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F80 Installation.qxp:QXP-1058720374.qxp 12/29/06 10:03 AM Page 31
Installation and
Antenna Requirements and Attachment
Antenna Requirements and Attachment
Antenna Requirements
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Your CobraMarine VHF radio requires an external marine antenna
to send signals into the air and to receive them. The radio is arranged to use any of the popular marine VHF antennas, but it is up to you to choose which antenna to use.
Since it represents the link between your radio and the outside world, Cobra suggests you purchase the best quality antenna, coaxial cable and connectors you can. This is best accomplished with the advice and guidance of a knowledgeable dealer who can assess the variables involved with your particular boat and preferences.
WARNING
Compliance with FCC requirements for Radio Frequency Exposure is the responsibility of both the antenna installer and the radio operator.
Safe Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE) Radius
To avoid health hazards from excessive exposure to RF energy, FCC OET Bulletin 65 establishes an MPE radius of 10 ft (3 m) for the maximum power of your radio with an antenna having a maximum power gain of 9 dBi.
This means that all persons must be at least 10 ft (3 m) away from the antenna when the radio is transmitting.
Installation Requirements
■An omnidirectional antenna with a gain not greater than 9 dBi must
be mounted at least 16.4 ft (5 m) above the highest deck where people may be during radio transmissions, measured vertically from the lowest point of the antenna. This provides the minimum separation distance to comply with RF exposure requirements and is based on the MPE radius of 10 ft (3 m) plus the 6.6 ft (2 m) height of an adult.
■For vessels without structure to mount the antenna as described in A, it must be mounted as follows AND all persons must be outside the
10 ft (3 m) MPE radius during radio transmissions. The antenna must
be mounted so that its lowest point is at least 3.3 ft (1 m) vertically above the heads of all persons during radio transmissions.
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra® 31