VHF Ariel

Pete7 · 19 May 2004, 10:24

Is there a way of testing a VHF ariel ? Red light appears on the Icom 401 ( one year old) when TX button is pressed but can't hear the Costguard or anyone else for that matter when I know they are transmitting. Suspect that the ariel might have been damaged during the replacement of the A frame.

If I put a fluke across the centre copper core and the sheath should there be a circuit or not ?

Pete

Jon Brooks · 19 May 2004, 10:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete7

Is there a way of testing a VHF ariel ? Red light appears on the Icom 401 ( one year old) when TX button is pressed but can't hear the Costguard or anyone else for that matter when I know they are transmitting. Suspect that the ariel might have been damaged during the replacement of the A frame.

If I put a fluke across the centre copper core and the sheath should there be a circuit or not ?

Pete

Pete

VSWR meter is the only real way to test the antenna and radio.
This will tell you what the set is outputting and in the right hands how much of it is ging out the antenna.

Would be worth checking all the connection.
You could put a mete across the antenna plug, on ohms it should read open circuit.
But some antenna will show short circuit!! so not always that easy.

If you know a local radio Ham or a good radio man be worth getting them to have a look.

Just out of interest where are you?

Regards

Rene · 19 May 2004, 11:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jon Brooks

.... SNIP ..... Just out of interest where are you?
Regards

Hmmm Jon

You seems to be the guy who know about VHF, could you maybe for a beer token bring this device down to the ribnet gathering. I would love to know if my VHF is performing

Regards
Rene

Jon Brooks · 19 May 2004, 11:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rene

Hmmm Jon

You seems to be the guy who know about VHF, could you maybe for a beer token bring this device down to the ribnet gathering. I would love to know if my VHF is performing

Regards
Rene

I will have my tool kit with me so will make sure I take the VSWR meter to.
Think I have just opened a can of worms!!!

Regards

Rene · 19 May 2004, 11:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jon Brooks

Think I have just opened a can of worms!!!
Regards

I guess you have a lot of beer tokens comming you way

Jon Brooks · 19 May 2004, 11:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rene

I guess you have a lot of beer tokens comming you way

Ah well maybe not all bad then!!

Regards

jwalker · 19 May 2004, 17:32

You can get a cheap SWR meter which works really well. It's designed for completely the wrong frequencies but, surprisingly, it is very accurate. A CB radio one marketed by Midland, model SWR-25. I've used it for a number of years and it's been fine. The connectors are correct for a VHF and it can be left in circuit if desired.

Jon Brooks · 19 May 2004, 20:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwalker

You can get a cheap SWR meter which works really well. It's designed for completely the wrong frequencies but, surprisingly, it is very accurate. A CB radio one marketed by Midland, model SWR-25. I've used it for a number of years and it's been fine. The connectors are correct for a VHF and it can be left in circuit if desired.

Would not suggest you leave it in line in the marine world!
Would not be long before it starts to break down with the salt air etc.
It is not designed for that kind of life.
Although I would always suggest the right kit for the right job, if the CB one works then all well and good.

I have never tried it so can't pass comment good or bad.

Regards

nickjaxe · 19 May 2004, 20:34

Pete if you think your antenna is u/s do not try to transmit or you risk blowing your output transistor on your set, it should rec on a piece of wire say 3ft long into the middle of the ant socket or a cb antenna if you are near any stations, but dont try to transmit with the wire or cb ant.

Nick.

jwalker · 19 May 2004, 20:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jon Brooks

Would not suggest you leave it in line in the marine world!
Regards

I wasn't.

Just for info; I have a new antenna with a (claimed) SWR of 1.42. With the CB meter it reads 1.45. Coincidence? Maybe.

Hightower · 20 May 2004, 01:33

I've some old CB equipment in the loft, never thought of using my SWR meter. What a good Idea! I've got a set of boots as well, wonder if I can reach the States!!