Target HF3M Antenna Question

[Meck]

Hello all,

I snapped the antenna mast for our Target HF short wave radio

I have a couple of questions that google can't seem to answer>>

1: where can I find a compatible antenna and,
2: can I splice the Coax cable to the new antenna. I don't want to have to buy and pull new cable if I can avoid it..

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Meck

[barnakiel]

Hi,

Are you talking of the small NASA SSB receiver? If so:

- being a receiver you just plug some length of wire (not co-ax, just normal plastic covered wire) into the jack and off you go (ours goes from the top of the mast to the foot, then to the receiver (about 12 m altogether, - ours came with the unit,

- option 2, maybe better, maybe not - buy a dedicated 'amplified' antenna from NASA (it is a short stub and has a plug in for 12 Volt DC).

barnie

[Meck]

Thanks Barnikal,

Do I just plug the length of wire into the connector on the back of the radio that was the coax connector?

Thanks,

Meck

[barnakiel]

I took a pic of how the original connection / connector looks on my unit. The white wire - antenna - soldered to the center bolt, the black wire - ground - soldered to the jacket ring. However, on my boat the ground wire is just left dangling loose (the white one goes two meters horizontal then some 10 meters up the mast (outside and along the wall of the extrusion). We never had any problems receiving - often thousands of miles offshore (inshore the reception was always much worse, and worst in marinas).

The other thing we have is an amplified unit - a 50cm long plastic stub that has an extra in for 12 Volt. I have not made any tests comparing the bare wire vs. the more advanced antenna - we got it last year and we have not made any offshore sailing since.

Hope the picture attaches well and if anything just ask.

Cheers,
b.

[Meck]

Thanks Barnakiel,

Much appreciated!