SDR Play - Weather Fax Antenna for 36'

[ka4wja]

Andy,
For this application, that coax should work fine!

Originally Posted by andypag

Does it matter what kind of co-ax? I have a cable from a legacy GPS (now defunct) that leads from the chart table out to the rail near a shroud. Any reason why this might not be suitable?


I've always been confused by, and curious about different ratings of co-ax for different applications.

And, in general, for just about any HF receive antenna, nothing is "critical"....

Now, of course, the usual caveats apply....assuming the coax isn't cut / kinked, isn't filled with water/moisture, etc...and you can make good connections to it / to the wire / to the shroud / to the radio...
If those are taken care of, you're good to go!


BTW, please have a look at this thread here....it should help you out...
Good HF WeFax Reception, on-board at the dock, March 2021 (real world)
https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums...ld-248424.html


fair winds.

John

[andypag]

Happy days. Thanks guys. Now to find a supplier that will ship an rtl-sdr to me.

[ka4wja]

Whoa there Andy...

Originally Posted by andypag

Happy days. Thanks guys. Now to find a supplier that will ship an rtl-sdr to me.

You asked about coax, and you got your answer....that's good..

And, if you can keep the sdr, and the computer, as far away from the antenna as possible....and rid your boat of RFI producing devices....you might be all set...

But...

But, I suggest you read this whole thread again (and read all the links, watch all the videos, etc.)....and then, only then, decide if you wish to try an rtl-sdr....(or perhaps you'll find an inexpensive, ~ $100 - $150 portable Shortwave receiver [with BFO / SSB capable], to be a better choice for you?)
Or, you may find the sdr to be good for you?

But, please read this whole thread again, especially my longstanding advice to use / experiment with HF Voice communications FIRST, and get used to that, before you attempt WeFax or other digital comms....it WILL make your life much easier!


Fair winds.

John

[andypag]

Thanks John, will keep that in mind.