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

[Pat Tyler]

Barry,
What I did was since the transmission line was already ran to the aft rail I 
soldered a piced of #10 wire to the center conductor about 6" long.  I then 
used a stainless clamp that fit around the backstay placing the #10 wire 
inside the clamp.  During the first 5 or 6 months I constantly checked the 
connection to make sure I wouldn't have any problems.  It's been about two 
years now and no problems.  I left the mount for the ham stick installed 
with quick disconnects so I can switch back should the need arise.  Real 
simple and works fine.  No, I don't need to change the position for 
different bands just retune.  I'm currently watching e-bay trying to pick up 
an auto tuner for the 706, but the MFJ941 works fine.  It's just getting 
old.
Pat
Jannie T #834

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Barry Fahrer" <bfahrer at lisurveyor.com>
To: "C320-List" <c320-list at catalina320.com>
Sent: 03/29/2007 2:51 PM
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Ham radio (or SSB) antenna


>I would be interested to find out where you taped in to the back stay.  Do 
>you have to change the load point for different bands?
> Thanks;
> BARRY, KQ2G --... ...--
> C-320 # 126
> GLEN COVE LINY
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Pat Tyler" <ptyler4 at sc.rr.com>
> To: "C320-List" <c320-list at catalina320.com>
> Sent: Thursday, March 29, 2007 1:21 PM
> Subject: Re: [C320-list] Ham radio (or SSB) antenna
>
>
>> Sounds like a good setup Bruce.  I use a Icom 706 MK II with a manual 
>> tuner also.  First I tried a hamstick on the aft rail.  It worked ok but 
>> I decided to try just connecting the center conductor from the coax 
>> directly to the backstay.  (Not Insualted)  Works great.  A friend of 
>> mine with an Island Packet used this set up and told me about it.  Tunes 
>> on all bands with little effort and I get excellent signal reports.  Easy 
>> install.
>> Pat
>> W4DAG
>> Jannie T #834
>>
>> ----- Original Message ----- 
>> From: "Bruce Walters" <brucewalt at msn.com>
>> To: <c320-list at catalina320.com>
>> Sent: 03/29/2007 9:47 AM
>> 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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>>
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>>
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