For motor-only boating (sailing without sails ??) is there a 'cheap' way of using a VHF radio that is normally connected to a mast mounted antenna ?? I am sure I have seen such a device here somewhere, but cannot find it by searching...
Dennis
Temporary VHF antenna ?
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Paul S
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We have a handheld vhf radio for most communications. The built in VHF is installed with a mast mounted antenna.
I also purchased the 'emergency' antenna from West to use when the mast (and mast mounted antenna) is off the boat. It is a little self contained antenna with a suction cup and 12' wire lead to connect to the back of the radio
wm#519058
Paul
I also purchased the 'emergency' antenna from West to use when the mast (and mast mounted antenna) is off the boat. It is a little self contained antenna with a suction cup and 12' wire lead to connect to the back of the radio
wm#519058
Paul
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Terry
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Gain???
Is there any distance to be gained using this emergency antenna over just holding the handheld VHF in your hand or is it just for when you must be in the cabin during a storm but need an antenna outside?
I looked at the link Aya16 provided and saw [gain 0dB] so it got me wondering what the advantage of that antenna was. Any thoughts?
I looked at the link Aya16 provided and saw [gain 0dB] so it got me wondering what the advantage of that antenna was. Any thoughts?
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Paul S
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Re: Gain???
vhf range is mainly determined by line of sight, rather than power.Terry wrote:Is there any distance to be gained using this emergency antenna over just holding the handheld VHF in your hand or is it just for when you must be in the cabin during a storm but need an antenna outside?
I looked at the link Aya16 provided and saw [gain 0dB] so it got me wondering what the advantage of that antenna was. Any thoughts?
I would expect the emergency one and a handheld to be similar. Maybe a nod to the emergency one, properly placed (higher=better). With 0 gain, it can be installed at virtually any angle but will have shorter range than a high db antenna.
For most situations, it probably doesn't matter.
Paul
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Scott
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In the picture to the right of the radio is an "Emergency" spare VHF antenna. In reality it is the only one we have. It gets out 3+ miles right where it sits. We have hoisted it with a halyard and gotten out 10+ miles.
Bought at boaters world for 20 something dollars 6 years ago.
On edit, it is the same one mentioned above, (I see prices have gone up dramatically) It does work great. Its been all weve needed.