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

[Lachance, Michael B (ISD, IT)]

Bruce, 
Thanks! I don't believe this topic has yet been addressed in Mainsheet.
Please consider turning this email into a little technical article for
the 320 section. Our mainsheet editor Rod Boer is always looking for
articles - even if they are just 2-3 paragraphs.
Mike LaChance
Commodore 320IA

-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Bruce Walters
Sent: Thursday, March 29, 2007 9:48 AM
To: c320-list at catalina320.com
Subject: [C320-list] Ham radio (or SSB) antenna


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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