VHF Radio and Antenna Locations?

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dlandersson
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Re: VHF Radio and Antenna Locations?

Post by dlandersson »

https://www.theatlantic.com/health/arch ... ts/262998/
OverEasy wrote: Tue Oct 12, 2021 3:00 pm :D :D Please Post picture of “tin hat” mod so we can copy it…. :D :D

Seem to recall that the ref radiation is also emanating from not only the antenna but also from the transmitter itself and the coaxial lead as well……. 🤔
OverEasy
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Re: VHF Radio and Antenna Locations?

Post by OverEasy »

That explains a few things….. :| :wink: :D :D :D :D :D especially with some of my in-laws 🙄
chipveres
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Re: VHF Radio and Antenna Locations?

Post by chipveres »

My in-laws too. But seriously folks, the people who design the radios and feedlines hold the radiation from the set and the feedlines as low as possible. Such stray radiation is considered a loss from the intentional radiation at the antenna.

Chip V.
adudinsk
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Re: VHF Radio and Antenna Locations?

Post by adudinsk »

Pointy.. or round.. not sure what kind of foil hat I should make..
Mabey one with horns.. for onmi directional protection..?
Maybe a whole sailing tin foil outfit??



Image
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dlandersson
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Re: VHF Radio and Antenna Locations?

Post by dlandersson »

Are you concerned about Aliens or the UN black helmeted police? :)
adudinsk wrote: Fri Oct 15, 2021 8:48 am Pointy.. or round.. not sure what kind of foil hat I should make..
Mabey one with horns.. for onmi directional protection..?
Maybe a whole sailing tin foil outfit??



Image
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vkmaynard
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Re: VHF Radio and Antenna Locations?

Post by vkmaynard »

We bought this more compact 4' antenna 14+ years earlier to replace the 8' unit. It has silver plated element that will last longer. Very long range and great sound quality. Worked much better than the cheap 8' unit that came with our boat. https://shakespeare-ce.com/marine/produ ... f-antenna/

Used a ratchet rail mount on right rear corner rail which allows for folding during transport and setup. https://shakespeare-ce.com/marine/produ ... ail-mount/

Would buy again.

Victor
Last edited by vkmaynard on Mon Oct 18, 2021 8:10 pm, edited 1 time in total.
adudinsk
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Re: VHF Radio and Antenna Locations?

Post by adudinsk »

Interesting.. I will look at this antenna...

thanks.

AD
Chumpy36
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Re: VHF Radio and Antenna Locations?

Post by Chumpy36 »

Hi folks.. I need to replace my antenna (see pic). Will any old coax vhf antenna do? I have a Apelco vxl5500 radio in the cabin with pl259 connectors.

Thanks!

Realized I didn't post the pic.
Image
Last edited by Chumpy36 on Mon Nov 28, 2022 6:25 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Russ
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Re: VHF Radio and Antenna Locations?

Post by Russ »

Chumpy36 wrote: Sun Nov 27, 2022 1:46 pm Will any old coax vhf antenna do? I have an Apelco vxl5500 radio in the cabin with pl259 connectors.
This is a loaded question. Any VHF antenna will work, but there are considerations as to what type is best for you.

VHF operates on line of sight, so it is MY preference to use a sailboat antenna on top of the mast. These have lower gain, but their transmit pattern is wider to work better while the boat is healed or rocking heavily. The mast altitude provides benefits lost by gain.

Others (especially captains who don't always run with the mast up) prefer high gain deck mounted antennas.

BOTH are VHF and use PL259 connectors.
Marine-grade coax should be used.

Here is a good article explaining.

https://www.westmarine.com/west-advisor ... tenna.html

Image
--Russ
Chumpy36
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Re: VHF Radio and Antenna Locations?

Post by Chumpy36 »

Looks like a 3db mast mounted antenna is the ticket. I already have the old one mounted and the coax run so this should be pretty simple I guess. Thanks!
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Be Free
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Re: VHF Radio and Antenna Locations?

Post by Be Free »

A 3dB antenna is recommended for mounting on a sailboat mast. Consider moving your mounting point to the top of the mast instead of the side. The mast is going to block a significant portion of your signal.
Bill
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Chumpy36
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Re: VHF Radio and Antenna Locations?

Post by Chumpy36 »

You mean to the very top rather than on the side in the pic? Should I worry about filling the holes that are left?

Thx!
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Be Free
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Re: VHF Radio and Antenna Locations?

Post by Be Free »

You will get better reception and transmission if the antenna is at the top of the mast. Filling the old holes is a good idea. I would use aluminum rivets.
Bill
2001 26X Simple Interest
Honda BF40D
"If I were in a hurry I would not have bought a sailboat." Me
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Wyb2
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Re: VHF Radio and Antenna Locations?

Post by Wyb2 »

Where on the mast is that? If it is mounted to the side, but right near the top and most of the antenna is above the mast, I wouldn’t necessarily bother.
Chumpy36
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Re: VHF Radio and Antenna Locations?

Post by Chumpy36 »

It’s mounted to the side near the top. New antenna will have a metal bit over the top. Worth moving?
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