Vhf antenna connector installation

If a direct connection cannot be made with the supplied power lead, then any extension should be made with AWG wire. Long extensions avoid require the use of larger gauge wire. The power cord is equipped with a fuse to protect the radio. Use only a six-amp fast-blow fuse for replacement. Install the radio in the mounting bracket and connect all cables and accessories to the appropriate jacks and connectors on the back of the radio.

The installation of the antenna is separate from the radio. The type of antenna used for this installation is a Shakespeare Style stainless-steel ratchet mount. After choosing the best and highest location, away from electrical equipment, use the bracket as a template to mark the holes. Once the holes are drilled, feed the coaxial antenna cable through the hole in the bracket and screw the antenna onto the bracket.

This method will reduce losses compared to simply soldering or crimping the conductors together. One drawback of connectors is that they can allow water to get into the cable.

You must protect all coax connections from water intrusion, especially in the bilge area, masthead, or where exposed to water. For connections that are open to the elements, we recommend Ancor heat shrink tubing, after coating the connection with silicone grease.

Many turns of waterproof tape is an acceptable, but less desirable, alternative. The most difficult part of a marine antenna installation may be attaching the PL connector. Unfortunately, our services and products are not available at your location. When a VHF signal is fed into this antenna, it begins to send out the radiation that is distributed in space in a particular way. As far as I am concerned, VHF antennas on the market are not much different.

I see that people do not often separate VHF antenna types as they are technically the same in appearance, function, and accessories. Their differences are perhaps the materials, lengths, dB ratings, and mounting.

Because available VHF antennas do not vary into different sorts, it will make things far easier for potential users to purchase one without hassle. This kind of antenna is manufactured alike in large quantities to have a suitable length, gain power for different applications. Some go with an installed mount. Regarding the main purpose of a VHF antenna, it generates a radiator for the power in which a radio transmitter produces and transmits this energy in the precise direction.

Therefore, a VHF antenna can enhance the reception for a certain electronic device such as a radio or TV to provide loud and clear audio. As it picks up signals from a long distance in the VHF marine band frequency, the aforementioned potential users usually mount it on their vehicles trucks, sailboats or a portable walkie talkie unit.

It is flexible enough to be effective in sail-outs and road trips, plus right at your home with stable broadcasts for TV. Shakespear, AirWave Marine, and Tram are currently the most excellent, top-rated brands on the market where you can get high-quality VHF antennas.

Many of their devices are reviewed in this article, so you can see how reliable these names are. Most of my previous VHF antennas come from them. If you ever purchase a marine VHF antenna from one of these manufacturers, you will be supported with a trustworthy product warranty and quick, dedicated customer service. They used to solve my manufacturer defections well for no extra charge. The brands are now available in chain stores and online websites.

Generally, a 3 to 4-foot with a 3dB gain is used for boats under 24 feet. While larger vessels can work with antennas of 7 to 8dB at length from 12 to 18 feet. These are common suggestions.

Applying the general rule to all VHF antennas is that their height should be less than half the length of your speedboat. Based on my experience, longer VHF antennas will have higher dB ratings gain. However, you should also check for the technical specifications of the VHF marine antenna to be certain.

When you feel that your VHF antenna reception is weaker than usual, I bet it is time for you to boost that antenna signal.

One of the typical reasons that cause its interruption is noises from multiple devices turned on at once. You can either unplug the specific source or change the power outlet for each unit.

Another boosting option is to re-orientate your VHF antenna to a different area inside your house. I would recommend installing it against the walls and next to the window. You should ensure the antenna does not absorb too much sun and overheat. No metal should be around since it is likely to interrupt the VHF reception.

I have also heard that those who find their VHF antenna signal performs worse than expected will often lay it down horizontally to improve its receivability.

You may even want to lay the antenna on the floor if your surroundings have tall buildings or mountains. These factors can obstruct the signals from your antenna. The last simple method for you to try is mounting the VHF antenna as high as possible.

It is true that the higher, the better, so if you live in a two-story house, positioning your antenna on the second floor would be optimal. Also, you should not forget that the marine antenna should be placed to face the right direction. No matter what you do to boost the antenna signal reception, be careful on the condition that your VHF antenna is mounted on top of a truck or a sailboat since.

And you might have to consider the weather factor-like severe winds. Sturdy and durable material sometimes fails to hold the long antenna in place and might lead to breakage. This meter fits between your antenna and its cable. I would not use a CB radio because it can lead to additional issues. The perfect system includes no reflected power, so its ratio would be A short or open circuit system will produce a 1:lots outcome.

Although is acceptable, results in less than The very first action you need to do is to remove existing antennas from your vehicle or radio. My pro tip is to use old cables to pull new cables through. After that, you should begin to mount the new VHF antenna in.

I often hold the RG cable against the antenna and avoid tangling during this time. Run your cables for this VHF marine antenna, but never forget to cut any zip ties on the old ones before starting to pull. That because this adapter enables a thin connector, factory-installed, no crimps required along with easy cable run and connection. Moreover, weather swings, interference from most other electronic equipment, and LTE cell towers can temporarily cut off a VHF antenna signal.

A metal roof will affect the antenna reception and prevent it from passing through as well. These factors have to be taken into account when you mount. Compared to other antenna types, VHF antennas are claimed to be the most cost-effective unit with high portability. Many people use a marine VHF antenna to receive two-way communication and weather band signals over long distances.

Keep in mind all of the external elements that can affect and impair your VHF antenna reception when you begin to mount it. I recommend wiping off unwanted stains and dirt on the antenna body with a soft, damp cloth, and no solvents applied on. Check for its condition after every sail outs and trips. Plan up beforehand whether you need to use the antenna regularly in the following period.

If not, I think you should unscrew it off the mount and store it away until the next application. No antenna construction can withstand all kinds of different weather impacts for long without degrading. You can scroll through a bunch of marine VHF antenna reviews for the best evaluation of your targeted device.

The most trusted VHF antenna brands I have mentioned above certainly have their units sold in these addresses at a fairly reasonable price range. Feel free to make a comparison between them to find out the cheapest suppliers. I hope you would be able to buy an effective VHF antenna at my suggested places.

It is a must-have for your radio, truck, and TV. After reading this article about the best VHF antenna, I expect you to find your favorite unit and buy it right away for a strong VHF reception.

If you believe the information here about VHF antennas is helpful, please spread the word to your friends and family on social media. Thank you for reading this. I have a challenging time attaching the separate coax connector of the VHF antenna to its wire.

The procedure involves soldering to a connector body in 6 different places. It feels that this assembly requires a skilled technician. Or else, the brand should have their factory to install this connector from the start.

The chrome-plated ferrule is made to standards. It enables clean audio for many VHF radios. The antenna soldering can be done by yourself. The coax connector attachment is too difficult. A beautiful centennial white color with the standard 8-foot height is properly everything you could ever ask for in a VHF antenna. The Shakespeare 8-foot VHF antenna is not a telescopic one.

Still, you can gain the best results by mounting it with the units I mentioned. Its finest application is far offshore. The VHF antenna has a plastic base that is pretty flimsy. It is not robust to sit still and hold this antenna firmly in the vertical direction. Even the car bounces on the road is enough to result in a collapsed antenna, which is likely to break off soon. I guess that the brand should have built it with a stainless steel base. It can easily cover all marine band frequencies. The whole required hardware is stainless steel.

Made out of fiberglass with a 3 DBD gain. Provide loud and clear audio quality within a mile range. Include a ratchet mount, a cable and a connector. It is attached to a flimsy base made from plastic. I understand that the inch antenna is huge and heavyweight. Still, a stronger base would be more satisfying for many users. Due to the size, it is ideal for large marine boats with 3 DBD gain and long-range transceiving power. However, I am not satisfied with its performance of fewer than 12 feet, which is too short and almost useless for any connection.

Usually, this RG cable for a marine antenna should be about at least 15 feet to enable a comfortable extension and simple screwing off the antenna.

The best selection for boats under 24 feet. Enable loud and clear audio from a distance.