Icom ssb antenna

[melvynpatrick]

I know it is old technology and we all have Starlink etc etc. however I need to ask a question re the above. I will be getting a ketch back stay with isolators to create a backstab antenna. From the atu I have got gto 15 wire. Before I get the isolators fitted can I use the gto wire strung up the rigging as a temporary antenna? Cheers

 

[Roberto]

Better not use the rigging, it will most likely be grounded; hoist a length of conductor cable with a halyard at some distance form the backstay and connect the feed from the ATU.
Among the possibilities
1. A 2.5sqmm insulated copper wire thread in the middle of a 3-strand rope, just consider the final rope will be a little shorter
2. A 7x7 steel wire with eyes at each extremity and with one end connectecd to the feed cable
Both solutions have proved to work very well, I installed them in a number of boats besides mine (never installed insulators, which of course work as well).
May I suggest you make your own experiences, the internet is full of ''must do'' which are often ctrl-c ctrl-v of sentences read elsewhere, repeated ad libitum over and over again for years.

 

[William_H]

One cheaper permanent option would be to replace back stay with dyneema. Pass a copper wire of suitable diameter inside the dyneema to near the top. Exiting some distance above bottom of dyneema then to feed through insulator to ATU.. Dyneema itself provides insulation.
No do not use existing back stay without insulation or run another wire closem to and parallel to existing wire back stay.
Of course racing rules would require a separate whip antenna which would function in loss of mast. ol'will