[C320-list] VHF Antenna Questions

[Chris Burti]

Jeff,
Lightning got our radio same vintage, mic was disconnected, may still have
it.


On Wed, May 14, 2014 at 1:00 PM, Jeff Hare <Catalina at thehares.com> wrote:

> Hi All,
>
>
>
> My Radio Theory is a bit rusty, so hopefully the wisdom of the crowd will
> help me through this.
>
> We have a Standard Horizon Intrepid with a remote RAM Mic. Mounted in the
> cockpit.  We also have our GPS (via NMEA) connected.  Original Equipment
> installed in 2000 by the dealer.
>
>
>
> In a few instances last season, our local bridge operator indicated that we
> weren't transmitting very clearly.  We don't have any problems receiving
> and
> it's usually clear and easy to understand.  Our bridge is on channel 13 (a
> low power channel) but I would expect that from a few hundred yards, this
> should be a non-issue (and never was in the past).
>
>
>
> I heard that if the Standard Horizon radio sees an antenna SWR mismatch
> problem, it won't transmit full power (or at all), but may receive just
> fine.  I don't know this for sure.
>
>
>
> So.. I have a new antenna anyway and want to diagnose the problem as best I
> can before I'm at the top of the mast putting on the new antenna.  There
> could be connector corrosion problems, grounding problems, antenna load
> coil
> could have gotten water damaged, etc.
>
>
>
> I have a connection at the base of the mast before the compression tube,
> and
> of course, a connections at the mast and radio.  I don't have an VHF SWR
> meter (Might be a good toolbox item?).   Any guidance on how to best
> diagnose this problem?
>
>
>
> I don't mind going up the mast, but going up several times.. Yea, my crew
> will mutiny.
>
>
>
> -Jeff Hare
>
> #809 Woodbine II
>
>


-- 
Chris Burti
Farmville, NC