vhf radio
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Antenna?
Sounds like you want to know if the antenna is working? It is possible to use a SWR (standing wave ratio) meter to verify the output and resonance of the antenna but if you don't know how, you could damage an otherwise functioning VHF. It's unlikely the antenna is broken - check all connections to make sure they are clean, tight and well soldered. Don
Sounds like you want to know if the antenna is working? It is possible to use a SWR (standing wave ratio) meter to verify the output and resonance of the antenna but if you don't know how, you could damage an otherwise functioning VHF. It's unlikely the antenna is broken - check all connections to make sure they are clean, tight and well soldered. Don
General rule. If you can hear the same ...
stations you heard when you knew the antenna was working right ... and you can hear those stations about the same ... the antenna is working ... Best bet is the weakest weather channel ... if it works the way it always works your antenna is probably the same as it always was. Or if you can hear the weather station as well from a boat next door, the antenna is also probably working. Anyway this is sort of how we do it in amateur radio after being licensed 50 years ... and not always carrying our MFJ 259B with us. When in doubt test at low power first. Vic "Seven" WW4OK
stations you heard when you knew the antenna was working right ... and you can hear those stations about the same ... the antenna is working ... Best bet is the weakest weather channel ... if it works the way it always works your antenna is probably the same as it always was. Or if you can hear the weather station as well from a boat next door, the antenna is also probably working. Anyway this is sort of how we do it in amateur radio after being licensed 50 years ... and not always carrying our MFJ 259B with us. When in doubt test at low power first. Vic "Seven" WW4OK
Radio check
1. Can you hear weather stations?
2. Depending on where you are, you can ask the guy a few boats down if he can hear you on low power, or maybe the operator at the local marina. Buy/borrow a handheld or a scanner and try the same thing. Try it at high power. 3. Call the bridge guy and ask him if he can hear you? ;D 4. They make a couple of kinds of power meters for VHF, one is a pretty simple SWR meter, and the other is a more complex<read ain't cheap> power meter. You can get these at a ham store or even on ebay, just remember its not for CB, its for VHF. Best to ask a ham buddy to help you with this. *5
1. Can you hear weather stations?
2. Depending on where you are, you can ask the guy a few boats down if he can hear you on low power, or maybe the operator at the local marina. Buy/borrow a handheld or a scanner and try the same thing. Try it at high power. 3. Call the bridge guy and ask him if he can hear you? ;D 4. They make a couple of kinds of power meters for VHF, one is a pretty simple SWR meter, and the other is a more complex<read ain't cheap> power meter. You can get these at a ham store or even on ebay, just remember its not for CB, its for VHF. Best to ask a ham buddy to help you with this. *5more info
Don Yes I am trying to get the old radio to work(it came with the boat) the last oner just bought a hand held . Where do you get a SWR meter. Radio shack ?
Don Yes I am trying to get the old radio to work(it came with the boat) the last oner just bought a hand held . Where do you get a SWR meter. Radio shack ?
SWR meter
Yes - you can find one at radio shack or any marine store will likely have one as well. They will run you at least $50 retail for a decent one which will show SWR as well as output power of the radio
Yes - you can find one at radio shack or any marine store will likely have one as well. They will run you at least $50 retail for a decent one which will show SWR as well as output power of the radio
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