VHF antenna choice...

Wideflange · Jul-01-2009, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ronzob

Guys, receiving a signal is not an indication of an antenna's quality of build or anything else. You can stick a wire in there and receive just as well as with a gee whiz antenna.

Gain is nominal and is a function of operation over an ideal ground with an ideal transmitter.

Here's a link that will explain it a bit better.

VHF Marine Antenna Fundamentals

Hearing SF Coasties is a result of ducting which is rather common in the VHF and UHF spectrums.

Proper installation of the radio and ground with a middle of the road radiator will get you more performance than a shitty installation and an expensive radiator.

When the shit hits the fan I want my radio to talk.. .not listen.

R

Thanks..I understand asymetrical transmission and the ducting phenomena. I was just saying that the XT vs. XP to me isn't worth the extra $$

Gil Marlin · Jul-02-2009, 09:02 PM

ronzob, thanks for the link on antennas, it was very informative...

http://members.toast.net/boatguy/vhfant.htm

Surg · Jul-03-2009, 10:15 AM

The better antennas also come with low loss cable (RG8X). The way the plug (PL259) is installed makes most the difference.

The silver plated XP/8900 is said to hold up better in the harsh marine environment.
The XT/8700 is still a great antenna.

baloot-boy · Jul-04-2009, 10:42 AM

So I went out fishing yesterday, and I can honestly say that I couldn't tell the difference between my new XT and the old XP. Save yourself the extra $20 and get the XT.

Gil Marlin · Jul-04-2009, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by baloot-boy

So I went out fishing yesterday, and I can honestly say that I couldn't tell the difference between my new XT and the old XP. Save yourself the extra $20 and get the XT.

I found a 5226 XT in black online for $101.00 + $10.00 shipping...

baloot-boy · Jul-04-2009, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gil Marlin

I found a 5226 XT in black online for $101.00 + $10.00 shipping...

Nice! That's actually the one that I got because they only had the 5226-xt in stock at West Marine.

**Moleculo** · Jul-06-2009, 11:05 PM

You're not getting tropospheric ducting if you're hearing the coasties from the local ports. You would know that you're getting tropospheric ducting when you're off the coast of Cali and you hear Coasties from something like 100+ miles away or farther.

If you get the antenna with the highest gain rating you can afford and looks like it's built the sturdiest to withstand the elements, you'll be just fine. All of the marine antennas just have a wire inside of the fiberglass with some foam to hold it in place. Seal the coax using "coax seal" or even Hi-Temp RTV silicone and it will keep the salt out to prevent corrosion.

Lastly, if you really want some range, purchase a small 2 meter amplifier that will work on the VHF/Marine frequencies that also has a built in pre-amp...couple that with a good antenna and you'll really have some TX/RX range.

Steel Leader · Jul-06-2009, 11:27 PM

mariner 8700

works great