Masthead VHF aerial

[[2574]]

I think my existing aerial has died. Are masthead VHF aerials all about the same or are some much better than others? I've an Icom 601 VHF so need a high quality aerial to match. Please advise.

Rob

 

[bruce]

they are about all the same, only dif is in gain, which is either 3db or 6db. while 6 db puts out a better signal, it is also more affected by lean, power boaters use the 6 more than 3, but sailboats do better, better contacts, with the 3 db antenna. antennas don't care one bit on what kind of radio they are on....

 

[jh001ace]

There is a test of VHF aerials in either Yachting Monthly or Sailing Today this month, can't remember which one though. Would be well worth a read

 

[[2574]]

Thanks for the tip - I see Sailing Today has the aerial article according to their website. I've got YM - can anybody advise what the ST conclusion is? I'll try and get a copy tomorrow.

rob

 

[bluedragon]

Sailing Today's "Best Buy" was the V-Tronix YWX Whipflex. I've just ordered one. Around £50 in most places it seems. Comes with 20m cable, mast bracket and connector. Most of the others they tested only came with 5-6m of cable and seemed more suited to power boats.

 

[nmelton]

The ST best buy was the V-Tronix YWX at £51.79 whilst the budget choice was the Pacific SV11SM at £26.60. The latter equalled the performance of the V-Tronix but was supplied with only 5m of cable! My present (and previous) aerial is a V-Tronix, no problems over eight years.

 

[[2574]]

Thanks all, much appreciated.

rob

 

[yoda]

I thought my aerial (Hawk combined unit) had died but discovered that the cable connection at it's base had come apart. If you can get it off the mast it's worth trying to get it checked out to save a few bob.

Yoda

 

[Salty John]

Rob,
A masthead antenna needs to be durable because you can't get up there to clean it regularly and it is subject to degradation by weather and is vulnerable to bird strikes. So, a stainless steel body is better than a plastic one. Weight is also important. To get the best performance you should not use RG58 coax on runs longer than 15 meters, at which the losses reach 3db. For most applications use RG-8X cable. The cable factory crimped to cheap antennas is RG58 and that is why in most cases is only a short length suitable for power boat or deck level installation. So, get an antenna with a connector - the antenna has a SO-239 connector which takes the standard PL259 plug you will fit to your cable. A plug/socket at the masthead also allows you to remove the antenna if you store the boat with the mast down. You need a 1/2 wavelength antenna, or 3db gain, because the "shape" of the signal is more effective over various angles of heel. 6db antennas are very focused, so that when the boat heels half the signal is aiming at the water and half is pointing up into the sky. You now probably know more about vhf antennas than you ever wanted to!
John

 

[[2574]]

John,

Star reply, have a house credit!

Many thanks,

Rob