SSB Antenna Installation

[Xaris]

I am preparing to install a new single side band radio in my 2004 Hunter 41.

Does anyone have experience with installing an antenna on one of the shrouds? If so, what antenna did you use, and what has been its performance?

Also, I am researching a counterpoise (ground plane) approach for the Hunter 41 and would appreciate any experience and input you might have.

Finally, does anyone know what the length of the shrouds on the Hunter 41?

Thanks,
Xaris (Art)

 

[mitswerdna]

Also have questions about this...

<bump>

I also have questions about the feasibility of installing an SSB antenna in a shroud or really any other acceptable solution with a B&R rig.

 

[RichH]

You might want to consider a split lead folded dipole that fits over and around your shroud, requires NO insulators, nor alterations to the standing wire, etc.

Although these are designed for boats with traditional backstays, I would see no technical reason why one could not be fitted over a cap shroud on a B&R ... simply cutting/altering the polyethylene 'center attachment tube' to allow passage around the spreader tips. I use such a GAM on a backstay, 'grounded' to a copper foil field affixed to the interior surface of the hull + large 'dynaplates', etc. and I have had excellent reception/propagation for many thousands of miles on SSB, and HF, ... and with less 'atmospherics' than with a standard backstay antenna with swaged insulators.
The only 'danger'/safety issue I would perceive here is that any possibility of a crew member coming in contact with a bare chainplate, etc. while the antenna is 'actively transmitting' and thus that crew member getting burned, would have to be addressed.

If interested in such a non-permanent and fairly easy installed and easy removable antenna, I suggest contact with the GAM/McKinn manufacturer to verify applicability to one of the 'cap shrouds' of a B&R. The only attachment hassles, I perceive, would be keeping keeping the split 'slip-on' center portion attached where it would necessarily have to traverse the fore/aft portion of a spreader end ... as standard tie-wraps/wire ties are highly subject to UV degradation.

http://gamelectronicsinc.com/products/gam-mckim-split-lead-antenna/

 

[Chief RA]

Havn't worked with SSB in some years so found it interesting about this newer no insulators folded dipole marine concept. With propagation/reception so close to the mast and other shrouds wouldn't your 360 capabilities be hampered? Chief

 

[RichH]

Since there is minimal RF coupling to the 'support wire', as the active portion of the antenna wires are electrically insulated from the rigging, if there is any propagation deduct due the mast, it would be minimal as the mast and rigging physical lengths would be at a far different frequency response (mostly). At least thats my 'supposition and impression' from long term usage on the backstay - Ive never experienced any 'blind spots' due to RF energizing of the mast and other standing rigging. Im sure that there is some RF coupling, etc. with the mast, etc. (hence my safety concern in the previous post - and which is prudent for all HF radio usage), but Ive never experienced 'noticeable' directional signal degradation from it .... "all 5 by 5" @ 360°.

 

[Chief RA]

My experience tells me that radiation or reception pattern diffusion would be more pronounced the closer to the mast your ant. is positioned. Hope it will perform well.
Thanks, Chief

 

[RichH]

True, but such an antenna system is only ~34 ft. long and most masts (above the coach roof) are in the range of ~55ft. leaving an approximate 20ft. of wire uncovered as it intercepts with the mast. The wire (cap or back) at an approx. 10-12° intercept angle to the mast would have the top of the antenna at about 4+ft. from the mast ... well within the distance range at which coupling is minimized (guesstimate).
The same would apply to swaged/insulator single wire (non dipole) antenna systems but with a closer (top) distance to the mast due to the longer antenna; and, those antenna systems also have minimal 'shadow effects' vs. propagation due to the mast.

 

[Chief RA]

I'd say some shadow effect but no big deal on a boat. Just change boat direction if signal problem develops! Chief

 

[ice breaker]

I would talk to hunter as I am pretty sure that a ground plane ans SSB were factory options.

 

[Hunter voyager]

I installed SSB on my Hunter 34.
I didnt have much time so I just put up a long wire antenna from the stern rail up to the mast head with insulators a foot from each end. The wire was 14swg electrical cable with pvc insulation. I tensioned it with a cord from the lower insulator to the rail.
I used a short length of coax from the ATU and left the screen unconnected at the antenna end. The conductor was connected to the antenna wire with a small rigging clamp and taped over.
For the counterpoise I used the guardwires. Just connected the RF ground to a stanchion base.
The result was excellent. Outperforming most of the other installations to such an extent that I was operating a net twice a day coming across the Atlantic with clear signals to UK and America and relaying messages for the other boats.
Maybe I was just lucky but worth a try.