VHF Aerial

jimc · 23 February 2005, 10:24

Thanks for all the comments re VHF radios, I think I will be going for a Navman 7100 DSC, seems to do everything I need.

The other area I was needing some advice on was what type of aerial it needs. I have been told that some aerials break at speed and you need to completely rewire them but that some have the connector in the base so if it breaks all you need is the aerial.

What are the good makes and what size would i need for coastal cruising?

Once agin thanks for all your help.

Jim

Rogue Wave · 23 February 2005, 10:57

We use two ariels a springy one and a longer one. The longer one is a Navman ( but I dont think it's made by them). I'll go and have a look at the springy one (Vitronix?) and see what make it is.

When you are mounting the ariels dont take the right angle bracket off and mount the ariels directly throught the A frame. mount it using the bracket and maybe a bit of neoprene as a cush plate to dampen some of de vibrations.

Run both leads two the console then you have a spare ready for connexion if the other one fails, when you have connected the plug at the bottom of the arieal smear it with vaseline or some proper waterproofing stuff

http://www.plastimo.com/catalogue/se...&s_choice=name

danny · 23 February 2005, 11:49

Navman has it all. Take a look at :http://www.navman.com/marine/product...nas/index.html

We use the flexibel SS mounting and Ultraglass antenna.
For the Rib we use the steel whip antenna.That will never break.

Remember what Tim said:
Got a Navman now - very nice, easy to use. Only gripe for me is that mine is installed below my eye level - the LCD is a little hard to see at this level - it works better the higher up the console you put it (in relation to your eyes).
__________________
Have the same problem. Goes the same for the sound.

Good luck.

Dan.

Rogue Wave · 23 February 2005, 12:04

http://www.yachtinguniverse.com/shop/page18.htm

third item down

David Hickman · 23 February 2005, 12:17

I used to use the Vtronix Raider RIB Antenna, approx £57.00 RRP.(the springy one). Had them on both Ribeyes without any problems bolted directly to a horizontal S/S plate on the A frame.
On the Ribcraft it is a 1m s/s whip. Vtronix again I think. RRP £51.79. Much better reception as it is higher.
I have got the SMG Catalogue here and price list (and trade) if anyone wants some prices etc.

Simon Hawkins · 23 February 2005, 12:24

I use to use a Raider Rib arial (the springy thing) but found the reception wasnt brilliant in some areas. I then changed to a 1 meter whip arial by Vtronix which did improve reception and transmission range.

You must remember that reception and transmission ranges will always be a problem on RIBS as you dont have the height.

With regards to type of arial I wouldnt go for one of the solid arials as these do have a tendancy to snap especially in large seas, I have seen many so this over the years.

DJL · 23 February 2005, 12:42

If you go for a Vtronix aerial make sure you get the new version which has a plastic sleeve running up the base of the whip. I have seen a few of the older style ones in chandlers still.

Swifty · 23 February 2005, 21:41

When choosing a whip it may pay to avoid the long fibreglass types as they tend to fracture the base bracket after a while.

I went for a lightweight stainless whip model on my boat, and it hasn't fallen off yet.

As an electronics engineer I know that theres not much inside the aerial except a coil of wire wound to specific dimensions. How can they justify more than £50 for a rod, wire and bracket?