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CPAA-18
Circular polarized active antenna with extremely low noise and easy gain adjustment

Overview

The CPAA-18 is the flagship of receiver antennas because of its enhanced receiving performance. Circular polarization, compared to traditional linear polarization, has much better performance in non-line-of-sight situations and mainly in situations, where transmitter antenna can be

randomly oriented in the horizontal or vertical position. Additionally the inbuilt, high quality, extremely low noise amplifier, is ideal for situations where long cables with high attenuation have to be compensated or where signal strength is too weak.

Standard 100x100 pitch mounting holes

Durable water sealed ABS plastic cover

Ultra low noise (< 0.75 dB) amplifier with gain between -9 to 18dB

Standard mounting 1/4" & 3/8" threads

Unique antenna structure with gain of 7.5 dB (8.5 dB peak)

Main features

Circular Polarization Benefits

The main advantage of the receiver antenna with circular polarization is its orientation independence which is independent of the orientation of the transmitter antenna. In traditional linear polarized systems, when antennas are not aligned, there is a significant link performance degradation, which can lead to link losses -> dropouts.

On the other hand when the receiver antenna with circular polarization is used, this problem almost does not exist. Moreover, the link performance is even better in adverse weather conditions or in environments with a lot of obstructions, which are effects that cause signal polarization displacements.

SBOX-1N-access

Ultra Low Noise Onboard Amplifier - 9 to + 18 dB

Inbuilt ultra low noise amplifier allows antena usage in the situations with variable coaxial cable length from antena to receiver device. Higher attenuation of longer cables can be easily compensated by increasing gain, while in the situations with very short cables and strong receiving signal zero or even negative gain assures not to overshoot input dynamic range of the receiver.

Amplifier can be easily adjusted to any value betwen - 9 and + 18 dB in the steps of 1 dB.

0.75
dB amplifier
IC NF

> 34
dBm IP3
point

< 1.2
V.S.W.R.
parameter

Excellent RF parameters

What is unique about CPAA-18 is its excellent RF parameters.

Voltage Standing Wave Ratio of less than 1.2 ensures great signal power reception. Very high Third-order Intercept Point IP3 >34 dBm providing great linearity and finally industry leading ultra low noise amplifier IC with noise figure 0.75 dB.

Sharkie input filters

High efficient input filters for removing
unwanted RF spectrum

CPAA-18 high efficient input filters help to prevent receivers intermodulation with other sources in band outside of the main working range of wireless systems like walkie talkies, FM radios, wireless focus systems, WiFi and bluetooth devices, mobile phones, etc.

Performace of wireless system will be better with less dropouts.

Plug and Work

Preset value of onboard amplifier gain is displayed on Inbuilt seven segment LED display upon power on and if required it keeps displaying for permanent possible readouts.

Display has furthermore automatic brightness setting feature, which adjusts its brightness according to actual ambient light condition avoiding unacceptable situations of everywhere shining display in dark places or unreadable gain value on direct sun light.

This automatic brightness feature can be disabled by setting of fixed brightness value or the display can be completely turned off while amplifier keeps working. In this mode any button press will temporally power on the display for possibility of changing the settings or just for preset gain readout.

Top build quality

Top Build Quality

Main disadvantage of circular polarized antennas - their size is minimized in BETSO CPAA-18 by professional RF design with focus on dimensions, weight and reception performance. The result is great performing active antena packed in very reasonable sized case reinforced by high quality materials and manufacturing processes.

Amplifier is made of CNC milled aluminium alloy and is sealed for great water resistant performance.

Permanent mounting is possible by standard 4x M4 screw holes with 100mm pitch.

Powering

5-20
volts external
powering

LOW
power
consumption

Antenna can be powered externally through coaxial cable from power source of 5 - 20 V DC. Professional hardware design with best in class integrated circuits results in extremely low power consumption which will be a big plus for your shooting rig performance.

Video

Photos

  • white colour optionwhite colour option

Technical specifications

Frequency range 470 MHz to 850 MHz
Input filters attenuation High below 450 MHz (for example -82dB @ 100 MHz)
High above 870 MHz (for example -35dB @ 2.4 GHz)
Antenna gain 7.5 dB of avarage gain (peak 8.5 dB)
Antenna directivity Cardioid
Antenna polarization Circular
Amplifier gain -9 to 18 dB
Amplifier IC noise Ultra low noise < 0.75 dB
Antenna VSWR Excellent < 1.2 (max. 0.8% of received signal power is reflected)
Amplifier IP3 Very high > 34 dBm
Display Bright blue LED with automatic or manual brightness settings and stand-by mode
Powering External powering 5 - 20 V DC
Current consumption 35 mA *
Mechanic construction CNC milled, anodized aluminium alloy and ABS highly durable plastic
Mounting 1/4" and 3/8" threads
Dimensions (h x w x d) 315 x 315 x 110 mm (12.4" x 12.4" x 4.33")
Weight approx. 1.4 kg (3.1 lb.)

* depends on the operating mode of the LED display

Advanced features

Gain setting Easy gain setting with automatic last set gain storing
Ambient light sensor Brightness of LED display can be automatically adjusted according to ambient light
Manual brightness setting Brightness of LED display can be also set manually to requested level
Dispaly stand-by mode Display can be completely turned off with ability to show preset gain value upon button request

Downloads

User manual