Choosing the best antenna for the job is not difficult but sometimes it involves compromising the selection criteria. This page explains why.
  1. Decide how you are going to fit the antenna
  2. Find out which frequencies you will be using
  3. Consider the operating environment
Selection Advice

(These issues are covered in more depth in Training)

The Sales Team will give you all the information you need to choose the best antenna for the job.

Decide how you are going to fit the antenna

Typically Panorama's customers require antennas for the following applications. For each of these applications there is a choice of fixing method or type of connection.

For example:

Application
Fixing Method
VEHICLES - Mobile antennas (panel mount, glass mount, magnetic, window clip).
Panel mounts are for 'through hole' permanent fixing on a metallic surface which provides the electrical ground plane. Glass mounts offer effective solutions for 'no hole' permanent installations. Magnetic and window clip antennas are temporary fixtures.
GROUND PLANE INDEPENDENT - such as elevated positions or non-metallic surfaces.
Low profile antennas can be used on any horizontal surface. Spring clip antennas are for heavy duty temporary use. Mini base stations can be fixed to poles or buildings.
FOR SPECIALISTS - Military, covert, emergency services, petro-chemical, high-speed rail transport.
Various designs are available for a wide range of frequency bands.
HAND PORTABLES - Replacement antennas for handsets
Antennas with various threads and connectors are available to suit a large range of hand portable radios.

Find out which frequency you will be using

For each of the above applications, Panorama offers a range of antennas for commonly used frequencies. Most of our antennas are pre-tuned to cellular or bandplan frequencies. Uncut mobile antennas are available for 2-way radio frequencies. This allows the installer to keep stock to a minimum and tune as required.

Consider the operating environment

For a particular application and frequency there may be several types of communication antennas available.

Selection



Depending on the operating environment (such as remote or built up areas) you need to choose an antenna with a suitable gain value. (Note that the highest gain antenna is not always the best for the job.)

For example:
If you require a mobile, panel mount antenna for GSM900, there are three different types of antenna with different gain value to choose from: 1/4 wave (typically 0dBd), two element colinear (typically 3dBd), or three element colinear (typically 5dBd). You might also have a choice of hinged/unhinged; flexible/rigid; black/bright chrome finish.
If you require a hand portable antenna for 450MHz, there are two types of antenna to choose from: 1/4 wave (a straight element) or helical (a coiled element). Typical dBd gain values for these antennas vary depending on where the radio is positioned when used. You will also have a choice of connector or thread to fit the brand or model of handset. See connector types.
The Sales Team will be able to advise what type of antenna is commonly used in situations similar to your particular requirements. Contact sales@panorama-antennas.com