Splitting a splitter...

[MagicalArmchair]

Mirage has a SIMRAD RD68 DSC VHF Radio with a Glomex RA201 VHF Splitter so I can listen to Radio 2 and celebrate the fact I am now truly middle aged. I am looking at getting and AIS700 that has a built in splitter for the AIS (this fellow https://www.cactusnav.com/rarmarine-ais700-class-transceiver-with-integrated-splitter-p-22726.html). Am I inviting disaster by going:

VHF aerial => Glomex RA201 => ais700 => SIMRAD RD68 ??

 

[lw395]

Yes, you are inviting disaster.
Radio 2 will turn your brain into tarka dhal.

The glomex may not have enough separation to prevent the ais from blocking R2 every time it transmits, but it won't do damage if the VHF hasn't blown up the FM radio already.

 

[MagicalArmchair]

A man in the know suggested this way around to make sure the AIS was the priority signal:

VHF aerial => ais700 => Glomex RA201 => SIMRAD RD68

He suggest that whilst the ais was transmitting, Radio 2 would cut out, however, it would be for such small intervals, it would be imperceptible. Hmm! This sounds like its worth an experiment!

 

[Spirit (of Glenans)]

I prefer Radio Four, and an independent AIS antenna on the pushpit. As for the FM/AM reception, a rubber duck type car aerial has been suggested on here before.

 

[MagicalArmchair]

I prefer Radio Four, and an independent AIS antenna on the pushpit. As for the FM/AM reception, a rubber duck type car aerial has been suggested on here before.

It is with deep shame I admit to also listening to Radio 4 (making me greater than middle aged and frankly geriatric).

I'll give this method a go. I'd prefer fewer holes, leads and antenna if I can help it.

 

[pvb]

A man in the know suggested this way around to make sure the AIS was the priority signal:

I'd have thought you'd have wanted your RD68 to have priority - you might need it in an emergency.

 

[MagicalArmchair]

Alas the RD68 only has one plug on it and no splitter so needs to be at the end of whatever chain we end up with.

The transmit of the AIS transponder is only milliseconds the chap said, hence when you transmit voice you don't notice it cutting in the signal.

 

[pvb]

Alas the RD68 only has one plug on it and no splitter so needs to be at the end of whatever chain we end up with.

The transmit of the AIS transponder is only milliseconds the chap said, hence when you transmit voice you don't notice it cutting in the signal.

But you're introducing a potential failure point into the antenna connection of your RD68. Much better to fit a stubby antenna on the pushpit and use that for the AIS.