[C320-list] VHF Antenna Questions

[Bruce Heyman]

Hi Jeff,
If you have a portable i'd send some one ashore with it and have them keep walking until the portable is hearing the boat scratchy.
Then go down below and use the built in mic and see if it is better.  That will eliminate the remote mike and corroded mic wires as a possibility.
To test the antenna system you really need a viswar meeter and a 50 ohm load.  Got any HAM friends?  Maybe something that should be in the associations loaner box.

Bruce Heyman (949) 289-8400

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
>