MODEL 550 Single Tower Inverted Cone Antenna For omnidirectional HF broadcasting services, where both ground wave and sky wave coverage are desired, the TCI Model 550 is an excellent choice. Electrically, the antenna is similar to the widely used TCI 505, except that it has only a single, central, metallic tower instead of six wooden spars or poles. Because of its large diameter to height ratio (it is electrically "fat"), the TCI 550 has excellent VSWR and pattern performance over a 20:1 frequency range instead of the 4:1 range usually associated with single tower conical monopoles. One Model 550 will operate down to 1.6 MHz in order to cover all of the important Maritime Mobile Service frequencies making the Model 550 one of the few antennas which is optimized for this service. * 1.6-32 MHz - covers entire maritime mobile service * Single tower * 2.0:1 VSWR maximum anywhere in band * Fully efficient * Rugged and safe to erect The truly wideband capability is achieved with full radiation efficiency. There are no resistors, tuners, special coupling units, terminations, or special devices coupling energy to the ground which, while increasing bandwidth, significantly reduce efficiency. The TCI 550 is the simplest and safest to erect of this class of antenna. No temporary guys are required during erection and the structure is fully stable during the rigging sequence. Once erected, the Model 550 has outstanding structural rigidity so that troublesome deflections and mechanical oscillations do not occur. Fiberglass and other plastic guy materials are avoided, as are dissimilar metal contacts. The antenna is supplied in kit form with all required materials including the ground screen, guy anchors, and steel mounting hardware to be imbedded in the concrete foundations, but not including concrete or concrete reinforcing steel. As with all TCI antennas, the Model 550 employs high quality, exhaustively tested components and materials. All radiators and catenaries are of Alumoweld, a wire composed of a high strength steel core and a highly conductive corrosion resistant welded coating of aluminum. All feedline and radiator tip insulators are made of high strength glazed alumina, a material with an extremely low loss tangent (.001) and virtually impervious to the effects of ultraviolet radiation, dirt, and salt spray. Specifications Polarization ............. Vertical Radiation Patterns Elevation ................. See patterns below Azimuth................... Circular within +0.75 dB VSWR....................... 2.0:1 or less in specified frequency range Environmental......... Designed in accordance with EIA Performance............ Specification RS-222C for loading of 160km/h (100 mi/h) wind, (Higher environmental capability available upon request) Power Capability..... 40 kW average/160 kW PEP (Actual power capability is limited by connector used.) No matching unit is needed. Size and Frequency Data Model Frequency Number Range 550-1-N 550-2-N 550-3-N 550-4-N 550-5-N 550-6-N 1.9-32 MHz 2.3-32 MHz 2.8-32 MHz 3.8-32 MHz 5.5-32 MHz 1.6-32 MHz Height ft. mtr. 122 102 82 62 42 142 37.2 31.0 25.0 18.9 12.8 43.3 Diameter* ft. mtr. 250 209 168 127 86 291 76.2 63.7 51.2 38.7 26.2 88.7 * Guy to guy. (Ground screen included within this diameter.) Power & Impedance Data Model Number Input Impedance Power Handling Capability Connector 550-N-02 550-N-03 550-N-04 550-N-05 530-N-06 50 ohms 50 ohms 50 ohms 50 ohms 50 ohms Receive Transmit Transmit Transmit Receive 7/8" EIA Female 15/8" EIA Female 35/8" EIA Female 7/8" EIA Female Type N Female Optional Equipment: 1. Lighting Kit (Lighting transformer may cause maximum VSWR to be 2.2:1.) 2. Lighting Arrestor/Static Drain Kit. Elevation Patterns gain in dBi over perfect earth 550-260301(c) TCI, 2001 Data and specifications subject to change without notice. www.tcibr.com 47300 Kato Road, Fremont, California 94538, USA * 1 800 824-8074 (USA) * Tel 1 510 687-6100 * Fax 1 510 687-6101