Now that CW seems a part of history (for some), if you are a HAM operator, what antenna advise, preference of HF radio & "ground" options would you offer this new owner of a 8.5m JUBILEE?
HF HAM Radio Licensed Operators
- Thread starter Mick K8MIC
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I'm not familiar with your boat so can speak only in generalities. Only you can decidw which radio fits your space, budget and op needs so I'll leave that to others who may have a personal favorite. The counterpoise is the single most important item. No antenna will work well without a good design. If you have good access to the hull interior, run as much copper foil as possible and connect it with foil or coax braid to whatever tuner you get. The only comment I'd make re tuners is stay away from the SGC variety. They are prone to alot more problems than other contemporary auto-tuners. Ideally, a top loaded sloper is best but that requires good quality RG213 or better to the top of the mast and possibly more maintenance of connections high up. A compromise is a bottom fed sloper from the mast to transom. A lot of anologies can be made to automobile antenna feed systems so I'd suggest you read up on mobile antenna and grounding systems. Same counterpoise, tuner and elec noise issues as cars... I'm not sure how far offshore you plan to go but that would make a huge difference in terms of how much effort you put into the installation. 73, Don K1VSK
I'm not familiar with your boat so can speak only in generalities. Only you can decidw which radio fits your space, budget and op needs so I'll leave that to others who may have a personal favorite. The counterpoise is the single most important item. No antenna will work well without a good design. If you have good access to the hull interior, run as much copper foil as possible and connect it with foil or coax braid to whatever tuner you get. The only comment I'd make re tuners is stay away from the SGC variety. They are prone to alot more problems than other contemporary auto-tuners. Ideally, a top loaded sloper is best but that requires good quality RG213 or better to the top of the mast and possibly more maintenance of connections high up. A compromise is a bottom fed sloper from the mast to transom. A lot of anologies can be made to automobile antenna feed systems so I'd suggest you read up on mobile antenna and grounding systems. Same counterpoise, tuner and elec noise issues as cars... I'm not sure how far offshore you plan to go but that would make a huge difference in terms of how much effort you put into the installation. 73, Don K1VSK
Try QRZ.com
You might go to the Ham info site QRZ.com and pose the question on the forum there. As was said, most applications of mobile Ham antennas will work on your SV. You can even haul up a "coax" antenna on your main halyard for some frequencies. As far as transceivers, the folks on cruisen sites such as sailnet.com can probably give you their experiences for equipment selection and bands to use. Good luck. 73'
You might go to the Ham info site QRZ.com and pose the question on the forum there. As was said, most applications of mobile Ham antennas will work on your SV. You can even haul up a "coax" antenna on your main halyard for some frequencies. As far as transceivers, the folks on cruisen sites such as sailnet.com can probably give you their experiences for equipment selection and bands to use. Good luck. 73'
One way
We use the Hustler mobile antenna on our Cat 30 here in Mexico. Also connected is a hard drawn copper wire, insulated at both ends, running from the stern pulpit to the top of the mast. These are fed with coax and we use a manual tuner. Our ground is a counterpoise consisting of our pulpits and lifelines. No split backstay, no copper foil on bottom of hull. SWR on all marine and ham bands is extremely low. WE run 100 watts, usually less. We connect regularly on PACTOR to do internet mail with 15 watts. This system is a result of lots of experimentation (you know hams) and alternative systems. With the manual tuner you can see the results of messing around and load up practically anything. The only limitations we have found is the noise level in a marina from all the surrounding electronics on adjacent boats (then everybody experiences that). Keep asking around and keep a skeptical eye towards those who just want to sell you something. Best you understand your electronics completely as there are no repair facilities or technical advisors out there. Jack N1IY
We use the Hustler mobile antenna on our Cat 30 here in Mexico. Also connected is a hard drawn copper wire, insulated at both ends, running from the stern pulpit to the top of the mast. These are fed with coax and we use a manual tuner. Our ground is a counterpoise consisting of our pulpits and lifelines. No split backstay, no copper foil on bottom of hull. SWR on all marine and ham bands is extremely low. WE run 100 watts, usually less. We connect regularly on PACTOR to do internet mail with 15 watts. This system is a result of lots of experimentation (you know hams) and alternative systems. With the manual tuner you can see the results of messing around and load up practically anything. The only limitations we have found is the noise level in a marina from all the surrounding electronics on adjacent boats (then everybody experiences that). Keep asking around and keep a skeptical eye towards those who just want to sell you something. Best you understand your electronics completely as there are no repair facilities or technical advisors out there. Jack N1IY
Thanks K1IY
Noted and appreciated. As we get closer to taking JUBILEE off the "hard", I'll study your recommendations more closely. HAPPY NEW YEAR!
73 k8mic
Noted and appreciated. As we get closer to taking JUBILEE off the "hard", I'll study your recommendations more closely. HAPPY NEW YEAR!
73 k8micThanks John KB3KEM
I appreciate your remarks ... I've checked out QRZ.com and will chat a couple of their other sailors. HAPPY NEW YEAR 73 mick k8mic
I appreciate your remarks ... I've checked out QRZ.com and will chat a couple of their other sailors. HAPPY NEW YEAR
73 mick k8micThanks Don ... k1vsk
As a big lover of your part of the country, and a frequent visitor over the years, I appreciate your help ... especially your last sentence. HAPPY NEW YEAR! 73 mick k8mic
As a big lover of your part of the country, and a frequent visitor over the years, I appreciate your help ... especially your last sentence. HAPPY NEW YEAR! 73 mick k8mic
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