Amazing Power of Good Antennas

[Pete7]

I have to admit I did wonder what Dockhead was doing calling up Solent Coastguard 60+ miles away when France was still clearly in sight. I didn't want to say anything, but I think "you have no chance of getting a reply"

When Solent Coastguard replied it was an OMG moment and have a slice of humble pie.

Looks like I have a trip up the mast this winter and need to locate some high quality coax plus plugs in the UK rather than the normal junk that comes with cheap antennas.

Pete

[Capt'n Ricko]

I am pulling my mast early next year and getting prepared to install for VHF at the masthead. There is no antenna there now. I like the idea of installing the Shakespeare 5400 XP antenna and the heavier cable etc. My question is - since i have purchased a VHF/AIS radio - will I need to have 2 separate antennas for it?

Thanks in advance!

https://www.facebook.com/CaptainRickoAndTheSvSecondWind

[colemj]

If you have the Standard Horizon GX2150, it only needs one antenna.

Mark

[zboss]

Originally Posted by colemj

If you have the Standard Horizon GX2150, it only needs one antenna.

Mark

Does the GX2150 have the ability to work as a transceiver or just a receiver?

[colemj]

Just a receiver. If you add a transceiver, you will need another antenna.

Mark

[Capt'n Ricko]

Yes, thanks... I have the Standard Horizon GX2150 - ready to install...

And, yes it does not Transmit - only receives...

@DOCKHEAD: What type of mount did you use for the 5400? Do you by chance have a picture of it?

Thanks in advance!

Ricko

[hellosailor]

Something that hasn't been mentioned wrt power losses, is that most radios will be optimized for 13.8 volts. So, yes, 25W output when running off engine power, but how much power loss will there be when the radio is only operating off a half-used battery at 12.1 volts? Or less, if the problem is "Who forgot to shut the stereo?"

[transmitterdan]

Originally Posted by hellosailor

Something that hasn't been mentioned wrt power losses, is that most radios will be optimized for 13.8 volts. So, yes, 25W output when running off engine power, but how much power loss will there be when the radio is only operating off a half-used battery at 12.1 volts? Or less, if the problem is "Who forgot to shut the stereo?"

It depends on the design of the radio. Practical Sailor reviews radios and reports the power out at lower voltage. Worst case would be about 1dB which is not that significant. But I see some radios installed with too small wire and/or corroded connections making a much worse problem.

[Dockhead]

Originally Posted by hellosailor

Something that hasn't been mentioned wrt power losses, is that most radios will be optimized for 13.8 volts. So, yes, 25W output when running off engine power, but how much power loss will there be when the radio is only operating off a half-used battery at 12.1 volts? Or less, if the problem is "Who forgot to shut the stereo?"

Another advantage of a 24 volt system. My radios work off a dropper which provides constant 13.6 volts when supplied with anything from 20 to 32 volts.

[Dockhead]

Originally Posted by rickusc

Yes, thanks... I have the Standard Horizon GX2150 - ready to install...

And, yes it does not Transmit - only receives...

@DOCKHEAD: What type of mount did you use for the 5400? Do you by chance have a picture of it?

Thanks in advance!

Ricko

Custom made. I'll post when I am near a real computer.

[zboss]

Originally Posted by Dockhead

Custom made. I'll post when I am near a real computer.

I would be interested in this also.

[Capt'n Ricko]

I also went back and reviewed Practical Sailors article comparing VHF Antennas, and they gave High Marks to Digital Antennas - being very well made:

Marine VHF Antenna Test - Practical Sailor Article

They have a 4 foot - 4.5dB

4 ft AIS Marine Antennas - 4.5dB Gain

Does anyone have any knowledge or experience with Digital?

[hellosailor]

dan, I don't have a PS subscription. Was anything rated as 100% at 12 real volts? Or any particular standouts in the crowd?

[FlyingCloud1937]

The one thing that I have noticed on this thread, is that nobody mentions noise.

An improperly wired boat full of electrical noise can never be overcome by, everything discussed here.

The old transistor am radio is still one of my best and favorite tools. Those are as rare as hens teeth, so a wand listener from a toning tool is next up.

Lloyd

[Dockhead]

Originally Posted by FlyingCloud1937

The one thing that I have noticed on this thread, is that nobody mentions noise.

An improperly wired boat full of electrical noise can never be overcome by, everything discussed here.

The old transistor am radio is still one of my best and favorite tools. Those are as rare as hens teeth, so a wand listener from a toning tool is next up.

Lloyd

I've never had any problem with noise on a marine VHF radio. FM modulation is much less subject to noise then AM or SSB, so we'll see when I get the HF radio working whether there is a problem or not, but my VHF is totally free of on board noise, and in general, with the new antenna installation, there is a dramatic reduction of QRM.