RFI CD40 Multiband VHF/UHF Vehicle Antenna, NMO

Multiband Vehicle Antenna: VHF + 378-960MHz UHF on One NMO Whip

The RFI CD40 is one roof antenna for multiband vehicle radios, covering VHF, 378-520MHz UHF and 698-960MHz in a single 50W whip. Pick the VHF band that matches your channels (148-174MHz or 136-155MHz), then choose the complete NMO kit for a new install or the whip only if your vehicle already has an NMO mount.

Choose Your Version

Overview

How many antennas does one vehicle really need? With the RFI CD40, the answer is one. A single whip covers VHF, 378-520MHz UHF and 698-960MHz, so a multiband radio gets one clean install instead of a cluster of antennas on the roof.

RFI's concentric radiator design keeps the VHF and UHF elements from fighting each other, so the pattern holds up across every band with no tuning required. The kit arrives with an NMO base and 5 metres of RFI 9006 cable, ready to install. The whip-only version screws onto an existing NMO mount, making it a straight swap for a damaged whip or an upgrade on a vehicle already fitted with an NMO base.

Key Features

• Multiband in one whip means one antenna serves VHF, 378-520MHz UHF and 698-960MHz, for fleets moving to multiband radios.
• Full band, no tuning required means no cutting or field adjustment on install, for technicians fitting out a whole fleet.
• VSWR under 2.0:1 across more than 93.9% of the band means efficient power transfer from radio to antenna, for reliable talk-back at the edge of coverage.
• Concentric radiator design means VHF and UHF patterns stay clean instead of interfering, for consistent coverage whichever band is in use.
• Flexible moulded whip on an aluminium base means it flexes with low branches, knocks and vibration rather than snapping, for vehicles working rural and forestry tracks.
• Compact profile (267mm whip on the 148-174MHz version, 310mm on the 136-155MHz version) means less roof clutter and fewer holes, for utes, response vehicles and fleet cars.

Applications

• Emergency services and volunteer response vehicles
• Councils, utilities and infrastructure fleets
• Transport and logistics fleets running multiband radios
• Construction, forestry and rural vehicles
• Organisations moving from separate VHF and UHF antennas to one multiband install

What's in the Box

• NMO Kit (-43): 1 x RFI CD40 multiband whip, plus 1 x NMO base with 5m RFI 9006 coaxial cable
• Whip Only (-11): 1 x RFI CD40 multiband whip. NMO mount and cable not included

Complete Your Setup

The kit's 9006 cable needs terminating to suit your radio. For a UHF (PL259) termination, the RFI UHF-44 crimp plug is made for RG58, 9001 and 9006 type cable. Not sure which connector your radio takes? Ask us and we'll terminate it for you.

Key Specifications

VSWR measured by RFI at the end of 5m of shielded RG58 on a 1 x 1.5m ground plane.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which VHF band should I choose?

Choose the CD40 version that matches your VHF channels. The 148960 covers 148-174MHz and the 136960 covers 136-155MHz; both cover 378-520MHz and 698-960MHz UHF. Not sure which your radio uses? Send us the radio model and we'll confirm.

Kit or whip only?

Choose the NMO Kit for a new install, as it includes the NMO base and 5m of 9006 cable. Choose the Whip Only if your vehicle already has a standard NMO mount fitted. If you're unsure what's on your vehicle, send us a photo and we'll confirm before you order.

Is the RFI CD40 waterproof?

The RFI CD40 is built for outdoor vehicle use once the whip is properly tightened onto the NMO base. RFI advises against leaving an NMO mount exposed without an antenna fitted, as the bare mount is not waterproof.

Do I need a licence to use this antenna?

You don't need a licence for the antenna itself, but the radio transmitting through it does. Any radio operating on licensed VHF or UHF land mobile frequencies in NZ needs a valid Radio Spectrum Management licence, and we can help you sort that out.

Which radios suit the CD40?

The CD40 suits multiband vehicle radios, including DMR, P25 and TETRA models, operating within its VHF band, 378-520MHz UHF or 698-960MHz. It also works with single-band radios in those ranges, which makes it a good future-proof choice if a fleet upgrade is coming.

Does the CD40 need a ground plane?

Yes. RFI specifies the CD40 as ground dependent, so it needs to be mounted on a ground plane such as a metal vehicle roof. Bare-metal contact between the mount and the roof matters too. If your install point is fibreglass or plastic, talk to us before ordering.

How is the CD40 kit installed?

The CD40 kit installs as a permanent NMO roof mount through a 19mm (3/4 inch) hole. RFI recommends removing a narrow ring of paint around the hole for metal-to-metal contact, then tightening the locking nut to between 6Nm and 12Nm. We can fit it for you in the Bay of Plenty.

Does the cable come with a connector?

The CD40 kit comes with 5m of RFI 9006 cable on the NMO base. Termination needs to suit your radio, so let us know your radio model and we'll confirm or fit the right connector.

Supplied, Installed and Supported From the Bay of Plenty

Mobile Systems Limited has been fitting vehicle radio systems from Mt Maunganui for over 25 years. We supply the CD40 NZ-wide and can install, terminate and test it on your fleet. One antenna, every band, fitted right the first time.