Replacement antenna

lustyd

lustyd

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Wanting to replace my VHF antenna at the top of the mast. I have a hawk one with wind indicator and bought a new one the same a while ago.
I don’t like the way the cable connects at all, so thinking I’ll get something nicer along with something better than the RG58 that it came with.

I’m struggling to find a supplier with all the bits. Any suggestions for suppliers with decent antennas, RG8x cable and the various connectors in the right sizes?
 
The Metze Anyenba is very good. I bought mine some years ago and it has been very robust. Got it from Salty John who no longer trades.

This company has what you need. Maybe Ardfern Marina as well, if your up that way.

Metz Manta-6 VHF Marine Antenna (whip kit only) | Seas The Day Marine Ltd

It’s the Metz Manta-6 VHF Marine Antenna with bracket, that you want. Mine also runs AIS via a splitter.
 
In had the same thoughts about that push fit connection in the bottom of the Hawk antenna.

I ended up fitting the Hawk antenna into it's usual bracket to the aft of the masthead (to give me the wind indicator inline with the mainsail) but then fitted a Metz to the forward/side of the masthead on another bracket as my main VHF antenna.

I use Aircell 7 which might be even less lossy than those other cables. When you strip the outer of the Aircell7 you will see the braid is much better quality and dense than some other cables.

The other nice thing about the Aircell 7 is that once you have stripped off a short length of the outer cover, the braid is then exactly the same size as that ferrule that you have that comes with the hawk. A bit of solder to tin the outer wires of the Aircell7 and it seems to be a good tight fit into the Hawk. The centre is also multistrand wire so also fits the Hawk nicely.

With all that in mind, I've got a choice of antennas at the masthead.. Only one is ever connected at a time...
 
Martin_J said:
In had the same thoughts about that push fit connection in the bottom of the Hawk antenna.

I ended up fitting the Hawk antenna into it's usual bracket to the aft of the masthead (to give me the wind indicator inline with the mainsail) but then fitted a Metz to the forward/side of the masthead on another bracket as my main VHF antenna.

I use Aircell 7 which might be even less lossy than those other cables. When you strip the outer of the Aircell7 you will see the braid is much better quality and dense than some other cables.

The other nice thing about the Aircell 7 is that once you have stripped off a short length of the outer cover, the braid is then exactly the same size as that ferrule that you have that comes with the hawk. A bit of solder to tin the outer wires of the Aircell7 and it seems to be a good tight fit into the Hawk. The centre is also multistrand wire so also fits the Hawk nicely.

With all that in mind, I've got a choice of antennas at the masthead.. Only one is ever connected at a time...
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By having 2 masthead antennas, the radiation pattern will be severely affected, they'll no longer be omnidirectional.
lustyd said:
Did you forget to post a link?
Click to expand...
There used to be a ham radio shop near Port Solent called Nevada Radio where you could get co-ax of various grades.
 
Your transmission quality/power/range will be directly affected by the quality of the cable as well as the antenna

Metz antennas are the best as far as I know.

The cable starts to deteriorate soon after you fit it, and your transmissions will deteriorate along with it. Often overlooked when planning long passages.
When did any of us consider fitting new antenna cable?

In an emergency better quality transmission may well prove helpful.
 
M&P is a very good brand - when choosing however, pay attention to the minimum bend radius on the data sheet.
 
wonkywinch said:
What's the difference between 304 stainless that this says it's made from and 316 that I normally see spec'd for boats?
Click to expand...
Google 304. It's used in a lot of things requiring corrosion resistance and this item is cheaper than a plastic windex that you know will need changing again.
 
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