Advice on VHF and antenna

[DeanMac]

I have done a little searching and reading past post on the forum.

I want to update radio on my new/old boat.

The existing antenna was mounted on the top of the boat side, the antenna is gone and the mount looks like it needs replacing, I just wanted to cover up the existing holes.

I have seen comments about an 8 foot digital antenna (I see some are powered and some not) and either a Icom or Standard Horizon radio

Any comments on which brand of antenna or radio and a good source to purchase each.

I intend on buying a base mount and hand held radio, I don't really want to skimp on safety equipment.

All help and comments will be appreciated.

[silverking]

ICOM definitely for the radio. I've owned both and the ICOM is the best, both in terms of quality and dependability. I've gone through 2 Standard handhelds and my next will be an ICOM to match my fixed mount.

You can shop around on the web and look for deals. Boater's World on-line has always had some, but there are plenty of others.

I was considering a digital antenna when I installed my ICOM fixed mount, but it's working so well with the existing whip antenna that I'll probably just stay with it. Guys who have gone the digital route haven't had any complaints, however. A lot depends on your mounting considerations (space, length, etc.)

Just remember, VHF is line of sight reception, so the taller the antenna, the better the reception. If you can mount either on the T-top or as high as you can, you be better off.

[Sea Dawg]

Well i have a Tram 38" 6db antenna mounted on the rail on console also have a uniden 625 vhf it does a great job all the bells and whisles

[What a mess]

I got a very long cable it is wraped up under the console held together with a wire tie. I felt like if I had to I could raise it up on the end of a long chunk of pvc I use fo a push pole. it can't be done quickly but I thought it would increase my range a bunch going up 15'.

[DeanMac]

Well i have a Tram 38" 6db antenna mounted on the rail on console also have a uniden 625 vhf it does a great job all the bells and whisles

good idea,

thanks guys,

My boat doesn't have a t-top and I don't plan on one at this time, will sure fit under a storage shed easier.

So my it appears the best place to mount would be in the old spot,

I don't see an issue unscrewing the antenna before I put it in the shed, so a 8 footer should not be an problme.

[slayer]

try here for some great prices...

http://www.bestboatingdeals.com/

Here is the antenna I bought

http://www.bestboatingdeals.com/product ... t-5101-6db

here is the same antenna at Bass pro

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/store ... 0001_16024

thats a difference of $21.54 for the same antenna!!!!!!

not spamming, just trying to pass along some good deals

[DeanMac]

Thanks Slayer

I saw that antenna at BPS the other day.

[qoutrage]

Mac, I could be wrong, but I believe the USCS still transmits in analog, and there is no such thing as a digital, as opposed to a analog, VHF marine antenna.
Now, there is a 'Digital Antenna' brand of marine VHF antennas.
In a search, I did find mention of the 'digital selective calling', which is a VHF radio feature, required of commercial vessels, and available to the public in most, if not all, newly manufactured VHF radios.
Also, I found an article, referencing the change of EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons) transmitters to digital, which are going from the analog (land based) frequencies of 121.5/243mhz to (satellite xmited) 406mhz.
To change over to digital transmitted signal would require a complete change in station transmitters(satellites), which is not likely to happen anytime soon.
It would also make all current marine VHF radios obsolete.
With that, I'd say, that 'Digital Antenna' brand antennas are really analog and have little or no better reception, than a Shakespeare or whatever, of the same Db(decibel) rating.
As has been said, vhf is a line of sight signal, and the higher above the water, the better range for the most part.

I offer the following reference sites, having researched the subject a few months ago, when I was trying to find if digital was better than analog in marine antennas, and again this morning.
http://www.ehow.com/how-does_4913089_vh ... -work.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Distress_radiobeacon
http://www.itworld.com/government/61201 ... og-digital (article about EPIRB frequency change. be sure and read the comment at the bottom.)
http://www.digitalantenna.com/
http://www.shakespeare-marine.com/ovr-antennas.asp
http://marineradiodirect.com/catalog/vh ... c-111.html (this site looks like a good place to compare features and prices, although you might find a better price at BW or West Marine.)

If you want to be as safe as possible, get yourself an EPIRB. They are expensive, but could save you from becoming a statistic, as in what happened to the 3 football players, that died in off Tampa/Sarasota about this time last year.

Not trying to be a wise guy with all the info. Just trying to clear up the digital vs analog question, and maybe, get you started on the right foot in buying an antenna and safety gear. Good luck.

edit - correct above urls

[Ranaman]

Dean I sent a link and coment via email! this is what I bought and love it!
http://www.consumersmarine.com/modperl/ ... 009&r=view

[Ranaman]

dup

[DeanMac]

Great information Qoutrage, thanks for sharing your research,

I guess I got confused and the digital was a brand name of antenna.

So Db rating is the key? I will check out the EPIRB

I sure don't want to be a statistic or skip on the safety stuff, the deep blue really scares me.


PS.
It suppose to snow tomorrow up at your cabin, forecast about 2"

[DeanMac]

Dean I sent a link and coment via email! this is what I bought and love it!
http://www.consumersmarine.com/modperl/ ... 009&r=view

Thanks

[qoutrage]

Yeah, it was confusing to me, too.
Television, going from analog to digital last year was what got me thinking about it. I kept expected to see where we would be required to have a new radio by a given date, as with the EPIRB this past year. I'm glad that ain't happening.
As for the snow in N GA..I would as soon forego the event, if you please. It's always pretty, though.

Again, good luck in getting your boat setup.

[DeanMac]

As for the snow in N GA..I would as soon forego the event, if you please. It's always pretty, though.

Again, good luck in getting your boat setup.

Maybe it will get me home early today, and I could use tomorrow off to refinish an old oak bed for the place South.

Thank you

[DeanMac]

Still cold as a witches T----, we started to school at 10 am but the roads are still iced over in places.

Where is Spring?