A Chrome Nut Antenna from PCTEL is a type of low-profile, permanent-mount antenna designed primarily for cellular, public safety, and land mobile radio (LMR) applications. These antennas are named after their chrome-plated mounting nut, which provides a secure and durable installation on vehicles, enclosures, or metal surfaces.

PCTEL’s Chrome Nut Antennas are engineered to deliver rugged performance, weather resistance, and omnidirectional coverage, making them ideal for use in demanding environments such as emergency response vehicles, industrial applications, and wireless communication networks.

The specific specifications depend on the model, but general technical characteristics of PCTEL Chrome Nut Antennas include:

📡 Frequency Range:

• VHF: 136 – 174 MHz
• UHF: 380 – 520 MHz
• 700/800 MHz Public Safety Bands
• Cellular LTE & 5G: 698 – 2700 MHz (some models support 617 – 5925 MHz)

📈 Gain:

• Typical range: 2 dBi – 5 dBi, depending on frequency band and model.

📶 Polarization:

• Vertical (Linear), ensuring optimal signal reception for ground-based communications.

🌐 Radiation Pattern:

• Omnidirectional, allowing for 360-degree signal coverage without requiring precise alignment.

⚡ Impedance:

• 50 Ohms, ensuring efficient power transfer and low signal loss.

📏 Mounting Type:

• Chrome-plated threaded nut mounting (permanent hole-mount installation).
• Typically mounted on vehicles, control boxes, or fixed infrastructure.

🔌 Connector Type:

• N-Type, TNC, UHF, or SMA connectors (varies by model).

📊 VSWR (Voltage Standing Wave Ratio):

• ≤ 2.0:1, ensuring efficient signal transmission with minimal reflection loss.

⚙️ Power Handling:

• Supports up to 100W RF power (depends on frequency band and application).

🛡️ Enclosure Material & Durability:

• Chrome-plated brass mounting nut for corrosion resistance.
• UV-resistant, weatherproof radome (typically made from durable plastic or fiberglass).
• IP67-rated models for water and dust resistance, suitable for harsh environments.

🌡️ Operating Temperature:

• -40°C to +85°C, allowing operation in extreme climates.

✅ High Durability & Weather Resistance

• Rugged chrome-plated brass nut provides secure mounting and corrosion resistance.
• UV-resistant, impact-resistant materials ensure longevity in outdoor conditions.
• IP-rated designs make them dustproof and waterproof for demanding applications.

✅ Reliable Performance & Connectivity

• Omnidirectional coverage for consistent connectivity in mobile and fixed applications.
• Wide frequency range supports multiple communication bands, reducing the need for separate antennas.
• Low VSWR enhances signal efficiency and reduces loss.

✅ Permanent, Secure Installation

• Chrome nut mounting provides a strong, vibration-resistant installation on vehicles or metal enclosures.
• Ideal for high-speed mobile applications like police cars, ambulances, and fleet vehicles.

✅ Versatile & Multi-Network Compatibility

• Supports LMR, VHF, UHF, LTE, 5G, and public safety bands, making it ideal for multi-network operations.
• Works with cellular, two-way radio, and broadband communication systems.

These antennas are widely used in mission-critical communication systems where durability and reliable performance are essential.

🚔 Public Safety & Emergency Services

• Police, fire, and EMS vehicles for seamless communication with dispatch centers.
• Disaster response and emergency recovery teams requiring stable connectivity.
• Military and defense applications for tactical and field operations.

🚛 Fleet & Transportation

• Commercial fleet management (trucks, delivery vans, buses).
• Rail and metro communication for tracking and operational safety.
• Marine and off-road vehicles needing strong cellular or radio signals.

🏭 Industrial & IoT Applications

• SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems in power plants, water treatment facilities, and smart grids.
• Remote monitoring of industrial equipment using cellular or LMR networks.
• Warehouse and logistics tracking systems requiring reliable wireless communication.

📡 Wireless & Fixed Networks

• Fixed broadband communication systems in rural areas.
• Surveillance and security camera networks using LTE/5G connectivity.
• IoT devices, kiosks, ATMs, and smart city infrastructure.

Conclusion

PCTEL’s Chrome Nut Antennas are rugged, low-profile, and high-performance antennas designed for public safety, fleet, industrial, and wireless applications. Their chrome-plated nut mounting ensures a strong, permanent installation, while their wide frequency support makes them versatile for LMR, VHF, UHF, LTE, and 5G networks. These antennas offer excellent durability, reliable omnidirectional coverage, and weather resistance, making them ideal for demanding environments such as emergency vehicles, transportation, and industrial automation.