 OhmsDC Ground:DC Grounded – The antenna will readshortedon continuity test.Shakespeare Limited Warranty:5 years
Key Features & Benefits
Inflatable to Full 5Ft
Full 3dB performance in an emergency antenna. Easily stowable.
CO2 cartridge inflatable
Rapid & rigid inflation.
Manually inflatable*
Inflate incase CO2 cartridge is not available.
Straps & Grommets
Versatile mounting options.
Storage Bag
Conveniently stow away in its highly visible bag until needed again.
Included SMA Adaptor
Compatible with most fixed mount and handheld VHF Radios.**
* When manually inflated, the product does not inflate to be rigid enough to be mounted free standing. Recommended only if antenna can be supported at the bottom and the top. ** Check with your radio manufacturer for compatibility with the included adaptor. The adaptor features an SMA male.
