Lectrosonics has released the ALP690, a high-performance UHF LPDA antenna with built-in RF amplifier, for use with wireless microphone receivers or base station transmitters in location and studio production.
The new antenna design delivered +4 dBd of passive gain in a directional pattern to extend operating range, and an RF amplifier can be engaged to supply gain for overcoming signal loss in long coaxial cable runs.
The ALP690 antenna is powered by DC bias inserted on the coaxial cable connected to the 50 ohm BNC jack. This power can be supplied by a Venue Series receiver, an active multicoupler or an inline BIAS-T. When no bias was applied, the ALP690 automatically switched via relays to function as a passive antenna, so that the antenna can be used for receivers and IFB or IEM transmission applications.
RF amplifier gain, filter bandwidth and display brightness are adjusted with a membrane switch keypad and LED display on the control panel. RF gain is adjustable in 1 dB steps from -6 dB to +12 dB to match the RF loss depending on the type and length of coax cable in use. When used as an active antenna, the filter bandwidth is adjustable from 470 MHz at the lower end to either 608 or 700 MHz at the top end, to serve users’ needs in various markets and locations. Vertical orientation provides a wide horizontal coverage pattern.
The antenna is formed with copper traces on a .133 inch or 3.4 mm thick glass epoxy high-pressure thermoset plastic laminate material with a durable finish. The skeletal structure reduces wind loading in outdoor use.