Interactive Technologies

RadioDMX Antenna Options

There are several different antenna options available for RadioDMX. This brief guide will list them as well as discuss some of the typical circumstances where they are used.

RadioDMX Standard Antenna (RD-A200)

This is the standard antenna that comes with the RD-2400-INT package. It attaches directly to the back of the RadioDMX transceiver. This antenna is used primarily for indoor events and can be used outdoors where short to medium range is needed. The standard antenna's signal radiates in a semi-spherical pattern completely around the antenna.

In perfect conditions, this antenna will broadcast up to 3500 feet outdoors. Indoors, maximum range is more typically about 1500 feet due to the increased interference caused by reflections inside the building.

This antenna can be remotely mounted away from the RadioDMX unit by adding an optional antenna extension cable.

RadioDMX 9dB Omnidirectional Antenna (RD-A210)

This antenna is typically used outdoors when longer range is needed. The 9dB omnidirectional antenna radiates its signal 360° in a horizontal plane and only 17° vertically.

It is usually only recommended to use this antenna on a RadioDMX transmitter station when the transmitter is broadcasting to multiple receivers that are located is areas that can only be covered by this antenna's omnidirectional nature. RadioDMX receivers don't typically need this antenna if their location is fixed and the RD-A220 can be used instead.

This antenna is mounted away from the RadioDMX unit by an RF extension cable. It is designed to be mounted to a 2 inch mast, but can be easily adapted to mount to other structures.

In line-of-sight conditions outdoors, this antenna has a potential of broadcasting RadioDMX signals many miles.

RadioDMX 15dB Yagi Directional Antenna (RD-A220)

This antenna is typically used outdoors when longer range or higher immunity to interference is needed. The 15dB directional antenna radiates its signal in a 30° cone in the direction that the antenna is pointed.

We recommend using this antenna on RadioDMX transmitters that are outdoors and only transmitting to one or more receivers that can be covered by this antenna's 30° beam spread. We also recommend using this antenna on all RadioDMX receivers that are outdoors, when the corresponding transmitter is using the RD-A210 or RD-A220.

This antenna is mounted away from the RadioDMX unit by an RF extension cable. It is designed to be mounted to a 2 inch mast, but can be easily adapted to mount to other structures.

In line-of-sight conditions outdoors, this antenna has a potential of broadcasting RadioDMX signals many miles.

Although the antennas described above suit virtually all RadioDMX installations and projects that we have helped customers design, other RadioDMX antennas may be available for very special situations, including medium gain antennas, corner reflectors and even diversity mode antennas. Contact Interactive Technologies for more details.