The Arrow II Alaskan 146/437-14WBP is a dual-band Yagi antenna designed for amateur radio communications through low-Earth-orbit satellites in the 2-metre and 70-centimetre bands.

It combines a 4-element VHF Yagi and a 10-element UHF Yagi, providing greater directivity than the Arrow II 146/437-10. The manufacturer particularly recommends this configuration for operators at higher latitudes or installations requiring increased directional performance.

The BP – Backpack designation identifies the model with a dismantlable boom. The fully assembled boom measures approximately 63 inches and separates into three sections. Once dismantled, none of the sections exceeds approximately 22 inches, making the antenna easier to carry in a backpack or the optional Arrow Antennas roll-up bag.

The WBP version includes a duplexer installed inside the boom, together with the required coaxial leads. It combines the separate VHF and UHF antenna connections into a single connection for the transceiver, allowing the antenna to be operated 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 factory-tuned. The antenna also features a foam-covered handle, plastic protective tips and a 1/4"-20 threaded mounting point, compatible with many camera tripods.

Main features

• Type: dual-band directional Yagi antenna
• Brand: Arrow Antennas
• Series: Arrow II Alaskan
• Model: 146/437-14WBP
• Main application: amateur radio LEO satellites
• VHF band: 2 metres – approximately 146 MHz
• UHF band: 70 centimetres – approximately 437 MHz
• VHF elements: 4
• UHF elements: 10
• Total number of elements: 14
• Boom: split into three sections
• Assembled boom length: 63 in – approximately 160 cm
• Maximum section length: less than 22 in – approximately 56 cm
• Boom section: 3/4 in square – approximately 19 mm
• Element material: aluminium
• Approximate weight: around 26 oz – approximately 737 g
• Matching system: two pre-assembled and pre-tuned Gamma Matches
• Duplexer/diplexer: included and installed inside the boom
• Maximum power: 10 W
• Radio connection: male BNC
• Radio coax length: approximately 36 in – 91 cm
• VHF and UHF coaxial leads: included
• Number of radios required: 1
• Handle: black foam grip
• Tripod mounting point: 1/4"-20 thread
• Protection: plastic tips on the boom and elements
• Carrying bag: optional, not included

Recommended applications

• Amateur radio LEO satellite communications
• Operation on the 2 m and 70 cm bands
• Satellite stations at higher latitudes
• Manual satellite tracking
• Full-duplex operation with a compatible radio
• Temporary tripod mounting
• Installation on an azimuth and elevation rotor
• Field activities and satellite communication demonstrations
• Use with dual-band handheld or mobile transceivers

146/437-14WBP version contents

• Arrow II Alaskan 14-element antenna
• Boom divided into three sections
• Removable aluminium elements
• Factory-adjusted VHF Gamma Match
• Factory-adjusted UHF Gamma Match
• 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-covered handle
• Plastic protective tips

Important note

The maximum power permitted through the supplied duplexer is 10 W. Higher power must not be used, even when the antenna is mounted on a tripod or rotor.

The duplexer combines both antenna sections into one radio connection, but it does not convert a conventional transceiver into a full-duplex radio. 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. Radios fitted with SMA connectors may require a suitable adapter or the optional male-SMA duplexer version.

Despite its split-boom construction, the Alaskan Arrow is larger and heavier than the 146/437-10WBP. An azimuth and elevation rotor may be more appropriate for extended operation.

The manufacturer’s roll-up bag is an optional accessory and is not included.