Active GPS Antenna Kit (recommended for aircraft)

RST 8776-1, Male BNC
Price $75

RST 8776-2, Male TNC
Price $75

RST 8776-3, Male SMA
Price $75

RST 8776-4, Male SMB
Price $81

Active GPS Antenna Kit (suitable for non-aircraft)

RST 8715-1, Male BNC
Price $69

RST 8715-2, Male TNC
Price $69

RST 8715-3, Male SMA
Price $69

RST 8715-4, Male SMB
Price $75

The RST-8715 and RST-8776 Active GPS Antennas are factory-assembled patch-type antennas with active internal amplifiers and filters that operate at the GPS frequency of 1575.42 MHz. The antennas are rugged and weatherproof and are designed for external mounting on a metal airframe or internal (under-skin) operations with an appropriate ground plane on plastic-skinned aircraft.

The antennas come with optional BNC (-1 option), TNC (-2 option), SMA/OSM (-3 option), or SMB/OSSM (-4 option) connectors supplied for installation at the GPS receiver end. The coaxial cable is permanently attached at the antenna end and is supplied 16' (5m) long from the factory.

Note: This active antenna is intended for use ONLY with GPS receivers that have an active antenna power source provided internally to the antenna terminals of the GPS receiver.

To determine whether your receiver is fitted with an active antenna circuit, simply turn the GPS on and measure the voltage from the shell (ground) of the antenna connector to the center conductor of the antenna connector with the GPS antenna disconnected.

If the voltage at the connector is above +3 and below +5.5 volts, the GPS will work with the 8715 antenna -- but the 8715 is NOT recommended for aircraft use.

If the voltage at the connector is above +2.5 and below +12 volts, the GPS will work with the 8776 antenna. Because of the much better filtering of the 8776, it is the GPS antenna of choice for all aircraft installations.

If there is no DC voltage at the antenna connector with the GPS turned on, then your GPS receiver is not capable of using an active antenna.

See specifications below: RST-8776, (RST 8715) antenna components.

Kit includes instruction manual and one connector (not shown).

Active GPS Antenna Specifications

(same for both 8715 series and 8776 series except as noted):

Physical

Radome/Nut Material Polycarbonate
Gasket Material Silicone Rubber
Dimensions - Diameter 2.37" above mounting surface, 0.875" mounting thread clearance
hole
Dimensions - Height 0.64" above mounting surface, 0.91" below
Weight 2.1 ounces (plus weight of cable and connector)
Color White (see section E. for painting restrictions)
Operating Temperature -30ºC to +85ºC (-22ºF to +185ºF)
Storage Temperature -40ºC to +90ºC (-40ºF to +194F)
Relative Humidity 95% non-condensing
Radome 100% waterproof

Electrical – Antenna Element

Center Frequency 1575.42 MHz. (± 1.023 MHz.)
Polarization Right Hand Circular
Gain (vertical axis) +5 dBi
Gain (10º above horizon) -1 dBi
Axial Ratio 3 dB
VSWR 1.5:1
Design Impedance 50Ω

Low Noise Amplifier

Center Frequency 1575.42 MHz. (± 1.023 MHz.)
Gain 25 dB (8715) 27 dB (8776)
Maximally Flat Bandwidth 2 MHz.
Noise Figure 1.5 dB
Attenuation slope -12 dB (± 140 MHz.) (8715) -20 db (± 50 MHz.) (8776)
Supply Voltage +3 to +5.5 volts (8715) +2.5 to +12 volts (8776)
Current Consumption 12 ±2 mA (8715) 7 ±0.3 mA (8776)
VSWR 2:1
Design Impedance 50Ω

Cable and Connector

RF Cable RG-174 (AL = 0.4 dB per foot)
Cable Load Strength 13 pounds for 5 seconds
Connectors (all male) BNC (Option –B); TNC (Option-T); SMA/OSM (Option –S); SMB/OSSM
(Option -M)

Combined Overall Performance (antenna, lna, filter, and cable)

Center Frequency 1575.42 MHz. (± 1.023 MHz.)
Gain 25 dB (8715) 26 dB (8776)
Noise Figure 1.5 dB
Flat Bandwidth 2 MHz.
Axial Ratio 3 dB
VSWR 2.0
Design Impedance 50Ω

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