Wagga Wagga-based connectivity pioneer Zetifi is set to release the first combination UHF and Cellular (4G/5G) Smart Antenna for vehicle bull bars, enabling consumers to run a single antenna for both their UHF CB radio and cellular devices.
Last year, Zetifi unveiled powered location-aware Smart Antennas that use an integrated GPS and miniaturised processor inside the antenna to optimise their radiation pattern between high and low gain based on location, delivering superior cellular coverage. This new product builds on that innovation by using the same rigorously tested physical design and integrated electronics platform with new antenna elements to make a significant impact in the UHF market.
A MAJOR TECHNICAL ACHIEVEMENT IN ANTENNA DESIGN
As Zetifi CEO Dan Winson explains, this product is another major technical achievement for the company and is expected to be well-received by off-roaders and workers in the agriculture, mining and essential services sectors.
Traditional wisdom in antenna design was that combining UHF and cellular antennas in a single unit was not feasible. However, as Winson points out, this challenge is precisely the kind of problem Zetifi relishes.
“Combining UHF and cellular elements in a same antenna is a significant challenge, but as we’ve shown, it’s not insurmountable. I tasked our engineers with pushing the boundaries of what we could achieve,” says Winson.
He continues, “Through countless iterations of antenna elements which we first evaluated in lab simulations at our Melbourne office before bringing them to test on the roads around our Wagga headquarters, we’ve proven it can be done.”
“We’ve achieved equivalent range to the commonly used UHF CB antennas, about 12-14 kilometres between UHF devices and possibly more in optimal conditions, plus excellent performance on 4G and 5G frequencies for cellular devices,” said Dan.
The key to their success lies in a novel approach: vertically stacking the UHF and cellular elements with a small gap between them.
“It’s well known that UHF and cellular signals can interfere with each other when placed too close. But, due to the shape of the radiation pattern they produce, we’ve managed to achieve the necessary isolation by vertically stacking the two elements within the antenna,” Winson explains.
UHF STILL A CRITICAL TOOL FOR REMOTE AREA COMMUNICATIONS
Winson also highlights that, while satellite options for remote connectivity have recently garnered more attention, UHF remains an essential communication tool for many industries and consumers in Australia.
“UHF is often underappreciated. While new satellite options are fantastic, particularly for high-speed data access, you won’t find truck drivers or serious off-roaders abandoning their UHF radios. UHF is the one trusted method they rely on to communicate with surrounding vehicles, which is crucial when navigating dusty outback roads or rugged 4WD tracks,” Winson says.
This innovative two-in-one antenna offers these UHF devotees the best of both worlds: reliable UHF communication and enhanced cellular coverage. By pairing the antenna with an in-car signal repeater, users can also stay in touch with friends, family, and colleagues that are further afield—all from a single antenna.
WORLD-FIRST INNOVATION DEVELOPED AND MANUFACTURED IN WAGGA WAGGA
Something else that distinguishes Zetifi from many other antenna manufacturers and technology companies is their regional base and manufacturing in Wagga Wagga. It’s something they’re keen to highlight as a key element to their success.
“Our products are all developed, tested, and manufactured in a regional centre, which is a big advantage as it gives us easy access to our key customers and locations where our products are needed.”
“Within ten minutes of our office, there are areas of poor cellular coverage or different terrain to test the product. Plus, there are also plenty of willing locals working in jobs that have them driving through poor coverage areas around the Riverina that are always keen to test our prototypes during development,” Winson adds.
Zetifi’s new UHF & Cellular Combo Smart Antennas will be available in black and matte black versions from Zetifi and dealers around the country for $589 incl GST from Monday 17 February.