Will be installing a VHF whip antena on my mast this weekend. I would like to inquire about which type of splitter to use so that I can both connect a VHF Marine Radio and a regular AM/FM radio to the same antena. Both, Boat US and Outdoor World both carry these splitters, but can I get a regular splitter, like the one we use to split Cable TV. People, the difference in price between the Hardware Store and Boat US / BPS is material. I do not want to burn the radios, but if I can use a regular / generic splitter from Radio Shack or the hardware store, I would do so and save the $$. Thanking you in advance for your replies! Frank
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Seperate Antenna
Gordon West, marine electronics author, regularly advises against a splitter and recommends a simple automobile flexible antenna for the AM/FM which you can place in any out-of-the-way space. It does not need to be mounted outside. It is my arrangement. His advise stems from the degradation of the VHF signal that only gets worse with time. For what it's worth... Rick D.
Gordon West, marine electronics author, regularly advises against a splitter and recommends a simple automobile flexible antenna for the AM/FM which you can place in any out-of-the-way space. It does not need to be mounted outside. It is my arrangement. His advise stems from the degradation of the VHF signal that only gets worse with time. For what it's worth... Rick D.
What about the windex on the antena?
That makes sense..... Strive for simplicity {KSS} Keep it small, simple and separate. Do you think the Windex (Shown in picture below) in the antena will affect the antena performance?
That makes sense..... Strive for simplicity {KSS} Keep it small, simple and separate. Do you think the Windex (Shown in picture below) in the antena will affect the antena performance?
Don't go the Radio Shack route
Don't use a generic splitter! I don't know how much power your VHF transmitter is, but do you want 1/2 of that power going into the antenna of your AM/FM radio? Can your radio handle that abuse? I doubt it. Best thing to do is use a seperate antenna.
Don't use a generic splitter! I don't know how much power your VHF transmitter is, but do you want 1/2 of that power going into the antenna of your AM/FM radio? Can your radio handle that abuse? I doubt it. Best thing to do is use a seperate antenna.
VHF is a transmitter
cable TV splitters are not designed to protect against transmission. You will burn out your stereo if you connect it directly to the VHF. Pay the extra 20 bucks
cable TV splitters are not designed to protect against transmission. You will burn out your stereo if you connect it directly to the VHF. Pay the extra 20 bucks
I used a switch
I used a switch designed to allow two cb/vhf radios to use one antenna. Radio shack used to sell one and any good ham supply should have one. You just select vhf1 or vhf2. I used a TV set and VHF with this setup with no problems for about 10 years. Just have to remember where the switch is set before transmission.
I used a switch designed to allow two cb/vhf radios to use one antenna. Radio shack used to sell one and any good ham supply should have one. You just select vhf1 or vhf2. I used a TV set and VHF with this setup with no problems for about 10 years. Just have to remember where the switch is set before transmission.
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