New VHF antenna

[Martyn2461]

I'm in the market for a new VHF antenna as my existing ones are a little worse for wear to say the least. I'm in a differ whether to replace like for like. i have upgraded my VHF radio to DSC and i'm in a quandary to either replace my 1.5m 3db to the 2.4m 6db antenna. i normally only cruise about 5km's of shore.

all advice welcome

Martyn

 

[jamie langstone]

Shakespeare 6db works well

 

[wizzer]

Personally I’d go for the longer aerial and make sure that the base mounting bracket is stainless steel, not plastic. The plastic bases, in my opinion are sh1te

 

[matthewriches]

Hello again bud, hear you have another new toy!

And yes, plastic ones aren't great for long term stuff.

Personally I’d go for the longer aerial and make sure that the base mounting bracket is stainless steel, not plastic. The plastic bases, in my opinion are sh1te

 

[Martyn2461]

Thx I already have the mounts, which are SS, now I have to just decide which make now

 

[matthewriches]

I have a Metz which is very good.

 

[wizzer]

Hello again bud, hear you have another new toy!

And yes, plastic ones aren't great for long term stuff.

Hi Matt
Yep, new toy is in Finland at the moment
Cheers

 

[Sneds]

Just fitted a Shakespeare, with metal base, works v well
Please have it pointing straight up not angled back like some 70's car aerial

 

[Martyn2461]

Now that I do know I never understood why people have there’s angled back and I’ve seen a few.

 

[Sneaky Pete]

Now that I do know I never understood why people have there’s angled back and I’ve seen a few.

It’s so you don’t skewer the seagulls when going forward.

 

[oldgit]

For the antenna to work at its full capability it must be vertical.
Allegedly you lose up to 3db if the aerial is horizontal and the loss varies with the angle.
All VHF marine aerials are bits of wire surrounded by variable quality plastic that keeps it dry and keeps it in the air..
You are paying for the tube
Plastic tends to degrade quickly over time glass fibre lasts much longer.

 

[Trundlebug]

Now that I do know I never understood why people have there’s angled back and I’ve seen a few.

People angle them back to stop them fouling bridges and getting damaged.
I have to keep mine angled back permanently whilst inland, but put them vertical when out at sea.

 

[Sneds]

Good point, never thought of that

 

[Martyn2461]

Well obviously