Splitting a VHF antenna cable

[tcbro]

I would like to add a VHF radio in my cockpit. I already have a working radio below but I can't use it when sailing. I'm tired of replacing the batteries in my handheld every day plus they have a limited range. There are some very reasonably priced VHF radios out there but I don't want to add a second antenna. Is there some sort of "splitter" available that will allow 2 VHF radios to be connected to 1 antenna? I know I can buy a brand new radio that has a remote microphone but the radios with that capability are not the inexpensive ones and the remote mics cost as much as some complete VHF's cost. Besides, I already have 1 good radio, I don't want to buy 2 more. Has anybody out there successfully done this?Toms/v Orion's Child

 

[patrick]

Coax switch is expensive too

Shakespeare Style AS-2 Automatic Coaxial Switch $79.95This innovative switch toggles two radios to one antenna. It mounts out of the way, because you don't have to get at it to use it. When you key the microphone on one of the radios, it switches the antenna to it. Automatically. The radio stays locked onto the antenna until the automatic switch detects a transmit signal from the other radio. Easy!OR manually switchCS-2 Two-way Coaxial Switch $40.95If you have two radios and one antenna, or two antennas for one radio, this switch lets you choose which one is connected.There are others which are cheaper and there are also products which will allow you to use the VHF antenna for receiving FM broadcast radio signals.

 

[JC on Bainbridge]

Just use only one active at a time

A much easier way to do what you want. Just run an extension cable from your existing main cabin VHF to the cockpit.When you want to activate the cabin VHF, hook the antenna cable to that one. When you want to activate the cockpit VHF, connect the antenna cable to the extension cable, and the extension to the cockpit VHF. Or just connect the extension to the handheld VHF, and use rechargeable batteries in the handheld.It is not elegant, but cheap, and it works great.

 

[Rob19574]

Extension Mic

I always thought it would be neat if they sold an extension device that splits the mic output and adds a second plug for an additional mic. then you could permantly wire that one up to the cockpit. Then you can also install an external VHF speaker in the cockpit.If your handy, you could figure out how to wire this up and mount it so it looks like a prefessional installation!Rob

 

[Don]

other sources

there are a number of sources for coax switches which will do what you want with negligible insertion loss compared with the typical marine brands, e.g., shakespeare, which is WAY overprices. You can buy a small coax switch at any ham radio supply place, most of whci advertize on the internet including HRO, AES, Burkhart, etc. for $15 or less. They are traditionally designed to switch one radio among various antennas but you can do the reverse with no problem.Don

 

[Pat]

VHF Xtension

If your are going to purchase another VHF/FM radio why not get the new romote command mic/speaker option offered by Standard Horizion, Icom, Uniden, or West Marine. Mount your radio below and run the com-mic into the cockpit. There are two types of com-mics: a)wireless b)wired. If you're really lucky the radio you now have will already be equiped with the remote mic option and all you will have to buy is the mic.Most of the remote mic/speakers allow you to operate all radio functions from the mic in the cockpit (including power on/off as well as DSC functions). This is far more desirable (as well as simpler) then a second radio with co-ax switchers, and has the added benefit of a cockpit hand held but with the power and range of the fix mounted VHF. However, you should still carry a handheld portable.

 

[tcbro]

Thanks,Guys

I think I'll look for one of those manual antenna cable swithes. That's exactly what I had in mind. Thanks again for all your help,Toms/v Orion's Child

 

[patrick]

Now that I think about it,

I think that there are at least two kinds of manual switches. I forgot to mention this before. One just switches the coax center conductors and leaves the unused one open (SPDT). The other kind will not only switch the center conductor but will also ground the unused side. Grounding the unused side will serve to protect the receiver in the unused circuit when you transmit with the other unit. The down side of this grounding switch is that you might damage the transmitter if you transmit while the switch is grounding that side. Ie: the switch is in the wrong position. That is the main justification for using an automatic switch. It does these two functions (switching to the transmitter in use and grounding the unused side)and you do not need to concern yourself with a manual switch.I guess that all of this just leads me to suggest a remote mike unit. That will eliminate all of these antenna switch considerations. My old radio with a remote mike had an intercom function so I could talk to the galley slave and ask for food and drink without leaving the helm. I should note that it was not always effective for that purpose. For that to work properly requires a different technique.