[C320-list] VHF Antenna Questions

[Jeff Hare]

Thanks Everyone who responded to my VHF pleas for help.

Great Points!

* I didn't check whether the interior Mic works better than the RAM mic.
* Get a handheld VHF and test the Reception.
* Find a swr meter to test the load balance
* Connectors might be a problem.  I have pulled/replaced the radio once or
twice so I'll check them all.
* I heard from another person that their antenna load coil had moisture in
it and failed.

So, I have my work cut out for me, but I'm sure I'll get it fixed without
too much pain.  

Thanks!
-Jeff Hare

-----Original Message-----
From: C320-list [mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf
Of Bronwen Young
Sent: Wednesday, May 14, 2014 10:45 PM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] VHF Antenna Questions

Jeff,

  We bought a Standard Horizon 2150 last year and wired it in this spring
[the old B&G didn't have MMSI or AIS, etc.]  The old radio had poor
reception.  The new one had NO reception.  I replaced all the connectors on
the coax all the way up to the antenna.  Cut off the corroded last foot of
the coax and then got a new antenna.

  I was the issue.  When I put on the connector that goes into the back of
the radio, I inadvertently bent back two small strands before I soldered in
the central wire.  It of course was grounded out.

  Now we have great reception!

This doesn't sound like it is related to your problem.  But, just be careful
while you are playing with everything.
Everything that was exposed was corroded, but I only had to remove the last
foot of the coax because it goes uphill from the base of the antenna.
We do not have a remote mic, preferring to have the radio right next to the
GPS on the pedestal.

Good luck.

Eric & Bronwen Young
FanaSea, #198=