GME AE346V 1800mm Marine VHF Antenna

GME AE346V 1800mm White Fibreglass Radome VHF Marine Antenna

A 1800mm white fibreglass radome VHF marine antenna from GME, the AE346V features a ground-independent design, fold-down base, and an included AD503 FME to PL259 adaptor, part of GME's matched-appearance AE346 series of marine antennas.

Product overview

The GME AE346V is a 1800mm white fibreglass radome VHF marine antenna, the VHF variant in GME's AE346 series of matched-appearance 1800mm ground-independent marine antennas. Unlike the open-whip AE346H and AE346B, the AE346V uses a white fibreglass radome, an enclosed housing which protects the antenna element from physical impact and marine environmental damage.

The AE346V includes a fold-down base so the antenna can be lowered for bridge clearance, stowage, or transport. The kit includes the antenna assembly, 5m lead assembly, FME connector, and an AD503 FME to PL259 adaptor, allowing the AE346V to connect directly to radios with either FME or PL259 antenna inputs.

The AE346V is compatible with GME's full range of VHF marine radios.

Features and benefits

White fibreglass radome: The enclosed housing protects the internal VHF antenna element from physical impact, marine spray, and environmental exposure.

1800mm length: An extended VHF antenna for optimum marine communication range.

Ground-independent design: No metal hull required, suited to fibreglass, GRP, and aluminium vessels.

Fold-down base: Allows the antenna to be lowered for bridge clearance, marina entry, stowage, and transport.

Removable whip: The antenna element can be fully removed when not in use.

AD503 FME to PL259 adaptor included: Provides compatibility with both FME and PL259/SO239 antenna inputs on GME and compatible VHF radios.

5m lead assembly included: A complete installation kit.

Compatible with GME VHF marine radios: Part of GME's Australian-made marine VHF antenna range.

Technical specs

Compatible with

The AE346V is compatible with GME VHF marine radios with FME or PL259 antenna input via the included AD503 adaptor, fibreglass, aluminium, and GRP vessel hulls due to its ground-independent design, and the AE346H (27MHz CB) and AE346B (AM/FM) for a matched-appearance AE346 multi-band installation.

Frequently asked questions

What is a fibreglass radome and how does it differ from a standard open whip?
A radome is an enclosed housing, in this case white fibreglass, that contains and protects the internal antenna element. Unlike open whip antennas where the element is exposed, as in the AE346H and AE346B, a radome antenna has its element sealed inside the housing. This protects it from physical impact, snagging, UV degradation, and marine spray exposure, at the cost of being slightly less easy to replace the element if damaged.

What is the fold-down base on the AE346V and when is it used?
The fold-down base is a hinged mounting that allows the 1800mm antenna to be lowered to a near-horizontal position when not required. Common situations include passing under low bridges or marina entry points, transporting the vessel on a trailer, and securing the vessel in a berth where height clearance is restricted. The fold-down mechanism allows the antenna to be raised and lowered quickly without disconnecting the coaxial cable.

Why does the AE346V include an AD503 FME to PL259 adaptor?
The AE346V's lead terminates in an FME connector. Some GME VHF radios and many third-party VHF radios use a PL259/SO239 antenna input rather than FME. The included AD503 adaptor, FME male to PL259, allows the AE346V to connect to both FME-socketed and PL259-socketed radios without a separate adaptor purchase.

How does the AE346V fit into the AE346 series?
The AE346 series is GME's family of 1800mm ground-independent marine antennas, all matched in appearance for multi-band installations. The AE346V is the VHF variant, the AE346H is the 27MHz CB variant, and the AE346B is the AM/FM variant. All three can be installed together on the same vessel for a consistent, professional-looking multi-band antenna system.

Does the AE346V ship to all locations?
Due to its 1800mm length, some freight carriers may not be able to deliver the AE346V to all locations. In these cases, the product may only be available for in-store pickup rather than delivery, and extra freight charges may also apply for some areas. Contact us to confirm delivery options and freight costs for your specific location before ordering.