VHF antenna questions???

[slayer]

has anbody tried the TRAM series of vhf antenna??? specifically the TRAM 1600HC model???

advertised as 6db of gain/quick disconnects....has a 3' still whip

was thinking of mounting it on the side of my console at the top....that would put it about 6 or 7' above the water on my bay boat....

http://www.beachaudio.com/product_image ... s_id=70443

http://www.beachaudio.com/Tram/1600-Hc-p-70443.html


any input would be appreciated

[Steve Stinson]

I haven't ever tried that brand of antenna, but I know they work on line-of-sight signal only. If you go with a shorter antenna, you will shorten the range of the radio signal. Also, I mounted a 8' Shakespear antenna on a bayboat using the kit provided, and had a lot of trouble with the radio until I soldered the connector to the coax cable.

Good luck with it.
- Steve

[Redfin]

Shakespeare Galaxy 8ft!

On my t-top i can get Keaton Beach Marina from 10 miles behind and out from Wakulla Reef---
Solder your connection as Steve said-

[seatrout99]

Never heard of that Brand. May be a helluva deal at $18.99. At that price you could afford to buy it and check it out.

Shakespeare's version of that antenna is the 5240R. I have one on my skiff. Runs about $50 to $60. I can talk to Keaton Beach Marina from the birdrack at St. Marks with no problem. Never have any problems talking to SeaTow from anywhere.

Shakespeare Galaxy 8 ft. is the best buy for the money.

Digital is also very good.

[tin can]

Look at the 4' Digital. 4.5 db gain. Best reception out there for a short antenna.

http://www.digitalantenna.com/prods/vhfantenna_4.html

[jsuber]

I have an ICOM M34 Handheld and I can hear Mayport Sea Tow give radio checks, and hear St Pete Coast Guard Station looking for a man down, but when I'm on the water around Shellpoint, I can transmit to Panacea Marina, Shellpoint, and St Marks. My transmission is limited to line of site at 5 watts.