Description
Why Choose the AC Antennas CX3 5/8?
The CX3 5/8 Marine VHF Antenna from AC Antennas is a professional-grade 6dB fibreglass VHF antenna designed for reliable communication on commercial vessels, fishing boats, workboats and larger leisure craft. With IP68 protection, 150W power handling and a 2.63m collinear design, it is built for demanding marine environments.
✓ IP68 Protection
✓ 150W Power Rating
✓ Fibreglass Construction
✓ UHF Female Connector
✓ Dual Thread Mounting
CX3 5/8 Marine VHF Antenna Overview
The CX3 5/8 Marine VHF Antenna is a heavy-duty collinear omnidirectional antenna designed for marine and land-based VHF communication systems. It provides 6dB marine gain and is well suited to vessels requiring stronger VHF performance from a professional-grade fibreglass antenna.
The CX3 5/8 is part of the AC Antennas professional VHF range and is commonly suited to commercial vessels, fishing boats, workboats, larger yachts and installations where reliable long-range VHF communication is important.
Marine VHF Antenna Applications
- Commercial vessel VHF radio installations
- Fishing boats and workboats
- Larger leisure craft and motor yachts
- Coastal and offshore communication systems
- Land-based VHF communication installations
- Professional marine communication systems
- Installations requiring a higher-gain fibreglass VHF antenna
Built for Professional Marine Use
The CX3 5/8 is manufactured using premium quality materials to help prevent galvanic corrosion. Its radiating elements are made from brass, and the antenna uses AC Antennas crimping technology for a stronger mechanical build-up.
The rugged fibreglass construction, IP68 ingress protection and 200 km/h survival wind speed make the CX3 5/8 suitable for exposed marine installations where durability and dependable communication performance are important.
Why Choose a 6dB Marine VHF Antenna?
A 6dB marine VHF antenna provides a narrower radiation pattern than many lower-gain antennas. This can help improve practical communication performance on larger or more stable vessels where the antenna can be mounted high and clear.
For smaller boats that roll and pitch heavily, a 3dB antenna may sometimes be more suitable. For larger boats, workboats and commercial craft, the CX3 5/8 provides a strong higher-gain option.
Learn more in our 3dB vs 6dB Marine VHF Antennas Guide.
VHF Antenna Height and Communication Range
The communication range of the CX3 5/8 Marine VHF Antenna depends on antenna height, cable quality, vessel structure and installation position. Mounting the antenna as high and clear as practical will usually improve line-of-sight VHF communication range.
For more detail, read our VHF Antenna Height vs Range Guide and Marine VHF Antenna Range guide.
Technical Specifications
- Product: CX3 5/8
- Part Number: 130002-T
- Product Group: VHF
- Design: Collinear coaxial dipole
- Pattern: Omnidirectional
- Frequency Range: 156.0 – 162.5 MHz
- Bandwidth: 6.5 MHz
- Nominal Impedance: 50 Ohm
- Maximum Input Power: 150W
- Gain: 3 dBd / 5.15 dBi / 6dB marine gain
- VSWR: < 1.5:1
- Polarisation: Vertical
- DC Shorted: Yes
- DC Grounded: Yes
- Connector: UHF Female
- Length: 2.63m / 8.63ft
- Sections: 1
- Weight: 0.60kg / 1.32lbs
- Survival Wind Speed: 200 km/h / 55 m/s / 124 mph
- Wind Load at 160 km/h: 53N
- Material: Fibreglass
- Colour: White
- Operating Temperature Range: -40°C to +60°C
- Ingress Protection: IP68
- Thread: 1″ 14TPI male / ISO 228/1-G1 female
- Mounting: Mounting nut included
Mount Compatibility
The CX3 5/8 uses a dual-thread mounting arrangement with a 1″ 14TPI male thread and ISO 228/1-G1 female thread. This makes it suitable for a wide range of marine antenna mounting installations where compatible AC Antennas or standard marine mounts are used.
For compatibility advice, see our Marine Antenna Thread Sizes Guide and Marine Antenna Mount Compatibility Guide.
Marine VHF Antenna Installation
The CX3 5/8 should be mounted vertically, as high and clear as practical, using a suitable marine antenna mount and correctly installed coaxial cable. Avoid mounting the antenna close to large metal obstructions, radar scanners or other equipment that may affect VHF performance.
- Mount vertically for correct polarisation
- Install as high and clear as practical
- Use suitable marine-grade coaxial cable
- Keep cable runs protected and routed cleanly
- Avoid crushed or sharply bent cable
- Seal external connectors correctly
- Inspect antenna, mount and cable condition periodically
For more installation guidance, see our Marine VHF Antenna Mounting Guide.
Recommended Marine VHF Antenna Cable
To achieve reliable performance from the CX3 5/8, use suitable marine-grade coaxial cable and correctly fitted connectors. Cable loss, water ingress and poor termination can reduce VHF range even when the antenna is correctly specified.
Read our Marine VHF Antenna Cable Guide for cable selection advice.
CX3 5/8 vs CX4-3
| Model | Marine Gain | Length | Best Suited For |
|---|---|---|---|
| CX4-3 Marine VHF Antenna | 3dB | 1.26m | Smaller boats, RIBs, yachts and compact installations |
| CX3 5/8 Marine VHF Antenna | 6dB | 2.63m | Commercial vessels, fishing boats, workboats and larger craft |
Related Marine Communication Guides
- Marine VHF Antenna Information Guide
- 3dB vs 6dB Marine VHF Antennas
- VHF Antenna Height vs Range
- Marine VHF Antenna Range
- Marine VHF Antenna Cable Guide
- Marine VHF Antenna Mounting Guide
- Marine Antennas Explained
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the CX3 5/8 Marine VHF Antenna suitable for commercial vessels?
Yes. The CX3 5/8 is a professional-grade 6dB fibreglass VHF antenna suitable for commercial vessels, fishing boats, workboats and larger leisure craft.
What gain is the CX3 5/8 antenna?
The CX3 5/8 provides 3 dBd / 5.15 dBi gain, commonly expressed as 6dB marine gain.
What connector does the CX3 5/8 use?
The CX3 5/8 uses a UHF female connector.
What thread size does the CX3 5/8 use?
The antenna uses a dual-thread mounting system with 1″ 14TPI male and ISO 228/1-G1 female thread compatibility.
Is a 6dB antenna better than a 3dB antenna?
Not always. A 6dB antenna can provide improved performance on larger or more stable vessels when mounted correctly, while a 3dB antenna may be better for smaller boats that roll and pitch more heavily.
Does antenna height affect VHF communication range?
Yes. Marine VHF communication is largely line-of-sight, so mounting height and a clear signal path can significantly affect practical communication range.
What cable should be used with the CX3 5/8?
Marine-grade coaxial cable with correctly fitted and sealed connectors should be used. Cable type should be selected based on cable length, installation route and system requirements.
Manufacturer Information
Manufactured by AC Antennas.
Shop Marine Communication Products
For CX3 5/8 Marine VHF Antenna supply or replacement enquiries, confirm the exact model or part reference against the equipment already installed. Installation requirements for the CX3 5/8 Marine VHF Antenna should be checked against the vessel or shore-side system before ordering.
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