There are many types of antennas used for several applications. While some antennas are ideal for some applications, some are not. It is very important to know about the different types of antennas we have. Antennas are very important in wireless communication systems. However, their properties and benefits differ based on their types.

One of the most commonly used antennas is the fiberglass antenna. This antenna is called fiberglass antenna because it is mainly made of fiberglass. It is a weatherproof and waterproof antenna that can resist different temperatures. We will be studying more about this antenna and their basic characteristics.

What is Fiberglass Antenna?

The main material in fiberglass antenna is fiberglass. This antenna is distinct as it provides network performance in varying weather condition. There are different lengths of fiberglass antenna. This length is within 2 inches to 7 inches. Since fiberglass is the core material in this antenna, it is very durable and efficient.

This antenna comprises of fiberglass rod.The antenna wire is wrapped underneath a plastic wrap.

You will find the antenna coil for this antenna at its top. The mounting location and conditions of the antenna usually determines its transmission and receiving range. We had a rough estimate and we expect these fiberglass antennas to have the following lengths. For a 2’ length antenna, the distance should be about 3 miles while a 3’ length antenna should have about 4 miles.

Glass fiber reinforced plastic is the main material for producing the shell of this antenna. Fiberglass antennas have various sizes. These antennas resist corrosion and they can survive in any weather. They are also waterproof and windproof. The installation procedure and process is a simple and easy one.

Due to the benefits these antennas offer, they are perfect for base station, car radio, gateway, wireless module, outdoor AP, router, wireless terminal device, and more. The dielectric ad mechanical characteristics of this antenna contribute to its high performance. Therefore, it is primarily used in the majority of wireless communication systems.

There are other features offered by this antenna. This includes exceptional signal quality and transmission. A fiberglass antenna can help to reduce absorption and signal reflection. With this antenna, communication systems can function well. Fiberglass antennas are different from traditional antennas like metal antennas. This is because of the excellent properties of fiberglass.

Benefits of Fiberglass Antennas

Off-road drivers consider fiberglass antennas as a great choice. Due to the durability of these antennas, they can be used in off-road applications. Also, they have various types of mounts and as such, you can mount them easily.

Sturdiness

Fiberglass is a strong material with a high level of durability. Also, this antenna has a long lifespan. It lasts longer than most traditional antennas.

Corrosion resistance

Fiberglasscan maintain stability in corrosive environment s like high humidity, acidity, and ultraviolet radiation. Since they can withstand corrosion, they help in reducing cost of maintenance. In coastal environments where antennas can easily corrode use to high salt content in the air, fiberglass antennas are the best choice here.

High strength

Some of the properties of fiberglass antennas is high tensile strength and excellent mechanical strength. These properties enable these antennas to tolerate any external impact forces.  Furthermore, these antennas have the capabilities to operate under extreme conditions for a long time.

Easy installation

Fiberglass tends to be lightweight which contributes to the easy installation of fiberglass antennas. Also, their light density and small weight make them easier to transport. Their lightweight nature makes it easy to achieve their secure mounting at height.

Improved signal transmission

There is an improved signal transmission quality in fiberglass antennas due to their low conductivity and good insulation properties. Also, these properties help to enhance these antennas’ ant-interference.

Design flexibility

Not all antennas offer a good level of design flexibility. Since fiberglass has great molding properties, you can design their antennas in different sizes and shapes. We have wideband antennas, flat antennas, and high-gain antennas that are made of fiberglass.

Cons of Fiberglass Antennas

In as much as the benefits of fiberglass antennas are numerous, they have also got some drawbacks which will be explained here.

High coefficient of thermal expansion

This can result in the deformation of this antenna. Changes in environmental temperature can cause distortion also. In the long run, this will have a negative effect on this antenna’s performance.

Vulnerable to aging

Since these antennas are made of fiberglass, they can easily age in environments with extreme temperatures. This will reduce their lifespan and result in more replacement and maintenance.

Relatively high conductivity

Sometimes, fiberglass materials include carbon fibers. This increases the conductivity of fiberglass which may make the antenna malfunction.

Applications of Fiberglass Antennas

Fiberglass antennas offer several benefits which are crucial for some applications. They are very adaptable and also have good physical properties. So, they are highly preferred by engineers and electronics producers.

Radio

Home radios and car radios have fiberglass antennas installed on them. These antennas are very reliable. Also, their signal receiving performance is very high.

Aerospace

Some of the aerospace sectors that make use of fiberglass antennas are the aircraft communications and satellite navigation systems. In the aerospace field, fiberglass antennas are preferred. Their weight is an important feature for aerospace devices.

Mobile communication

 Another application that depends on fiberglass antennas is mobile phone. This is because these antennas provide excellent signal quality and wide signal coverage in wireless network base stations.

Televisions

Fiberglass antennas are commonly used in cable TV and digital TV. This application enjoys benefits such as high signal reception quality. Also, fiberglass antennas offer anti-interference performance in TV broadcasting systems.

Satellite communication

Looks like fiberglass antennas have found profound use mainly in the communication system. This is because these antennas are greatly preferred in satellite ground antennas and other antennas used in satellite communication.

Military communication

The communication field in the military relies on the use of fiberglass antennas in achieving a lot of things. Also, benefits like anti-corrosion, high strength characteristics, and sturdiness are what military devices need. You will find these benefits in fiberglass antennas. Hence, they perform well in military communications systems.

What to Consider when Choosing Fiberglass Antenna

Height

One of the things you have to look out for is height. There will be a greater range when you mount your antenna higher.

Gain

Gain is of paramount importance when you are choosing a fiberglass antenna. This parameter refers to the transmission pattern of an antenna. With higher gain comes a farther range. Also, the beamwidth becomes narrow with an increase in gain.

Application requirements

Fiberglass antennas are very study and durable. Therefore, these antennas can survive under varying environmental conditions. They have found their use in the aerospace and military sectors.

Size

For fiberglass antennas, one size doesn’t fit all. This is why these antennas are made in variety of sizes. Size is an important consideration when mounting a fiberglass antenna. The application you intend to use this antenna will determine the size to opt for.

Environment

Fiberglass antennas can be very useful in various environments. Since these antennas are weatherproof, they are well-suited for hostile and harsh environments like salty air, harsh sunlight, and high UV rays. You must consider the environment you would be using this antenna.

VSWR

This parameter measures how fiberglass antennas match perfectly with a source. Antennas can offer high VSWR or low VSWR. Depending on your application, choose fiberglass antennas that feature the right VSWR.

Considerations for Mounting Fiberglass Antenna

The location you mount your fiberglass antenna really matter, although you can mount it in different places. Fiberglass antennas are meant to be installed outdoor. You need to position them in locations where you can get the best line of sign of visibility.

These antennas can be mounted in mirror bars, trunks, the roof of a vehicle, and more. Below are some important details that will help you decide on the mounting locations of your antenna.

• Ensure half of the antenna or more is above the roofline. Optimal performance can be easily achieved when you do this.
• The coil of the antenna must remain beyond the roofline.
• Perfect grounding of the fiberglass antenna is also critical.
• Mount your antenna higher for better performance.
• Choose a long length for your antenna. This is because longer antennas are more beneficial than shorter antennas.
• You can use a u-bolt kit to mount your antenna firmly.
• Consider the antenna’s coil position. The coil position of an antenna describes where you wound the antenna wire in a coil.

Conclusion

Fiberglass antennas have gradually become a more preferred antenna type in some areas, especially in modern wireless communication. Their strong plasticity, high strength, and lightweight nature make them a considerable choice for antennas. Selecting the best fiberglass antenna begins with gaining good knowledge about this antenna. Also, you need to know what to look out for in these antennas. A fiberglass antenna built with quality is what you deserve.