View Full Version : antennas
muddog
08-07-2002, 09:04 PM
I know it has been discussed on here but i am buying an icon 45 marine radio and would like to get the right antenna to go with it, but im lost. how long? fiber or stainless? brand?etc?
MUDDOG
Mud: You need to think about where you want to mount it, where are you going to use it. I like the shorter version, but it's a personal preference. I don't like to have it in the way when there is a "fish on". I like a flexable one that unscrews and stows easily. If tuned properly a Maxrad Base Loaded 46" does a very good job, about $50 for mount and antenna. Some of the guys on the board here have them and like the way they work. You can get them at most Two-way radio shops. If you want the 8'er, then most marine stores have them, West Marine, Cabela's, Bass Pro Shops have them. Get the $100 one if thats the way you want to go, the cheap ones aren't as good as claimed. Talk to someone, or get help from someone who's installed one if you are not electroniclly inclined. Good LUCK COMMUNICATING...Kaz
muddog
08-08-2002, 05:22 PM
Kaz,
Thanks. I have a 17ft Targa,walk tru windsheild ,am thinking of mounting on the consol in front of the windshield to the side.
is there any advantage to getting an 8 or 10 ft antenna i think i read where 10 is the best. But is it just overkill? Also can i just hook the radio to the antenna and use it or do i need to have someone check it with an SWR meter first? Is maxrad the brand name? and what is loaded ?Im not very electronicly inclined thats why i ask here cause there are great people who know a lot more than i do.
Muddog
muddog
08-08-2002, 05:25 PM
I forgot to mention ,i will be useing it mostly lakes in Pennsylvainia also Erie maybe Chesapeke, although last 2 not very often.
Finaddict
08-08-2002, 07:15 PM
The higher the antenna the more distance you get. The eight footer should be perfect for all your needs. You'll have to solder the conector to the ant wire after you run the cable but after that you can just screw it on the radio. Just follow the directions seems harder than it really is.
Mud: If you go with an 8'er, then you should be able to just solder the PL 259 connector to the coax and be on the air. However it is always best to check the output to see, of you are in fact, putting out full power, (25 watts). Sometimes ever though I have put many connectors on, I have shorted the center lead to ground. The SWR meter will tell you that, as an antenna such as an 8'er uses a internal matching device which will show a short when tested with a ohm meter.... Maxrad is a brand name.. 10'ers are just 8'ers with a 2' extention.. You can also get 4' and 8' extentions.. Be sure you check where the longer antenna will lay so not to extend past either the bow or stern of your boat. It's a problem if you use a travel cover.. Don't coil the excess coax as it will act as a balun and inter-react to give a high SWR cutting the power back. Just stuff it out of the way!! If you are just looking for 10/15 mile coverage to other boats, I'd go with a base loaded,(coil on the bottom) Maxrad, as it is flexable, stows easily, can be tuned, (a little extra trimming of the whip with a SWR meter) and gives very good range. I'm sure there is a Two-way shop that can help you in PA. Good LUCK SELECTING AN ANTENNA....Kaz