I have an Apelco VHF mounted in the nav station with a remote speaker in the cockpit. A Raymarine handheld is kept near the helm. Of course the handheld has nowhere near the range of the fixed VHF below. Instead of replacing the [perfectly good] Apleco VHF, I would like to install a second fixed VHF at the helm connected in such a way to share the mast top antenna. Is there an adapter or junction/splitter type device which will allow both VHFs to be on at the same time (not transmitting, of course) and share a common antenna without manual switching or other intervention?
Sharing a VHF antenna
- Thread starter Kailani
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splitter cont...It pays to shop around
Went to Defender.com. Here's the same vhf splitter, Shakespeare A2, found at west marine. price is $54.99 plus shipping, no tax. West Marine's price is $ 79.99, plus shipping, no tax. That's $25 bucks I just saved you, my friend. WEST MARINE = BIG BROTHER My maxim regarding boat gear shopping is: 1) Always check with the factory first (if you own a Catalina, anyway). 2) Unless you need it today, shop around, especially online, before going to West Marine.
Went to Defender.com. Here's the same vhf splitter, Shakespeare A2, found at west marine. price is $54.99 plus shipping, no tax. West Marine's price is $ 79.99, plus shipping, no tax. That's $25 bucks I just saved you, my friend. WEST MARINE = BIG BROTHER My maxim regarding boat gear shopping is: 1) Always check with the factory first (if you own a Catalina, anyway). 2) Unless you need it today, shop around, especially online, before going to West Marine.
Go Automatic
My recollection is that the two to one manual does not have a load when it is switched to the other radio. In other words, if you key the one that is not hooked to the antenna, it blows the radio. That will, of course, happen. As a result, I had a four way split installed to replace the two way. The second antenna was an emergency antenna, so both radios were always hooked to an antenna. Later, I replaced the emergency antenna with a rail mount. Then, I had a lot of flexibility. However, I don't find that available anymore. I got it from Boat US. So, the next best thing is the automatic switching unit. Rick D.
My recollection is that the two to one manual does not have a load when it is switched to the other radio. In other words, if you key the one that is not hooked to the antenna, it blows the radio. That will, of course, happen. As a result, I had a four way split installed to replace the two way. The second antenna was an emergency antenna, so both radios were always hooked to an antenna. Later, I replaced the emergency antenna with a rail mount. Then, I had a lot of flexibility. However, I don't find that available anymore. I got it from Boat US. So, the next best thing is the automatic switching unit. Rick D.
Sharing the Antenna!
Kailani, We have a Icom fixed VHF at the helm and newer Raymarine VHF at the chart table below. They are both connected to the masthead antenna via a Shakespear A2 automatic switch. Keying the mike captures the antenna. It workes fine for all but the hardcore cruisers who want maximum range from both VHFs. Be aware that there is small signal loss of about 1.0 to 1.2 dbs. Jon McClain
Kailani, We have a Icom fixed VHF at the helm and newer Raymarine VHF at the chart table below. They are both connected to the masthead antenna via a Shakespear A2 automatic switch. Keying the mike captures the antenna. It workes fine for all but the hardcore cruisers who want maximum range from both VHFs. Be aware that there is small signal loss of about 1.0 to 1.2 dbs. Jon McClain
Manual 2-Position Cavity Switch with Lightning Pro
Use this coax cable switch to operate two radios with one antenna, or one radio from two antennas. Unused terminals are always grounded (so you don’t blow your output if you accidentally key the un-used radio mike). Less than 0.2 dB insertion loss. Manual 2-Position Cavity Switch with Lightning Protection (MFJ): MFJ #1702C ($24.95) http://www.lentinicomm.com/shopping/pricelist.asp?prid=1803 Buy here MFJ #1702C ($34.95) http://www.visradio.com/cata/mfjcat/page-10-11.htm See Photo Here Daiwa #CS201A (I’m not familiar /w this similar Switch) http://www.nevadaradio.co.uk/acatalog/switches.html Shakespeare #AS-2 (Automatic - requires 0.2A, 12VDC power supply) List $74.95 http://www.shakespeare-marine.com/news/newas-2.htm HTH Gord
Use this coax cable switch to operate two radios with one antenna, or one radio from two antennas. Unused terminals are always grounded (so you don’t blow your output if you accidentally key the un-used radio mike). Less than 0.2 dB insertion loss. Manual 2-Position Cavity Switch with Lightning Protection (MFJ): MFJ #1702C ($24.95) http://www.lentinicomm.com/shopping/pricelist.asp?prid=1803 Buy here MFJ #1702C ($34.95) http://www.visradio.com/cata/mfjcat/page-10-11.htm See Photo Here Daiwa #CS201A (I’m not familiar /w this similar Switch) http://www.nevadaradio.co.uk/acatalog/switches.html Shakespeare #AS-2 (Automatic - requires 0.2A, 12VDC power supply) List $74.95 http://www.shakespeare-marine.com/news/newas-2.htm HTH Gord
Appreciate all the research
Assuming the Shakespeare A2 switches fast enough so as not to damage the transcievers, it appears to be the correct option. It did not show up on Shakespeare's web site when I looked for a solution prior to this post. Thanks again to Joe, Rick, Jon & Gord.
Assuming the Shakespeare A2 switches fast enough so as not to damage the transcievers, it appears to be the correct option. It did not show up on Shakespeare's web site when I looked for a solution prior to this post. Thanks again to Joe, Rick, Jon & Gord.
Shakespear A2
I used the A2 on a previous boat to switch between two VHF rigs. The A2 is indeed fast enough to switch rigs without damage. A friend also uses one to switch between his helm mouted VHF and the one at the nav station. Rodney S/V Sashay SF Bay
I used the A2 on a previous boat to switch between two VHF rigs. The A2 is indeed fast enough to switch rigs without damage. A friend also uses one to switch between his helm mouted VHF and the one at the nav station. Rodney S/V Sashay SF Bay
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