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Author	Topic:   Broken radio antenna
spotsnspecks	posted 07-23-2003 08:06 AM ET (US)         I am in the process of replacing my tired VHF and in taking the old unit out I noticed my antenna is cracked. I can get the case replaced with no problem and little cost. The wire/cable inside the antenna is suspect. There are sections that look corroded. Can this be replaced? Will it come with the new unit? What kind of cable is it (coax?). Thanks.
spotsnspecks	posted 07-23-2003 06:45 PM ET (US)             OK here's a quick fix if anyone else has this problem. Slip an old fishing rod (stripped of all thread and eyes)or a broken blank from your local rod builder, over the area that is splintered/broken. Use some epoxy to seal it up. Paint it white. Voila, just like new. The wire inside looks to be coax and I was told it would come with a new unit. Done deal and cheaper than buying a new one.
Dick	posted 07-23-2003 10:16 PM ET (US)             The primary reason for installing a VHF is for emergency purposes. If I get in trouble I want an antenna that works not one that may. Treat your new radio to a new antenna, you may be glad you did but I hope you never get into that situation. Dick
spotsnspecks	posted 07-23-2003 11:16 PM ET (US)             Thanks for the reply Dick. I guess part of going through a restoration (compulsive addiction) is learning what makes things on your boat work. This little exercise allowed me to "disect" my antenna and see what was in the shell. I am going to be spending a nice little chunk o' change on a VHF so why scrimp on the antenna right. Kind of like putting cheapo oil in a brand new engine or Sears cheapo tires on a BMW or a broken battery charger for new batteries or..... well. I get the message/idea. I didn't realize antenna's were as cheap as they are so I will take your advice and buy a new one, have a spare just in case and take comfort in knowing how this thing works. I can easily fall into paralysis by analysis but am mature enough (finally) to accept good advice and K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple Stupid). Thanks for getting me back on track.
triblet	posted 07-24-2003 10:30 AM ET (US)             There are $40 antennas and there are $100 antennas. The more expensive ones will last longer in the sun and will have a longer coax (20' vs 15'), and may work slightly better. Chuck
spotsnspecks	posted 07-24-2003 06:01 PM ET (US)             And as Chuck points out. You get what you pay for. Thanks again folks.
Sal DiMercurio	posted 07-24-2003 06:53 PM ET (US)             Your radio is only as good as the antenna to broadcast & recieve. Just keep in the back of your mind, it may just save your life, so do "NOT" scrimp on the antenna. You say your going to be dumping alotta dough on the radio ? Hell you can buy a top of the line "Icom" for $200 & a decent antenna for $80.00 - $100.00 Believe me, if you ever really need to contact someone for help, you will wish you bought the very, very best of both the radio & ant. Sal
spotsnspecks	posted 07-24-2003 10:31 PM ET (US)             Sal, I had pretty much made up my mind to get a good antenna but thanks for drilling the point home. My head is thick sometimes. I do feel better knowing how it works though in case it breaks while I'm out there. I guess that's part of the fun in restoring an old boat.
Smallfrye	posted 07-25-2003 10:18 AM ET (US)             OK, this is not intended to start the tread comparable to the one on 2 stroke oils, but is there a difference between a $40; 8db antenna and a $100; 8db antenna, other than cosmetics ? What real perfomance differences are there ? Jim
triblet	posted 07-25-2003 06:01 PM ET (US)             Differences? See my post on 07-24-2003 10:30 AM ET. That 15' coax isn't enought to get from the starboard side aft to the console on my Montauk 167. That means a "extension cord" on the coax, with the losses of signal strength and dollars that go with it. Chuck
Sal DiMercurio	posted 07-25-2003 07:04 PM ET (US)             Hate to be a ball breaker but, if you mounted that antenna where it belongs, [ on the counsel ] you would have cable to spare, plus it would be out of the way. When you put the boat away, just lay the antenna either forward or backwards,....done. How in the world can you fish out of the starboard side with an antenna right in the way ? Sal
spotsnspecks	posted 07-26-2003 04:28 PM ET (US)             You give up fishing and take up diving.

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