AXIS AKU4-S-MAST - 4dB UHF Short Mast for AKU4RDTWIN Antenna Kit

AXIS AKU4-S-MAST - 4dB UHF Short Mast for AKU4RDTWIN Antenna Kit

Genuine AXIS 4dB radome UHF short mast designed specifically for AKU4RDTWIN antenna kit featuring compact 603mm length ideal for clearance-restricted applications, constructed from durable 23mm tapered black fibreglass ensuring weather resistance and longevity, factory pretuned to 477MHz UHF CB frequency eliminating field tuning requirements for immediate installation and optimal performance, 4dB gain provides solid communication range while maintaining lower profile, tapered fibreglass construction provides flexibility during vehicle movement while maintaining strength and durability, black finish for professional appearance, ideal for underground car parks, low garage clearances, heavy bush driving, urban environments, and applications where antenna height restrictions require compact solution without sacrificing performance.

Product Overview

The AXIS AKU4-S-MAST is a compact 4dB radome UHF short mast engineered specifically as a replacement or lower-profile option for the AKU4RDTWIN antenna kit, providing 603mm length optimized for clearance-restricted environments while maintaining reliable UHF communication performance. The 23mm tapered black fibreglass construction delivers exceptional durability and weather resistance for harsh Australian conditions including extreme heat, UV exposure, vibration, and physical impacts encountered during off-road driving, commercial operations, and urban vehicle use. Factory pretuning to 477MHz UHF CB frequency ensures optimal performance immediately upon installation without requiring SWR meters, antenna tuners, or technical expertise for field adjustments. The compact 603mm length makes this mast ideal for vehicles regularly using underground car parks, low-clearance garages, drive-throughs, or heavy bush environments where taller antennas risk damage from overhead obstacles or low branches while still providing reliable 4dB gain for effective local and medium-range UHF communications.

Important Notes:

Compatibility Limited: AKU4-S-MAST designed specifically for AKU4RDTWIN antenna kit. Not guaranteed compatible with other systems.

Antenna Kit NOT Included: Mast only. AKU4RDTWIN antenna kit with mounting hardware and cables sold separately.

Lower Gain Trade-off: 4dB gain provides shorter range than 7dB long mast but offers better clearance for restricted environments.

Professional Installation Recommended: Professional fitting ensures proper mounting, grounding, and optimal performance.

SWR Check After Installation: Final SWR verification recommended after installation for optimal performance.

Key Features

Compact 4dB Gain - Reliable communication range while maintaining low profile for clearance-restricted applications.

Factory Pretuned - Tuned to 477MHz UHF CB frequency eliminating field tuning requirements.

603mm Short Length - Compact design ideal for low garages, car parks, drive-throughs, and bush driving.

23mm Tapered Fibreglass - Durable weather-resistant construction with flexibility preventing breakage.

Black Finish - Professional appearance complementing vehicle aesthetics.

Weather Resistant - Withstands extreme UV exposure, heat, moisture, and physical impacts.

477MHz UHF CB Optimized - Specifically tuned for Australian UHF CB frequency allocation.

Compatible with AKU4RDTWIN - Direct replacement mast for AKU4RDTWIN antenna systems.

Clearance Friendly - Shorter profile reduces risk of damage from overhead obstacles and low branches.

Flexible During Movement - Bends during impacts returning to vertical without breaking.

Corrosion Resistant - Fibreglass material does not corrode ensuring long service life.

Minimal Maintenance - Requires only occasional cleaning and visual inspection.

Professional Grade Quality - AXIS engineering ensures reliable performance and durability.

Ideal for Urban Use - Perfect for city driving with frequent underground parking and clearance restrictions.

Heavy Bush Applications - Lower height reduces branch impacts during off-road driving.

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What's the difference between the 4dB short mast (603mm) and the 7dB long mast (1000mm)?

A: The main differences are length and gain. The 4dB short mast (603mm) offers better clearance for underground car parks, low garages, and bush driving with less branch interference, making it ideal for urban environments and clearance-restricted applications. The 7dB long mast (1000mm) provides extended communication range and stronger signal strength for remote touring and convoy coordination. Choose the short mast if clearance is your priority or you frequently encounter height restrictions. Choose the long mast if maximum communication range is essential and clearance isn't an issue.

Q: Will the shorter mast significantly reduce my communication range?

A: The 4dB short mast provides reliable local and medium-range UHF communications suitable for most everyday applications including urban driving, worksite communications, and moderate-distance convoy coordination. You'll notice reduced range compared to the 7dB long mast, typically several kilometers shorter maximum distance, but for most users operating within 10-15km radius, the 4dB gain is perfectly adequate. If you regularly communicate over very long distances (20km+), remote outback touring, or participate in large convoys spread over wide areas, the long mast's extra gain is beneficial. For city driving, local worksites, and general UHF use, the short mast performs excellently.

Q: Is this mast better for heavy bush driving to avoid branch damage?

A: Yes, the 603mm short mast is significantly better for heavy bush driving and tight trail conditions. The lower profile reduces the likelihood of catching low-hanging branches, scraping overhead vegetation, or sustaining impacts from obstacles that would hit taller antennas. Many serious 4WD enthusiasts prefer short masts for challenging terrain or switch between short masts for bush trips and long masts for open touring. While the fibreglass construction is flexible and durable, avoiding impacts altogether by using a shorter antenna extends service life and reduces the risk of stress fractures from repeated severe impacts during extreme off-road adventures.

Q: Can I switch between the short and long mast depending on where I'm driving?

A: Yes, one of the advantages of the AKU4RDTWIN system is the ability to easily swap masts. Many users keep both the short mast (AKU4-S-MAST) and long mast (AKU4-L-MAST) on hand, using the short mast for urban daily driving, underground parking, or heavy bush trips, and switching to the long mast for remote touring, outback travel, or situations where maximum range is needed. Swapping is straightforward - unscrew the old mast, install the new one, and verify SWR. This flexibility allows you to optimize your antenna setup for specific driving conditions without compromising performance or risking damage.

Q: Do I need to retune or adjust anything when installing this replacement mast?

A: No, the AKU4-S-MAST comes factory pretuned to 477MHz eliminating the need for field tuning. Simply unscrew your existing mast from the AKU4RDTWIN antenna base and screw on the new short mast. However, we recommend performing a final SWR check after installation using an antenna analyser or SWR meter to verify optimal performance. Most installations achieve excellent SWR (under 1.3:1) without any adjustment. If you're installing a complete new antenna system (not just replacing the mast), professional installation is recommended to ensure proper mounting, grounding, and cable connections.