Fitting an Echomax Active XS antenna

[Leif-J]

I have purchased this radar target enhancer and I am now wondering where best to mount the antenna (or radome as it is described).
Mast head is not to my liking. The radome is quite heavy and I would much prefer a different position. I am aware that a lower position means reduced range for the device.
I have a platform aft where my radar is mounted, and I have thought of a small tube mounted on the platform to lift the antenna above the radar. This would make the antenna a bit vulnerable in my view.
A much easier option would be to fit it on the back stay with some plastic straps. This would enable a mount a bit higher up and be protected. But the instructions say no to this option.
I understand it may not be ideal because the antenna will not be vertical and it may be a bit obscured by the wire. But how far from ideal would it be?
My question is: Have any of you tried this mount and can share some experience?
Hope to receive some experience from real life.

 

[Twister_Ken]

Mine is mounted at the masthead, and works very satisfactorily. If you decide to mount it elsewhere, you have to accept that it will not work optimally.

 

[Tintin]

Mine was mounted on a pole off the pushpit to raise it above head height. Great range. Worked well. Have now removed it to fit in same position on my new boat.

No need to mount it up the mast imho.

 

[rob2]

Although the Qinetic test was done on an X-band SeaMe, the performance did drop off significantly with angle of heel. It really should be mounted vertically. If you strap it to the backstay, or indeed close to any parallel metal object, this will act as an antenna element also making it somewhat directional. I believe the installation instructions should give details of the necessary vertical separation from your radar scanner.

Ther is another option, shoul;d your backstay geometry be suitable. A stand off from the backstay to provide a level mount may be possible although this is simplest on a twin backstay system.

Rob.

 

[PeterR]

The purpose designed Echomax stand off bracket works very well at the masthead and is a good deal cheaper than the Glomex version. The only downside I can see of the masthead mount is that you inevitably obscure the masthead light to a slight extent. Given the motion of a yacht at sea I don't see that as being a big problem. If the sea is calm with little mast head motion you are likely to be motoring with lower nav lights on.