The Arrow II 146/437-10WBP is a portable directional antenna designed for amateur radio communications through low-Earth-orbit satellites, including FM satellites and other systems operating in the 2-metre and 70-centimetre bands.

It combines a 3-element VHF Yagi and a 7-element UHF Yagi on the same boom. This arrangement provides the directivity needed to manually track and point the antenna towards a satellite during its pass.

The BP – Backpack designation identifies the model with a two-piece split boom. When dismantled, its longest section measures less than approximately 22 inches, making it easier to carry in a backpack or compatible antenna bag. The assembled boom measures approximately 37.5 inches.

The 10WBP version includes a duplexer installed inside the boom together with the required coaxial cables. It combines the separate VHF and UHF antenna connections into a single connection for the transceiver, allowing the antenna to be used with one dual-band radio.

Although commercially described as a duplexer, Arrow Antennas explains that it is technically a diplexer, as it separates and combines signals operating on two different frequency bands.

Both Gamma Match assemblies are supplied pre-assembled and pre-tuned. The antenna also features a comfortable foam hand grip, plastic safety tips on the boom and elements, and a 1/4"-20 threaded mounting point compatible with many camera tripods.

Main features

• Type: portable dual-band Yagi antenna
• Brand: Arrow Antennas
• Model: 146/437-10WBP
• Main application: amateur radio LEO satellites
• VHF band: 2 metres – approximately 146 MHz
• UHF band: 70 centimetres – approximately 437 MHz
• VHF elements: 3
• UHF elements: 7
• Total number of elements: 10
• Boom: two-piece split design
• Assembled boom length: 37.5 in – approximately 95.3 cm
• Longest dismantled section: less than 22 in – approximately 55.9 cm
• Boom section: 3/4 in square – approximately 19 mm
• Element material: aluminium
• Approximate weight: 20 oz – approximately 567 g
• Matching system: two pre-assembled and pre-tuned Gamma Matches
• Duplexer/diplexer: included and installed inside the boom
• Maximum power through duplexer: 10 W
• Radio connection: male BNC
• Radio coax length: approximately 36 in – 91 cm
• VHF and UHF coaxial cables: included
• Number of radios required: 1
• Handle: black foam grip
• Tripod mounting point: 1/4"-20 thread
• Protection: plastic tips on boom and elements
• Operation: handheld or installed on a compatible mount

Recommended applications

• Amateur radio LEO satellite communications
• Portable operation on the 2 m and 70 cm bands
• SOTA, POTA and field activities
• Satellite communication demonstrations and training
• Manual satellite tracking
• Use with dual-band handheld or mobile transceivers
• Full-duplex operation when supported by the radio
• Portable stations with limited transport space

146/437-10WBP version contents

• Arrow II 10-element VHF/UHF antenna
• Two-piece split boom
• Removable aluminium elements
• Two factory-adjusted Gamma Match assemblies
• 10 W duplexer/diplexer installed inside the boom
• Coaxial leads for the VHF and UHF sections
• Approximately 36-inch radio cable with male BNC connector
• Foam hand grip

Important note

The maximum permitted power through the supplied duplexer is 10 W. The manufacturer also states that a handheld antenna should never be operated at more than 10 W, due to RF exposure and safety considerations.

The duplexer combines the two antenna sections into one radio connection, but it does not convert a conventional radio into a full-duplex transceiver. To transmit on one band while simultaneously receiving on the other, the radio must support cross-band full-duplex operation.

This version is normally supplied with a male BNC radio connector. Check the transceiver connector before use. Radios equipped with SMA connectors may require a suitable adapter or the optional male-SMA duplexer version.