VHF Antenna Resistance Value

[nigel1]

I tested the radio against a handheld on Sunday, from a half ile away, the handheld picked up the Furuno set very well, modulation was good. I now need to be at the marina at the same time as the guy with the SWR meter.
The cable is RG-58. RG-8 sounds better but slightly bigger diameter, 7mm compared to 6mm. The Glomex antenna was supplied with the RG58, which accepts the antenna connection. The Glomex antenna is not a plug in type, instead the base of the antenna has fittings which clamp the cable into place, wonder if they would work with the 7mm cable.

[Wotname]

I think you will find RG 8 to be about 9.5 mm.

[nigel1]

Originally Posted by Wotname

I think you will find RG 8 to be about 9.5 mm.

There is a mini RG 8 cable available at 7mm diameter

[Wotname]

Originally Posted by nigel1

There is a mini RG 8 cable available at 7mm diameter

Of course, mini RG8, not to be confused with RG 8. Note to self - stop being so pedantic

[foggysail]

If you stick with RG-58, I doubt you will improve your transmissions/reception no matter what else you do.

Foggy

[nigel1]

Had another check around the VHF set, and see that no earth is connected to the set itself. I'm assuming thyere should be one as there is a connector for an earth. Would this affect TX, and where should the earth go to, to the anode, or would connection to the negative bus bar be OK

[richardhula]

The VHF set earth would not be particularly important I wouldn't think & most don't have a dedicated earth connection. More important is the match to the antenna.

Have you measured the VSWR yet, as near to the antenna as possible?

For the usual boat masthead rig this means inserting meter at mast base cable break. A measured ratio between 1:1 & 2:1 is considered satisfactory.

[nigel1]

I ran into the guy who has the SWR meter, unfortunately not on him at the time, hope to meet up in the next week or so and get it tested