VHF/FM Antenna Query

[ScourgeOfTheHudson]

Hi all,

In trying to find the bright side in all this insanity of our new "normal", I'm really trying to buckle down on getting Thistle Dew ready for the water. I plan on relocating the antenna (3db) to the mast, but was wondering if I should look into a splitter possibly to use it for fm as well, or just run a separate mini antenna for it?
as usual, please forgive my ignorance if I'm totally overboard here.

 

[dlochner]

What is the FM reception like in your area? A simple FM like this one from Scout might work well enough. If not, then spring for the much more expensive splitter. The splitter goes a the radio end of the antenna cable, so it can be easily add later.

Or just use a cell phone app and stream the stations to your stereo. On the Hudson you should be within cell range most of the time.

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

While some have never experienced a problem using a spitter, they can and do fail and when that happens, it does so with no indication jeopardizing your VHF both in terms of overloard from transmitting into no load (antenna) or inability to call for help or render help because the radio simply stops working. If you can avoid using one, that would be the wisest choice and if you can't, good luck.

 

[ScourgeOfTheHudson]

thanks for the reply. I figured id try the splitter just to keep the holes topside minimized, but perhaps I'll try a small puck style antenna first to save a dollar. still trying to figure out the wiring too. ugh. lol