Vhf Antenna

ciaranp · 07 March 2008, 09:17

I have an ICOM IC M402S on my rib on the A-Frame.
Connected to a Silva Star Antenna, VHF 156-163mHZ. Lot 13 .919. 28049.

My antenna has broken and just need to replace the antenna.Cable,mounting and everything is ok. Is it possible without messing and having to feed through and replace cable to connect a new antenna to the original antenna base and cable? Just thread or screw on the new antenna.
Some sort of aerial that will connect (without having to solder) to the original cable.
Anybody know anything about :
http://www.gulfstreamshop.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=346

I have been told if the original cable is still there you will be able to connect this into the new aerial.

This unit is supplied with a solderless cable connection for connecting the cable to the aerial. Fitting instructions are included. The only tool you should need is a pair of wire cutters.

It is simply a matter of assembling the necessary thumb screws and o-rings onto your original cable and then fitting a bullet nose connector (provided on the end of the new cable – just take it off the new cable) to the end of your original cable. Then plug the cable into the base of the new aerial and tighten a retaining nut. All required components are included.

Any VIEWS?

ciaranp · 08 March 2008, 15:41

if i have to get the complete antenna what is the best one or most popular to get and can i get one online?

ciaranp · 16 March 2008, 23:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by ciaranp

I have an ICOM IC M402S on my rib on the A-Frame.
Connected to a Silva Star Antenna, VHF 156-163mHZ. Lot 13 .919. 28049.

My antenna has broken and just need to replace the antenna.Cable,mounting and everything is ok. Is it possible without messing and having to feed through and replace cable to connect a new antenna to the original antenna base and cable? Just thread or screw on the new antenna.
Some sort of aerial that will connect (without having to solder) to the original cable.
Anybody know anything about :
http://www.gulfstreamshop.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=346

I have been told if the original cable is still there you will be able to connect this into the new aerial.

This unit is supplied with a solderless cable connection for connecting the cable to the aerial. Fitting instructions are included. The only tool you should need is a pair of wire cutters.

It is simply a matter of assembling the necessary thumb screws and o-rings onto your original cable and then fitting a bullet nose connector (provided on the end of the new cable – just take it off the new cable) to the end of your original cable. Then plug the cable into the base of the new aerial and tighten a retaining nut. All required components are included.

Any VIEWS?

Anyone have this Antenna or know what their like?
http://www.gulfstreamshop.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=346

K&S · 16 March 2008, 23:48

Hi we use this aerial, we got it cheaper than the price listed and also with 10m of cable, 6m of cable may well be to short or a bit tight for your boat if mounted on the A frame??
No Problems so far, im sure there is a thread elswhere regarding problems if my memory serves...

K&S · 16 March 2008, 23:51

Sorry forgot to mention, you could probably re use the existing cable all parts are supplied to make a solderless joint at the antenna end with the new kit.

ciaranp · 16 March 2008, 23:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by K&S

Hi we use this aerial, we got it cheaper than the price listed and also with 10m of cable, 6m of cable may well be to short or a bit tight for your boat if mounted on the A frame??
No Problems so far, im sure there is a thread elswhere regarding problems if my memory serves...

Where did you purchase?

Will i be able to connect it to the cable thats already there or will i have to run the new one?

ciaranp · 16 March 2008, 23:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by K&S

Sorry forgot to mention, you could probably re use the existing cable all parts are supplied to make a solderless joint at the antenna end with the new kit.

How does it join so?

I cut or take away whats there and how does it connect to new one?

K&S · 17 March 2008, 00:01

Personally i would replace the whole cable but it could be done with the original cable.

The joint is easy to make and the instructions are included.

We bought it from the local chandelry £48.00 if i remember right Jan 08

ciaranp · 17 March 2008, 00:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by K&S

Personally i would replace the whole cable but it could be done with the original cable.

The joint is easy to make and the instructions are included.

We bought it from the local chandelry £48.00 if i remember right Jan 08

can i mount it to the A-Frame with bracket provided?
Does it clamp on?

Chris · 17 March 2008, 00:13

ciaranp,

I would keep looking, I am not that impressed with the Vtronics stuff. I recently replaced a fairly cheap Silva whip arial with a Raider like the one in your link and find the reception is not as good and also I now seem to be suffering from interference from the engine when receiving weaker signals.

I am probably going to keep the Raoder on the Aframe as a spare but will also be fitting a longer whip ariel as the main unit.

Chris

ciaranp · 17 March 2008, 00:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris

ciaranp,

I would keep looking, I am not that impressed with the Vtronics stuff. I recently replaced a fairly cheap Silva whip arial with a Raider like the one in your link and find the reception is not as good and also I now seem to be suffering from interference from the engine when receiving weaker signals.

I am probably going to keep the Raoder on the Aframe as a spare but will also be fitting a longer whip ariel as the main unit.

Chris

What about the longer fiberglass aerials? would these get broken easier?
get a fold down bracket to mount them with?

Chris · 17 March 2008, 13:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by ciaranp

What about the longer fiberglass aerials? would these get broken easier?
get a fold down bracket to mount them with?

I have seen them in use on a few Ribs however have no experience of usin them.

The main thing I am going to avoid is a base loaded antenna like the Vtronics ones. This is when a short antenna has a coil in the base that means the arial behaves like a half wave antenna without needing the length of 1.5 metres or more to achieve true half wave performance.

Chris

ciaranp · 17 March 2008, 22:14

ok so anyone suggest what antenna i should buy to mount easily on the A-Frame.???

Chris · 18 March 2008, 10:06

Ciaran,

Why not give one of these new Pacific aerials a try.

http://www.pacificaerials.co.nz/marine/vhf.htm

I am going for the 1 meter one P6182 and they do a variety of bases that will suit an a-frame

They do 2 versions one with the wire attached into the aerial (P6035) the other where wire runs into the base and the aerial can be unscrewed from the base (P6182). I like this idea as it would make it very easy to change if it breaks in future. and you could tie wrap a spare antenna to the underside of the A-frame.

Marine Megastore seem to have it all in stock although their part numbering is different so if you go to www.smgeurope.com they are the UK distributor and have better info from which you can get a UK part number to go to marine megastore with

Chris