Aerial problems

[Tiffy]

Has anybody had any problems with Vitronic Raider or Shakespeare
VHF Aerials or are they very good ?

[Observer]

http://rib.net/forum/showthread.php?t=25503

I have the Raider antenna and performance seems perfectly good. Also pleased with Shakespeare's customer service. My antenna has been damaged and needs a replacement part. It's an obsolete version but the customer service guy has agreed to dig out old parts (if he has them) to repair mine.

[jyasaki]

The Shakespeares are fairly solid. I'd hazard a guess that they're the most popular antenna on this side of the pond. No experience with Vitronic.

I succumbed to the hype and bought a Digital antenna as my first; 8-foot, high gain (not that that means anything), worked well. After a couple of months, the fiberglass to metal ferrule joint failed: the mast started slowly separating from the mount. A couple of regluing fixes later, I drilled and screwed the thing in. Vibration eventually caused the screw to saw through the fiberglass. Shortly after that, reception went south.

The Digital was replaced with a Shakespeare 8' middle-of-the-line antenna about 3 years ago. No problems since. And the ferule to mast joint seems to be holding up this time.

jky

[Observer]

Originally Posted by jyasaki

The Shakespeares are fairly solid. I'd hazard a guess that they're the most popular antenna on this side of the pond. No experience with Vitronic.

"V-Tronix" by Shakespeare

[Observer]

I just have to report fantastic customer service from Shakespeare (V-Tronix). Just had email from their production manager to confirm he's fixed my antenna and is sending it back.

I would have bought a new one but the design of the current model doesn't work with available headroom where I heep the boat, so having the old one repaired has avoided an irritating (if minor) problem.

[Steve_B]

The Raider works fine. Had two problems with mine.

1. The plastic threaded section sheared last year. Only noticed when radio seemed quiet and looked round to see complete anntena had gone over board, so had to purchase a replacement. The moral, dont over-tighten the nut.

2. It was able to recieve ok, but was unable to transmit anything but carrier wave. A quick strip down showed some light greening off the copper tip of the lead, where it enters the base of the antenna. A light rub down with some fine wire wool had it sorted.

[Brian Dinsley]

Originally Posted by Tiffy

Has anybody had any problems with Vitronic Raider or Shakespeare
VHF Aerials or are they very good ?

Tiffy

See my thread;

http://rib.net/forum/showthread.php?...hlight=vtronix

[Mollers]

Originally Posted by Tiffy

Has anybody had any problems with Vitronic Raider or Shakespeare
VHF Aerials or are they very good ?

I've not personally known anyone with a Rib Raider not have problems.

Mine is in the garage gathering dust. I tried all the recommended 'fiddles' to improve the performance of the thing.

I junked it for a 1500mm Shakespeare GRP whip, the difference is beyond compare. It's gone frome the odd crackle of conversation a day to constant VHF traffic regardless of position.

[Hightower]

I just went outside to look at the make of my VHF aerial. It's a Silva Star that I bought it in 2003. It's been on two RIBs and still works great. Trouble is, I just broke the outer plasic cover in trying to see what model it was I'll have to Sikaflex that back on before Saturday

[Downhilldai]

Originally Posted by Hightower

I just went outside to look at the make of my VHF aerial. It's a Silva Star ..

Sounds more like a Fallen Star now

[BruceB]

Over the years I have used RIB raider aerials exclusively, never had any problems unless you include the wife breaking it off running the RIB under the prow of a gin palace in a marina or me driving under car park barrier and breaking it off.
1 each at the moment, waiting for penalties to decided who is winning the competition about who can take off the most aerials

[simmons0]

No problems except that some chav stole it last time we were in Cowes!