GME AE312V VHF Ground Dependent Antenna

450mm VHF Marine Antenna Ground Dependent, UV Stabilised, 5m Coax, FME Connector and Plug Included

Product Overview

The GME AE312V is a 450mm VHF marine antenna from GME's marine VHF antenna range, engineered for long life and high performance in harsh marine environments. It is the VHF variant in the AE312 kit format the same antenna assembly, 5m coaxial cable, FME connector, and plug included in the AE312B (AM/FM) and AE312H (27 MHz) products, applied to the VHF marine radio frequency band.

All exposed components are UV-stabilised, and the whip is removable and colour-coded for easy identification on vessels with multiple antenna installations. The AE312V uses a ground-dependent design, requiring a ferrous (steel) mounting surface.

The AE312V is compatible with GME's range of VHF marine radios.

Features & Benefits

• 450mm marine VHF antenna — compact VHF antenna suited to vessels where a shorter profile is needed
• Ground-dependent design — uses the vessel's metal structure as an electrical ground plane; requires a steel mounting surface
• UV-stabilised materials — all exposed components resist UV degradation for long operational life in marine outdoor environments
• Removable colour-coded whip — can be removed for storage, transport, or bridge clearance; colour coding aids identification on multi-antenna vessels
• FME connector — quick-fit FME connector for tool-free connection, consistent with GME's marine antenna ecosystem
• 5m coaxial cable included — routing length for most vessel cable runs
• Compatible with GME VHF radios — part of GME's marine VHF antenna range designed for GME VHF marine radio systems

Technical Specs

Compatible With / Goes Well With

• GME VHF marine radios — confirm specific model compatibility with GME
• Marine vessels with steel hull sections for ground plane
• GME ABL01x marine antenna bases (FME-compatible)

Weight

Not specified

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the AE312V compare to the AE31 VHF antenna?

The AE31 is an 850mm white VHF mast mount antenna — longer for higher gain, mast-mounted, and sold as an antenna assembly only (cable and connector not confirmed as included). The AE312V is a 450mm VHF antenna sold as a complete kit including 5m coaxial cable, FME connector, and plug. The AE31 is suited to permanent mast installations where maximum VHF range is the priority; the AE312V is a more compact option for vessels where a shorter antenna profile is preferred or where a complete FME cable kit is needed.

How does the AE312V fit into the GME AE312 range?

The AE312 series uses a consistent kit format — antenna assembly, 5m coax, FME connector, and plug — across different frequency variants: AE312B (AM/FM broadcast), AE312H (27 MHz CB), and AE312V (VHF marine). The "V" suffix confirms the VHF marine frequency application.

Why is a shorter 450mm antenna used rather than a longer VHF antenna?

Longer antennas typically provide more gain (longer effective radiating element = improved range), but come with trade-offs in physical profile, wind loading, and clearance requirements. A 450mm antenna is a practical choice for vessels with lower mounting positions, confined spaces, or where the mast position provides sufficient height to compensate for the shorter element length.

Is this a complete installation kit?

Yes — the AE312V includes the antenna assembly, 5m coaxial cable, FME connector, and plug. A VHF marine radio is not included. If the radio uses a non-FME antenna input, a GME AD5xx adaptor may be required.

What does ground-dependent mean for a VHF marine antenna?

Ground-dependent means the antenna relies on the vessel's metal structure (steel hull, steel deck fitting, or metal mounting surface) as the electrical ground plane. Steel and GRP-over-steel vessels typically provide an adequate ground plane. Fibreglass or aluminium vessels without a suitable steel mounting surface may require a ground-independent elevated-feed antenna base.