NASA Navtex aerial bracket

[stuartwineberg]

Just bought a NASA Navtex - great piece of kit (PC version). However one cheapskate item is that the aerial just comes with a couple of holes for screwing to wood but no rail bracket as this is an "optional" extra. This simple item costs £19 plus postage even from a discount swindlery. Any ideas for alternative ways of fixing to rail?

 

[homa]

U brackets

Fitted mine with 2 x stainless steel "U" brackets, bolts and penny washers from swindlery. Total cost abt £5 if I remember.

 

[Gin]

You can pay £25 for that option so count yourself lucky!!

However, many previous threads comment that you do not need to mount the aerial outside as it degrades with UV and becomes very brittle, so you can simply mount under deck somewhere safe and avoid the need for the 'option'

 

[cnh]

I glued a small piece of ply onto the back of the stern light, and screwed it into that!

 

[awol]

I used to have one on the pushpit (wood and jubilee clips) but it got used as a handhold, but not for long!. Navtex is now connected to the stanchions and hence to the guard wires, pulpit, rigging and mast and reception is vastly improved.

 

[cnh]

You think connecting it to the rigging has earthed it better?

 

[awol]

Not earth, aerial. Rigging is not connected electrically to anything but the core of the Navtex coaxial. The shield of the coax is not connected to anything. The Nasa aerial is active with 5v (I believe) coming from the aerial wires but this is floating with respect to the battery +/-ves.

 

[ShipsWoofy]

click image for link



details from allgadgets website.

Handy railmount tube holder .

Ideal for holding NASA Navtex antenna (HF Active antenna will not fit)

- easy, quick and neat installation
- no drilling required
- you can change the location of your equipment
- adapts to various tube diameters (from 18.5-25.5 mm, 3/4 - 1")
- horizontal or vertical mounting

Suitable for holding any tube with a diameter from 40-45 mm

Includes required screws and nuts.

Only available in pale grey.

 

[mickurley]

Hi mines fitted inside out of harms way works well,regards Mick