[C320-list] Ham radio (or SSB) antenna

[Bruce Walters]

I use a ICOM 730.  It's an older ICOM I have used for years both in the 
shack at home, then mobile in car and now on boat.   I also use a manual 
antenna tuner.  Most installations I have seen use an automatic ant tuner 
but I perfer the manual type, largely because I use two antennas. This tuner 
allows me to switch between antennas without disconnecting either - they 
stay connected to the tuner all the time.

The main antenna is the insulated backstay.  The second is a "spyder" mobile 
antenna that is mounted on the port aft rail.  Band conditions and the 
actual band I'm on determine which antenna I use.  Usually the backstay.

The ground is 3" wide copper straping I bought at WM.  It is designed to 
connect (usually) an automatic tuner to the ground in the boat.  This 
straping is folded back and forth on itself to make up a approx 3' x 3' 
"blanket" of foil that I have attached to the aft inside compartment - under 
the helm, you access through the small opening in the aft cabin. I placed a 
rubber door mat over this foil to protect it.  Since I have a manuel tuner, 
I connected the shield of the coax to the foil grould and the center to the 
backstay.

The Spyder antenna uses the rail as the ground.

This arrangement has worked OK.  A ground plate mounted through the hull 
might be better but more expensive (much More) and requires a haul out to 
install.

Another Ham down the pier simply usues a mobile antenna on the aft railing 
and it seems to work well. If fact he takes it for boat to boat as he 
sometimes crews on other boats.  Last year he was able to use winlink 
(email) from Texas to Veracruz Mexico and back with no problems.

A lot depends on the radio you will be using.  I suggest you experiment a 
bit before going to the expense of the mounted plate and resulting holes.

You should considering contacting a local ham radio club - most clubs are 
happy to help others - expecially for a chance for a sail!

Fair Winds,

Bruce
S/V Reality

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