[C320-list] Antenna Problems

[Jeff Hare]

Some things to note. 

1). You'll often be able to hear transmissions that you can't reach when transmitting.  The coast guard and others with higher/better (larger) antennas will be able to transmit farther. 

2) Check for corrosion at the connection to the back of the radio and where it connects to the antenna.  

3). Hook up an SWR meter to see if your antenna load impedance matches your transmitter.  If the impedance isn't matched, max transmission power transfer can't happen. 

Since these are installed at commissioning time,  there MAY be connections anywhere beteewn the radio and the antenna.  I have connections at the base of the mast. 

Also check that the antenna rod is straight and has no kinks in it.  I've seen one antenna bent with an offset shape by the yard at commissioning to avoid a masthead wind gauge.  (Boneheads). 

Aside from that, there could be a short in the antenna's loading coil but the SWR test will help detect this. 

That's all I can think of offhand, but my suspicion is case #1 above. 

-Jeff 



------Original Message------
From: Peggy Penridge
Sender: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
ReplyTo: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Antenna Problems
Sent: Oct 22, 2009 6:14 PM

Yes!!!!

-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of dickwalker
Sent: Thursday, October 22, 2009 5:46 PM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Antenna Problems

Have you checked and made sure you arte using Hi-Power?

Most VHF radio's have a low (5 watts) and High (25 watts?.

Cheers,
 
Dick Walker
WindWalker II
C-320 #687
619-435-8986
-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Peggy Penridge
Sent: Thursday, October 22, 2009 1:31 PM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: [C320-list] Antenna Problems

Anyone have issues with their VHF antenna?  We can receive well, but
transmission range is limited. Have checked radio and replaced.  Is there a
typical problem encountered after some time and in a specific area of
antenna connections---or chafing area?

Peggy Penridge
Wetted Bliss
#441