CAATail Antennas are handcrafted (USA), flexible antennas that are worn on the user's plate carrier or ruck. The antenna was designed and field tested around VHF squad internal communications and achieves amazing results when operating on UHF frequencies. I personally have had solid SINGARS, encrypted VHF communications from a PRC152 over 1k away while the antenna was attached to my kit. Other customers have reported as far as 3k with VHF and even farther over UHF communications. Check out more user reviews on the home page or our Instagram!
"The RTO" is tipped with a BNC connector for versatility, allowing the operator to use a single antenna with a vast amount of radio systems via adapters or direct input.
Unlike other wearable antenna options, "The RTO" has a multi-layered protective shell comprised of adhesive, metal locking ring, glue lined heat-shrink, bend boot and a final layer of heat-shrink for bump protection.
When comparing "The RTO" to "The Squad Leader", the skeletonized style locking feature with a BNC tip on "The RTO" is not as robust to heavy impacts. But, the BNC tip is Quick detach. "The Squad Leader" is permanently tipped with a TNC (PRC-152 and MBITR) connector, making it more robust but lacking in modularity with other radios besides the PRC-152 , MBITR (PRC-148) and PRC117G.
Antenna Frequency and SWR info:
This antenna has been designed to work in the 30-512MHz range with an exception of these two SWR peaks: 174-232MHz and 255-333MHz. At the start of the peak there is an SWR of 3 and continues up, ending at an SWR of 3. The frequencies between and around these two high SWR peaks SWR stays in the 1.5-1.9 range. (Tests when gathering this information are done when the antenna is over the users shoulder and in a “U” shape on the back molle panel.) Be advised that results may vary with how the antenna is weaved. Never place the antenna under a hydration source.
Max Watts: 10w
Selecting the right angle adaptor option for 'The RTO" will also include the standard straight BNC to TNC adaptor!
"The RTO" is equipped with a BNC connector; here are some compatibility examples:
- Just BNC, no adaptor: PRC-117F, ASIP
- Included TNC adaptor: PRC-152, MBITR (PRC-148) and PRC-117G
- SMA female adaptor (not included): PRC-153 and many other Motorola, Baofeng and Yaesu radios (see Baofeng adaptor product page for complete list of compatible radios.)