Which? VHF antenna

[John_Clarke]

I am not having much luck with V-tronix antennas. For me they do not seem to last more than 5 years before a radio check results in the thumbs down. Not relishing climbing the mast to replace the antenna, I would not mind paying more for one that would last say 10 years. The Sailing Today test in Decemger ’99 recommended the construction and performance of the Glomex Aloud fibreglass antenna and last year Colin Jones suggested Comrod antennas as being well made and used on super yachts.

Do you have any experience of these or your own recommendations?


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[tillergirl]

A personal fad of mine is to avoid any that has a connector between cable and aerial at the base of the aerial. Why anyone would want one there is beyond me. I couldn't get one with a permanent connection from any chandlery but got one easily from Communications Aerials at no extra cost. It seems to me to stand to reason that any connector 30/40 foot in the air is a bit pointless and bound to be a weak point in the the system. I've used CA equipment for over 20 years now and not had a failure.

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[Piers]

Shakespeare. 6dB x 6'. If you can, limit the connections to the one on the back of the VHF set. Each additional join between aerial and VHF looses about 3dB. The cable can be cut to the right length, but no less than 3' overall. Call 01708774410 (Paul Wilson) for a quote.

<hr width=100% size=1>Piers du Pré
http://www.dupre.co.uk

 

[jerryat]

Hi Tillergirl!

Tend to agree with you re connections at the base of the aerial, but having tried both, now go for the connection at this point. The reason is simply because my mast is removed and internally stored at laying up each year, and being able to remove the aerial/masthead transducer etc, eliminates the risk of very expensive damage by the crane!!

Both I and my friends had bits broken over the tears until we took this route - since then no problems.

Agree with you re Communication Aerials. Fitted their MD20 (I think it was) a few years ago on a previous boat. After 2-3 years it's performance, measured by a Vitronix Automatic Performance Monitor had fallen off by several percent. Got in contact with them and received a brand new replacement by return. Excellent service from a very good company.

Good sailing!


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[John_Clarke]

I have spoken to Communication Aerials who were most helpful. Firstly the person I spoke to suggested I remake the joint at the antenna by cutting a piece off the cable.

If this does not work I am going to purchase their MD2 antenna which has, as you suggested, the cable permanently moulded into the antenna base. It makes sense when you do not need to be able to remove the antenna regularly.

They are even able to supply a longer cable length as a special order for a modest extra charge. I plan to connect direct to the radio with spare cable below the deckhead to fit a connector if I ever need to.

Thanks to all for your help and ideas.

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