VHF radio antenna

[ris]

Our boat came with a vhf antenna and radio. We bought a new radio and I was wondering does the antenna get less effective with age? We are inland so no one around here has vhf so no one answers my calls. We can call the boat from the handheld when in the dinghy. The antenna is a 6 foot fiberglass antenna, age unknown but might be 12 years old. So do we need a new one or just remount the old one? Thanks for your help.

[Tomfoolery]

I would imagine the connections go bad with time, but unless the inernal wiring is damages, I don't see the antenna itself getting 'weak'.

But if it's mounted on the mast, I'd use a 3dB whip instead, mounted on top of the mast, with a new run of coax, or at least with fresh terminations. The 6dB fiberglass whips are just too big. IMO, of course.

You can test the system with a SWR meter, but they're expensive. Perhaps you can borrow one from whomever you bought the radio from.

[Russ]

I agree with Tom. The antenna itself is probably fine. However, the cable, specifically the end connectors can corrode and cause issues.
I also agree that a 6' dealio gets in the way.

VHF is line of site, so if there are hills or trees in your way, it won't get past them. Mast top mounting helps there. Plus gets it out of your way.
Have you tried calling others? We are inland and there are few boats with VHF or know how to use them. However one of the marinas monitors ch 16. We've heard some calls go out. Very few though.

In your case, a VHF may have limited value. If a tree falls....

--Russ

[mrron_tx]

If I may add to this a little bit. The main thing I ever found with the fiberglass was when they get old and sun dried.... they will "shed" little shard of glass in your hand or whatever. I had one on My shop c/b , ham radios. It was up there probably 18-19 years and talked real good.... Hurricane Rita broke it a few years back.... and that's when I was reminded about the fiberglass shards !! Gloves or even an old shop rag will stop this Ron. Dauntless.

[Default User]

Hey, besides the physical breakdown of the antenna, here's a cheap SWR meter that you could get to test reflected power.

I try to keep my antennas at an SWR of 1.5 :1 or less, but 2:1 is often considered acceptable.

You may even try the Orlando Ham fest, known as the "Hamcation" to find a deal on a used one.

http://www.gigaparts.com/Product-Lines/ ... AoMz8P8HAQ


http://www.hamcation.com/

Hope this helps!

Dave

[ris]

Thanks for the replies. I do have new antenna cable as I am moving the location of the antenna. Will cut off the old connection from the 6' antenna and replace it with a new one. As we are hopefully doing the great loop starting in April we do not have the mast on the boat. At this time we are making a short trawler mast and will be mounting the antenna and anchor light on the short mast.(about 5' tall).

[Newell]

My experience with 6' antenna's on both my Macs has been positive. Never wanted anything more added to the mast. I have talked to base stations 24 miles away and no real problems. Make sure the power supply wire to your radio is both large enough and well connected.