How can I tell if my Antenna is CB or VHF?
Tina
I just bought a boat, and it has an antenna on it, but the conectory is cut
off at the end of the wire! How can I tell if its a CB or VHF antenna? I
installed a CB, but it does not get any reception. My antenna is made by
Glassmaster and has a white thin cable. Any info would be very helpful
GregS
If you had a VHF radio, perhaps the receive would work well suggesting the
possibility that it was really a VHF antenna. A 2 Mtr radio would also tend to
work. If you back out the UHF connector until the ground is off and the center
is still in, does the reception suddenly appear? If it does, the antenna is
probably grounded with a coil, so in effect there is a short
at CB frequencies. I hope your applied connector was put on correctly??
greg
Chris Stratton
A CB antenna needs to be much longer than a marine antenna, unless it
has a coil which can make up for some of the missing length. The coil
would be a bulge at the base or part way up (don't confuse it with a
spring mounting, which is not electrically part of the antenna.
But things can get confusing, as there are ways to make VHF antennas
longer, too. So you can't really tell easily.
Practically though, antenna matching is only important during transmit,
not during receive. So if you are not getting any reception, there is
probably a broken connection on the cable. Also, if there is any chance
water got into the cable (it loves to soak up into the braided shiled of
the cable) you will need to replace it.
DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES TRANSMIT into the antenna until you are
sure it is proper for the radio you are using, properly connected, and
any devices like coils have been properly tuned. Do this wrong and you
can ruin the transmitter.
Since you bought a CB, you could just buy a cheap CB whip antenna...
Peter Bennett
wrote:
If you don't get any reception at all (or only from very close
stations), the antenna is probably defective, and should be replaced
anyway. A VHF antenna should give some reception on a CB, although it
won't be as effective as a CN antenna.
--
Peter Bennett, VE7CEI
new newsgroup users info : http://vancouver-webpages.com/nnq
GPS and NMEA info: http://vancouver-webpages.com/peter
Vancouver Power Squadron: http://vancouver-webpages.com/van-ps
brian whatcott
wrote:
>Hi,
See if you can match it with the description of any of these
Glassmaster antennas. From SecondWave's URL.
Glassmaster sold off their antenna business, I hear.
(I'll leave the table beautification chore to you though.)
Brian Whatcott
Glassmaster Antennas
MODEL
DESCRIPTION
LIST PRICE
SECOND WAVE PRICE
702 CD
7' CHROME W/MOUNT VHF
$95.00
$48.00
702 PC
7' PLASTIC W/MOUNT VHF
$75.00
$38.00
MCB 302
3' CB 1" X 14
$40.00
$20.00
MCB 702
7' CB ECOMONY PLASTIC 1" X 14
$65.95
$33.00
MCB 801P
8' 1/2 WAVE CB 1" X 14 PLASTIC
$88.95
$45.00
MCT 401
4' CELL MAST MOUNT
$23.00
MIDLAND
5' VHF LIFT/LAY VHF (18257)
$60.00
$30.00
MIDLAND
8' VHF CHROME W/MOUNT RACHET
$95.00
$48.00
MIDLAND
GUTTER CLIP CB ANTENNA
$28.00
$14.00
MLC 401
4' LORAN WHIP
$14.50
$8.00
MLC 801 C
8' LORAN WHIP
$19.50
$10.00
MSB 231
23' SSB 2 PC.
$195.00
$98.00
MSB 233
23' SSB 3 PC.
$284.00
$142.00
MVC 801
8' VHF/LORAN COMBO
$150.00
$75.00
MVC 961
9'6" VHF 2PC MOUNT
$85.00
$43.00
MVH 130
13' 2 SECTION VHF CHROME
$360.00
$180.00
MVH 191
19' 2PC 9db VHF 2 PC MOUNT
$195.00
$98.00
MVH 303-1
3' SS WHIP MAST MOUNT
$41.00
$22.00
MVH 303-2
3' SS WHIP NO BRACKET
$74.00
$37.00
MVH 502
5' 3db 1" x 14
$104.00
$52.00
MVH 503
5' VHF 1" X 14
$50.00
$25.00
MVH 701
7' VHF W/MOUNT CAMOFLAGE
$65.00
$33.00
MVH 701P
8' VHF PLASTIC FERRULE
$65.00
$33.00
MVH 702P
7' VHF 1" X 14
$52.00
$21.00
MVH 801C
8' 6db CHROME 1" X 14
$129.00
$65.00
MVH 802C
8' 6db CHROME 1" X 14
$65.00
MVH 802P
8' VHF PLASTIC DELUXE
$76.00
$38.00
MVH 861
8' 1PC BEST VHF 6dn 1" X 14
$210.00
$105.00
MVH 962
9'6" VHF MAST MOUNT 2 SECT
$85.00
$43.00
MVL 801
8' VHF/LORAN COMBO
$80.00
COMMERCIAL SERIES ANTENNA'S
MODEL
DESCRIPTION
LIST PRICE
SECOND WAVE PRICE
CB 17
CB 17 17' 2PC MAST MOUNT
$258.00
$129.00
CELL 1-5
CELL 1-5 1.5db 1" X 14
$157.00
$78.00
CELL 5-5
CELL 5-5 3db 1" X 14
$235.00
$118.00
VHF 13-6
VHF 13-6 13' 2PC BKT 7.5db
$266.00
$133.00
VHF 8-6
VHF 8-6 8' 6db CHROME
$205.00
$102.00
VHF17
VHF 17 MAST MOUNT
$325.00
$162.50
VHF17-5
VHF 17-5 17' 2PC BKT 9db
$325.00
$162.50
Brian Whatcott Altus OK
<in...@intellisys.net>
Eureka!
Jonski
>I just bought a boat, and it has an antenna on it, but the conectory is cut
>off at the end of the wire! How can I tell if its a CB or VHF antenna?
You may be able to tell by the length of the aerial.
Using the formula v = f x lambda, and taking CH16 VHF as 156MHz, and
Ch 15 CB as 27.135 MHz, you can tell the wavelength of the signal.
In this case, VHF operates at 1.9m, and CB 11m. (NZ values, YMMV)
Aerials come in full-wave, half-wave, 1/4-wave and 3/4-wave varieties,
IIRC. Carefully measure the transmitting portion of the aerial length,
and see if it fits a multiple of these lengths.
HTH
Jon
=========================
Young 88 "Dynamo" K3883
=========================
Brian Runyard
to get a good reading somewhere close to 1:1, it's a CB antenna.
"Tina" <wirele...@bigfoot.com> wrote in message
news:d30%6.304$bJ6.26...@news1.mtl.metronet.ca...
Jeff
> "Tina" <wirele...@bigfoot.com> wrote in message
> > Hi,
> >
> > I just bought a boat, and it has an antenna on it, but the conectory is
> cut
> > off at the end of the wire! How can I tell if its a CB or VHF antenna? I
> > installed a CB, but it does not get any reception. My antenna is made by
> > Glassmaster and has a white thin cable. Any info would be very helpful
What makes you think it might be a CB antenna? Did the former owner tell
you he had a CB installed on the boat? That notwithstanding, it's likely a
VHF antenna. If you've properly replaced the connector and installed a CB,
even a VHF antenna would give you some reception. My guess is that your new
PL259 is not installed properly. At any rate, if you plan to transmit with
that antenna, you should most definitely check the standing wave ratio (SWR)
before doing so with either a CB or a VHF. If this is all Greek to you,
obtain some knowledgeable assistance. Good luck.
Jeff
brian whatcott
Tina wrote me she had identified her antenna as VHF from the maker's
list I put up. But she asked, which is more useful in a boat, CB or
VHF and I really didn't have a good answer, so I responded (weakly)
that VHF felt more "pro".
Brian Whatcott
On Wed, 4 Jul 2001 10:51:27 -0500, "Jeff" <myst...@NSmindspring.com>
wrote:
Brian Whatcott Altus OK
<in...@intellisys.net>
Eureka!
Jeff
"brian whatcott" <in...@intellisys.net> wrote in message
> Tina wrote me she had identified her antenna as VHF from the maker's
> list I put up. But she asked, which is more useful in a boat, CB or
> VHF and I really didn't have a good answer, so I responded (weakly)
> that VHF felt more "pro".
As the vast majority of radio-equipped boats are equipped with VHF and
almost none with CB, I'd say the decision is easy. But I suppose it would
depend upon with whom you wish to speak: bubba down at the local garage, or
other boaters and the Coast Guard.
Jeff
scottg...@yahoo.com
>
>Tina wrote me she had identified her antenna as VHF from the maker's
>list I put up. But she asked, which is more useful in a boat, CB or
>VHF and I really didn't have a good answer, so I responded (weakly)
>that VHF felt more "pro".
>
>Brian Whatcott
Not just more "pro", but overall useful. Nothing against CB radio, but a boat,
if it is going to have any radio is likely to have a VHF. Coast Guard, marine
units of local police, lift bridges, marinas, etc. are all going to have VHF as
a prime means of contact from ship to shore.
While out on the water, it might be nice to talk to truckers and the like, they
won't be able to provide much direct boating assitance. :-)
Good Luck
sdg
John McCoy
>Tina wrote me she had identified her antenna as VHF from the maker's
>list I put up. But she asked, which is more useful in a boat, CB or
>VHF and I really didn't have a good answer, so I responded (weakly)
>that VHF felt more "pro".
Unless you specifically need to talk to someone who's got a CB, you'd
find a VHF marine band radio much more useful. The characteristics of
VHF frequencies will give a better quality signal, plus you're allowed more
power output, all of which means better range. Most other boaters will
have VHF, as will safety agencies (Coast Guard, Marine Patrol) and useful
people like lock operators. VHF marine band radios are also, in general,
better designed and better made than CB radios (altho I'm sure exceptions
exist).
John
Carter
buddy" then it's a CB antenna. If the coast guard starts yelling at your
that channel 16 is not to be used for radio check, then it's got to be VHF
I know, I know ... just going for laughs here
"Brian Runyard" <brun...@taz.dera.gov.uk> wrote in message
news:9hsetk$68q$1...@trog.dera.gov.uk...
Keith Wood
Carter wrote:
>
> Well... just call for a radio check. If someone answers "you're 5 by 5 good
> buddy" then it's a CB antenna. If the coast guard starts yelling at your
> that channel 16 is not to be used for radio check, then it's got to be VHF
>
> I know, I know ... just going for laughs here
Keep going, you're nowhere near yet.
Peter Bennett
wrote:
>
>Tina wrote me she had identified her antenna as VHF from the maker's
>list I put up. But she asked, which is more useful in a boat, CB or
>VHF and I really didn't have a good answer, so I responded (weakly)
>that VHF felt more "pro".
>
If she is boating where the Coast Guard has a presence, and there is
significant commercial traffic, (and other pleasure craft use VHF),
then marine VHF is very definitely preferred.
Boaters on inland lakes, without Coast Guard or other marine VHF
users, may find CB more useful.
Jeff
"Peter Bennett" <pet...@interchange.ubc.ca> wrote in message
> Boaters on inland lakes, without Coast Guard or other marine VHF
> users, may find CB more useful.
For what?
Okay, my prejudice is showing. But I can't honestly think of any reason to
have a CB aside from rag chewing with truckers and such. Never has a radio
service been more perverted and abused than the 11M band.
Jeff
Steven Shelikoff
Because in some places, if all you have is a marine VHF on your boat
then all you can talk to is yourself. At least with a CB, you have a
chance of reaching someone. The most useful band to have in any area is
the one that's more likely to reach help. That may be VHF most places,
but not everywhere.
Steve
Keith Wood
. . .not counting the broadcast networks, when Clintoon was pounding the
podium about Monica . . . ;)
Keith Wood
On VHF you don't have to compete with the 50,000-watt Georgia loudmouth.
Jeff
Bret Marquis
(not 11 meters) aboard, for a boat that ranges only within 100
miles of the US coast?
This in addition to a VHF radio.
Thanks.
On Wed, 4 Jul 2001 13:44:11 -0500, "Jeff" <myst...@NSmindspring.com>
wrote:
wf...@ptd.net
wrote:
>On a slightly related matter, is it at all useful to have an HF radio
>(not 11 meters) aboard, for a boat that ranges only within 100
>miles of the US coast?
>
>This in addition to a VHF radio.
>
>Thanks.
>
>
since VHF only goes about 20 miles...if you're lucky, an HF radio
would be useful at that range. 2182 KHz will work fine...
HLAviation
>(not 11 meters) aboard, for a boat that ranges only within 100
>miles of the US coast?
>
>This in addition to a VHF radio.
>
>Thanks.
>
Any vessel going past 20 miles or so is well served by a SSB or some form of HF
radio.
http://hometown.aol.com/hlaviation/
Bret Marquis
Thank you,
What sort of antenna would you use on a smaller cruiser without a
mast? It would seem that the antenna tuners I've looked at want at
least a 7 meter long antenna for minimal acceptable tuning.
Glenn Ashmore
Bret Marquis wrote:
--
Glenn Ashmore
I'm building a 45' cutter in strip/composite. Watch my progress (or lack there of)
at: http://www.rutuonline.com
HLAviation
>
>What sort of antenna would you use on a smaller cruiser without a
>mast? It would seem that the antenna tuners I've looked at want at
>least a 7 meter long antenna for minimal acceptable tuning.
Most all the boats I run have a Shakespeare FG whip thats around 20+'tall.
They seem to work pretty good. About as clear as any sailboat I've had with a
backstay antenna. Don't hardly use the sideband anymore now that the boats use
INMARSAT units. Better privacy for company business.
http://hometown.aol.com/hlaviation/
Eric Christensen
definitely have HF/MF onboard in addition to the VHF radio. You
would definitely be able to contact someone and be able to receive
weather advisories and such and wouldn't have to worry about being
out of range.
Eric Christensen
KF4OTN/NNN0HKD
"Bret Marquis" <b...@spamcop.net> wrote in message
news:3b4ce14d.14997274@news...
Bret Marquis
That is certainly useful.
Is HF as 'chatty' as some of the VHF channels? Fishing hot spots,
hookups etc? Or just strictly business and official communications?
I'm trying to understand why it might be useful to have HF when a
Gpirb, a VHF radio and a satellite phone would seemingly cover all
urgent or emergency situations?
Jim Donohue
frequencies are not effective. This mid frequency range ( 10 to 20
Megahertz) is generally ineffective under 300 miles. These frequencies are
generally very good for long haul - 500 to 4000 miles. In general the lower
frequencies are better for 200 miles and less.
The Shakespeare is not a good bet for the longer haul work. It is simply
not effective on the appropriate frequency. For long haul boats a backstay
antenna with an auto-tuner is the way to go. Biggest variable I know is the
quality of the ground - lots of copper down low helps a lot.
My experience on this is on the ham bands where we routinely work boats on
the maritime networks out to 5000 miles. The good boats can be copied from
Japan to the Caribbean here in Las Vegas. I cannot however copy boats in
California - they are too close for the mid frequencies used.
Jim
"HLAviation" <hlavi...@aol.com> wrote in message
news:20010708115842...@ng-fs1.aol.com...
Eric Christensen
are assigned and split up just as VHF Maritime frequencies are. The
difference is you can talk a lot further using HF. Just as the Coast
Guard monitors VHF Ch 16 and 22A (and a few others), they also guard
certain HF frequencies (2162kHz?).
I'm sure there are fishing hot spots and etc on HF, but I would
assume not as much. Also, SAT Radios and Phones are not 100%
reliable. They use "middle men" to transfer the communications.
Also, in an emergency, these transmissions cannot be triangulated as
VHF and HF can be (to provide a location of the boat in distress).
Eric H. Christensen
KF4OTN/NNN0HKD
"Bret Marquis" <b...@spamcop.net> wrote in message
news:3b4a2f29.100465511@news...
Doug Dotson
very well. Insulated backstay would probably be better
but the boat came this way and I am reserving the
backstay for my ham rig. I can get into Costa Rica
with a 5-8 on 100 watts.
Doug
Bret Marquis
GPIRB, I understand is a 406 EPIRB with an integral GPS inside. So
I'm told.
I'm proceeding as if I'm going to install a SSB radio in the boat.
The current plan is the Icom M7110RT with tuner and a 23 ft whip.
(perhaps I can use it as an outrigger parttime.. :). Along with the
SCS PTC-II HF modem, though I may add that at a later time.
The fun part will be the haul out for the grounding through hull
plate.
One adventure at a time..
Thanks for all your help.
On 9 Jul 2001 09:29:05 -0500, James...@Trieste.gov wrote:
>In article <3b4a2f29.100465511@news>, b...@spamcop.net says...
>>
>
>>I'm trying to understand why it might be useful to have HF when a
>>Gpirb, a VHF radio and a satellite phone would seemingly cover all
>>urgent or emergency situations?
>
>EPIRB (I presume you mean) is an emergency beacon locator. You can't
>communicate with it. A VHF radio has limited range, useless beyond about
>20 miles. A satellite phone is not only very expensive but suffers the
>same limitation as a cell phone -- you can't broadcast a message but can
>only call one number at a time. Depending on the system you use, there
>may also be other limitations like time delays while messages are
>relayed. Cell phones have the further limitation of short range, 3 miles
>or less. HF radio (SSB) provides unlimited range and coverage. Somebody
>somewhere will hear you. That's not an issue withing twenty miles of
>shore or in sight of another vessel (if he is listening) but certainly is
>when you are all alone on the high seas.