Midland PRO30LITE - Heavy-Duty UHF CB Whip Antenna

Midland PRO30LITE - Heavy-Duty UHF CB Whip Antenna for Agricultural and Construction Machinery

Product Overview

The Midland PRO30LITE is a heavy-duty UHF CB whip antenna engineered specifically for demanding agricultural and construction machinery applications. This flexible yet robust antenna features ground-independent design with 330mm whip height and pre-tuned 477MHz frequency optimization for Australian UHF CB channels. The PRO30LITE includes 4.5 meters of RG56 coaxial cable terminated with FME female connector, plus FME to PL259 adaptor for universal compatibility. Designed for quick replacement via SO239 base mounting, this antenna withstands harsh vibration, impacts, and environmental exposure common in tractors, earthmoving equipment, and industrial machinery. The 30-degree vertical beamwidth provides optimal communication coverage while the 50-ohm impedance and maximum 1.5:1 VSWR ensure efficient power transfer and clear signal quality.

Key Features

Heavy-Duty Flexible Whip - Combines flexibility with exceptional strength to absorb impacts and vibration from agricultural and construction machinery operation, preventing antenna damage while maintaining reliable signal transmission throughout demanding work conditions.

Ground Independent Design - No-ground-plane requirement enables installation on non-metallic surfaces and fiberglass equipment, providing flexible mounting options for modern machinery with composite body panels or isolated mounting locations.

Pre-Tuned 477MHz - Factory-tuned for Australian UHF CB frequency band eliminates complex antenna tuning procedures, ensuring optimal performance across all 80 UHF CB channels immediately upon installation without additional adjustments.

SO239 Base Mounting - Standard SO239 base connector enables quick antenna replacement when damaged, reducing downtime for agricultural and construction operations requiring immediate equipment return to service.

4.5 Meter Cable Assembly - Extended RG56 coaxial cable with FME female connector provides sufficient length for equipment installations requiring remote antenna mounting locations away from radio base unit.

Maximum 1.5:1 VSWR - Low voltage standing wave ratio ensures efficient power transfer from transmitter to antenna, maximizing communication range while protecting radio equipment from excessive reflected power damage.

100W Power Handling - Robust construction handles up to 100 watts power capacity, providing compatibility with high-output UHF CB radios used in commercial and industrial applications requiring extended communication range.

30° Vertical Beamwidth - Optimized radiation pattern balances local and distance communication performance, providing reliable coverage for equipment-to-equipment coordination and base station contact throughout work sites.

Technical Specifications

Physical Specifications:

• Antenna Height: 330mm
• Cable Length: 4.5 meters
• Coaxial Cable Type: RG56
• Cable Connector: FME (Female)
• Base Connector: SO239
• Included Adaptor: FME to PL259

Electrical Specifications:

• Frequency: Pre-tuned 477MHz
• VSWR: Maximum 1.5:1
• Impedance: 50 Ohm
• Vertical Beamwidth: 30°
• Maximum Power: 100W
• Ground Plane: Independent (No Ground Plane Required)

Application:

• Heavy-Duty Agricultural Machinery
• Construction Equipment
• Industrial Vehicles
• Earthmoving Equipment

What's Included

• Midland PRO30LITE UHF CB Whip Antenna (330mm)
• RG56 Coaxial Cable 4.5m with FME (F) Connector
• FME to PL259 Adaptor

Installation Notes

The Midland PRO30LITE mounts to any SO239 antenna base or bracket. Thread the antenna whip onto the SO239 base connector, tightening firmly by hand without over-torquing. Route the 4.5-meter RG56 cable to the radio location, avoiding sharp bends or pinch points. Connect the FME female connector directly to compatible radio models, or use the included FME to PL259 adaptor for standard PL259 radio connections. The ground-independent design allows mounting on non-metallic surfaces without performance degradation. Ensure the antenna remains clear of overhead obstacles and moving equipment components. Test VSWR after installation to verify proper connection and tuning. The flexible whip construction absorbs impacts during machinery operation while maintaining signal integrity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does ground-independent design mean?

Ground-independent design means the PRO30LITE antenna does not require a metal ground plane beneath it to operate efficiently. This allows installation on fiberglass, plastic, or composite body panels common in modern agricultural and construction equipment without performance loss, unlike traditional antennas requiring large metal surfaces.

Can I use this antenna on any UHF CB radio?

Yes, the PRO30LITE works with any Australian UHF CB radio. The antenna includes both FME female connector and FME to PL259 adaptor, providing compatibility with radios using either connector type. The 50-ohm impedance and 477MHz pre-tuning matches all standard UHF CB radio specifications.

How flexible is the whip antenna?

The PRO30LITE whip combines flexibility with strength to withstand impacts from branches, overhead obstacles, and machinery vibration common in agricultural and construction environments. The flexible design prevents breakage during contact while returning to vertical position, unlike rigid antennas that snap under impact stress.

What is VSWR and why is 1.5:1 important?

VSWR (Voltage Standing Wave Ratio) measures how efficiently power transfers from your radio to the antenna. Maximum 1.5:1 VSWR indicates excellent power transfer with minimal reflected power. This protects your radio's transmitter from damage while maximizing communication range and signal clarity.

Can I replace just the whip if damaged?

Yes, the PRO30LITE features SO239 base mounting enabling quick whip replacement. Simply unscrew the damaged whip from the SO239 base and thread on a new whip without replacing the entire cable assembly. This reduces replacement costs and minimizes equipment downtime.