System IAM

3.5m ‘SQUAD’ NL Specification

System IAM 3.5m SQUAD (30-300MHz) — Rolatube Data Sheet & User Guide
User Guide
Data Sheet
Overview
System IAM 3.5m SQUAD deployed in field at full height

The System IAM 3.5m ‘SQUAD’ is an Integrated Antenna Mast (IAM) combining a lightweight deployable Rolatube mast with an integrated broadband antenna covering 30–300MHz.

The NL (Nylon Laminate) specification features a Cordura 500 Denier external finish and a vertically polarised dipole antenna embedded directly into the composite mast body — eliminating the need for a separate antenna, reducing setup time, and minimising points of failure.

Available in Multicam, Black, Multicam Alpine, and Multicam Arid finishes. The entire system weighs just 2.5kg and packs down to 170mm × 250mm × 180mm.

30–300MHz 2.5kg System 3.5m Height Omnidirectional
The System IAM ‘SQUAD’ supports both unguyed (single person) and guyed (two person) deployment modes. The permanently fixed 2.2m RF cable extends from the base of the mast for direct radio connection via BNC connector. Three adapters are included: BNC (F) to TNC (M), BNC (F) to N-Type (M), and BNC (F) to BNC (F).
System Components
System IAM SQUAD components — 7 items with numbered callouts
ItemDescription
11 × 3.5m 51mm (11.5′ 2″) ‘SQUAD’ Integrated Antenna Mast
21 × BNC (F) to TNC (M) adapter
1 × BNC (F) to N-Type (M) adapter
1 × BNC (F) to BNC (F) adapter
31 × 51mm (2″) top cap
41 × 51mm (2″) base cap
56 × Red rock pegs
63 × Guy ropes
71 × Bag
Safety Instructions

The system is rated to the load stated. The end user is responsible for ensuring the loads are securely fastened. Rolatube Technology does not accept liability or provide warranty for usage deviating from the enclosed instructions.

  1. Before deploying the mast please read all warnings below.
  2. Avoid contact with heavy and sharp objects, in storage do not stack anything on top of Rolatubes.
  3. Do not use the mast if there is visible damage.
  4. The end user must assess the suitability of the pegs provided for the intended deployment environment, and replace with more suitable products if necessary.
  5. Rolatube mast systems are rated for wind speeds of up to 100kph (62mph). The maximum wind rating is based on the bare mast correctly deployed and guyed. The end user or system integrator is responsible for ensuring the system is safe with the top load mounted.
Warnings
  1. Ensure the deployment site is clear of any cables or equipment that represents an electric shock hazard.
  2. Do not deploy near power lines, in thunderstorms or winds exceeding 100kph (62mph).
  3. Do not exceed the rated top load of the mast.
  4. Ensure any top load is securely fastened.
  5. Do not allow the mast to bend.
  6. Ensure the deployment site is clear of any underground hazards before using pegs.
  7. Ensure guy ropes and pegs are secure for duration of deployment.
  8. Consideration must be given to the location of any cable from the top load to avoid trip hazards.
  9. Consideration must be given when deploying in proximity to an aircraft landing site for aircraft movement.
  10. Rolatube masts are only designed to function in the vertical axis.
  11. Deploy the mast with the slot facing away from any prevailing wind.
Unguyed Deployment
Single person deployment — no guy ropes or base cap required.
1

Remove & Unclip

Remove rolled IAM from bag and unclip flying lead from cable clip.

Rolled IAM in multicam bag with cable clip detail
2

Unwind Cable & Unroll

Unwind cable then unroll the IAM mast.

IAM mast unrolled flat on grass with cable extended
3

Connect & Lift

Connect the IAM to the radio, then lift the IAM to gain height for transmission.

Optional: additional height can be gained by using a line through the rigging hole to haul over a tree branch or other structure.

IAM mast lifted to full height against tree for transmission
4

Recovery

To recover, detach the radio and roll the IAM from the appropriate end, following the guidelines on the label.

Rolling the IAM mast for recovery — hand guiding into rolled state
5

Stow

Wrap flying lead around rolled IAM and clip into place using cable clip.

Rolled IAM in compact stowed state with cable wrapped
Guyed Deployment
2 persons required for deployment. Use this method for sustained, hands-free operation at full 3.5m height.
1

Position Base Cap

Person 1: Place the flat side of the base cap away from the wind and secure with red base cap pegs.

Base cap isometric diagram showing peg placement with red pegs
2

Lay Out Guy Ropes

Person 2: Using the pegs in the base cap for guidance, lay guy ropes’ snaphooks next to IAM. Pace out the 3 guy ropes to 2.5m (8.2′). Insert pegs in ground, attach guy ropes and return to IAM.

Guy rope layout diagram showing 120-degree spacing at 2.5m radius
3

Unroll & Attach Top Cap

Person 1: Unroll the IAM and place the top cap on the IAM with flat edge aligned to slot, and clip on guy ropes. The trailing lead comes out of the bottom of the IAM.

Top cap top-view diagram showing guy rope clip attachment points
4

Raise & Secure

Person 1: Lift the IAM into the base cap and support. Person 2: Secure the 3 guy ropes to the pegs and tighten guy ropes sufficiently to maintain stability. Do not overtighten.

Deployed mast with three guy ropes secured — isometric view with red arrows
5

Connect Radio

Connect the cable to the radio.

RECOVERY: Person 2 loosens guy ropes whilst Person 1 lifts IAM from base cap and slowly lowers it to the ground and removes top cap. DO NOT allow the IAM to fall to the ground or damage to top load and IAM may occur. Roll the IAM from the correct end following instructions on the label.
Support

+44 (0)1590 688019

enquiries@rolatube.com

RTL Materials Ltd trading as Rolatube Technology
130 Wellworthy Road, Ampress Park, Lymington SO41 8JY, UK
Registered in England & Wales No. 3332020 • VAT Reg 706 972 317

ISO 9001 • CERT 571669

System IAM: 3.5m ‘SQUAD’

NL Specification • 30–300MHz Integrated Antenna Mast

System IAM 3.5m SQUAD deployed — multicam pattern close-up
Product Description

The System IAM 3.5m NL ‘SQUAD’ is a lightweight broadband range extender combining a deployable BRC (Bi-stable Reeled Composite) mast with an integrated vertically polarised dipole antenna covering the full 30–300MHz frequency band.

The mast body is constructed from PP-glass fibre composite with the antenna embedded directly within the structure. The external finish uses Nylon woven fabric (Cordura 500 Denier) available in Black or MTP camouflage patterns.

A permanently fixed 2.2m (7.2′) RF cable extends from the base of the mast, terminated with a BNC (M) connector. Three adapter options are supplied for compatibility with TNC, N-Type, and BNC radio interfaces.

System IAM SQUAD in compact rolled state
Specifications

System

System NameSystem IAM 3.5m NL SQUAD 30-300MHz
Deployed Height3.5m (11.5′)
Deployed Tube ID51mm (2″)
Packed Dimensions (W×H×D)170mm × 250mm × 180mm (6.6″ × 9.8″ × 7″)
System Weight2.5kg (5.5lb) **
Construct & FinishMast body: PP-glass fibre composite with integral dipole antenna
External: Nylon woven fabric (Cordura 500 Denier). Colour: Black or MTP
EnvironmentalCompliant with relevant sections of MIL-STD-810H
** Without pegs

Antenna & RF

Frequency Range30–300MHz
Radiation PatternOmnidirectional
Antenna FormatVertically Polarised Dipole
Nominal Gain2.2 dBi
VSWR30–50MHz: <4:1
50–300MHz: <3:1
Power Rating25W using standard duty cycles and voice over radio transmit protocols1
Impedance50 ohms nominal
RF CablePermanently fixed 2.2m (7.2′) extending from base of mast
Connection TypeBNC (M)
1 Stated power rating is based on continuous transmit. Higher powers may be used depending on duty cycle and transmission duration protocols. Please contact your Rolatube representative to discuss your requirements before exceeding 25W.
RF Performance Data

1.0 VSWR Trace

* As measured at the base of the mast and includes feeder loss

VSWR Trace chart — Rolatube 3.5m NL SQUAD 30-300MHz

2.0 Polar Plots

Antenna polar plots at 100MHz, 200MHz, and 300MHz

3.0 Nominal Swept Gain

Nominal Swept Gain chart — Rolatube 3.5m NL SQUAD 30-300MHz
Part Numbers & NSNs

System Variants

SystemPart NumberNSN
3.5m NL ‘SQUAD’ IAM (30-300MHz) system multicam952-203500-1-1-NLNSN Pending
3.5m NL ‘SQUAD’ IAM (30-300MHz) system black952-203500-3-1-NLNSN Pending
3.5m NL ‘SQUAD’ IAM (30-300MHz) system multicam alpine *952-203500-6-1-NLNSN Pending
3.5m NL ‘SQUAD’ IAM (30-300MHz) system multicam arid *952-203500-8-1-NLNSN Pending
* MOQ of 5 applies, or 20% surcharge

Component Breakdown

ComponentPart NumberNSNQty
3.5m 51mm NL ‘SQUAD’ IAM (30-300MHz) multicam902-203500-1-0-NLNSN Pending1
3.5m 51mm NL ‘SQUAD’ IAM (30-300MHz) black902-203500-3-0-NLNSN Pending1
3.5m NL ‘SQUAD’ IAM (30-300MHz) multicam alpine902-203500-6-0-NLNSN pending1
3.5m NL ‘SQUAD’ IAM (30-300MHz) multicam arid902-203500-8-0-NLNSN pending1
Top Cap800-0010075985-99-217-21211
Base Cap800-0010045985-99-219-08411
Set of 3 × 5.5m (18′) Guy Ropes207-0040064010-99-155-52921
Red Rock Peg207-0020084030-99-847-52336
BNC (F) to TNC (M) Adapter404-000087NSN pending1
BNC (F) to N-Type (M) Adapter404-000088NSN pending1
BNC (F) to BNC (F) Adapter404-000089NSN pending1
Bag502-0030628105-99-753-08381

Optional Accessories

AccessoryPart NumberNSN
3.5m IAM Mount for System 75800-0062005985-99-371-3902
3.5m IAM Mount for System 100800-0062105985-99-680-0511
Contact

+44 (0)1590 688019

enquiries@rolatube.com • www.rolatube.com

RTL Materials Ltd trading as Rolatube Technology
130 Wellworthy Road, Ampress Park, Lymington SO41 8JY, UK
Registered in England & Wales No. 3332020 • VAT Reg 706 972 317

ISO 9001 • CERT 571669