Zetifi’s new smart antenna enables two-way and cellular communication through the one unit, on or off road. Photo: Zetifi

ZETIFI is set to release a combination UHF and cellular antenna for vehicle bull bars, enabling a single mast to service both requirements.

Zetifi chief executive officer Dan Winson said the aerial, to be released on February 17, is expected to appeal to those working in agriculture, mining and essential services, as well as off-roaders.

“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,” Mr Winson said.

“Combining UHF and cellular elements in a same antenna is a significant challenge, but as we’ve shown, it’s not insurmountable.

“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.”

Mr Winson said while UHF and cellular signals can interfere with each other when placed too close, an understanding of the shape of the radiation pattern they produce meant Zetifi has been able to “achieve the necessary isolation by vertically stacking the two elements within the antenna”.

The new product, officially known as the UHF & Cellular Combo Smart Antennas, builds on technology behind its powered location-aware smart antennas.

They use an integrated GPS and miniaturised processor inside the antenna to optimise radiation patterns between high and low gain based on location for superior cellular coverage.

UHF not done yet

Mr Winson said 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.”

Zetifi CEO Dan Winson.

Zetifi’s two-in-one antenna offers UHF communication and enhanced cellular coverage, which can be paired with an in-vehicle signal repeater.

Zetifi antennas are made at the company’s base in Wagga Wagga, New South Wales..

“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.”

Mr Winson said locals driving through poor-coverage areas for work around the Riverina are used to help test Zetifi prototypes during development.

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.

The company develops and makes telecommunications equipment to improve connectivity for people in rural and remote areas.

Their location-aware UHF and cellular antennas, as well as wifi coverage extension options, extend the reach of existing radio, cellular, and satellite networks.

Zetifi has received more than $10 million in total from the Federal and NSW Governments, and raised $12M through a Series A funding round led by Telstra and GrainCorp.

Source: Zetifi