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Author Topic:   GAM SS-2 Antenna

cindalyn posted 01-21-2008 12:24 AM ET (US)
If anyone spots a REALLY GOOD DEAL on a GAM SS-2 antenna please let me know. The best I've seen so far is $40. (My coins are dwindling quickly!)
Ron
GreatBayNH posted 01-26-2008 12:02 PM ET (US)
40 USD is a pretty good deal. I'd grab it if I were you. Anything cheaper and it would be free. If 40 dollars is going to put you out I'd sell your boat and take up knitting.
cindalyn posted 01-26-2008 01:05 PM ET (US)
$40 here, $40 there - then hundreds which I'm way beyond. Please reserve your saurcasm until you're on a fixed income with other priorities.
GreatBayNH posted 01-26-2008 04:51 PM ET (US)
Please forgive my "sarcasm". I know how you feel. I don't have much money to spend on boating after boat payment + insurance + gas + registration, etc etc. That said, 40 bucks for that antenna is a great price. I assume you have figured in additional cost for the ADAP II and mounting hardware you will need. Or do you already have those items?
cindalyn posted 01-26-2008 08:18 PM ET (US)
GreatBayNH, no problem, I'm just showing signs of sticker shock. I anticipated the cost of the VHF radio I bought and antenna I'm going to buy. What I didn't expect was the cost of the rail mount, antenna adepter, antenna cable and cable fittings. The antenna and accessories are going to cost more than the radio which I got on e-bay at avery good price. Then there's the kill switch for $30. Too be honest I'm trying to do too much too quickly each of which is costing much more than I anticipated.
Ron
GreatBayNH posted 01-26-2008 11:36 PM ET (US)
Expect the antenna and mounting hardware to be as much or more than the radio. Here are some pictures of my GAM Antenna install if you are looking for some ideas on how to mount the whip. I wanted to get mine high up away from humans and also improved the gain while I'm at it. Basically I took JimH's antenna mounting advice verbatim.
http://s75.photobucket.com/albums/i316/srcbell/GAM%20Antenna%20Install/
GreatBayNH posted 01-26-2008 11:40 PM ET (US)
Here's the link to the antenna info from the CW reference section if you have not looked at it already.
http://continuouswave.com/whaler/reference/VHFAntenna.html
-Seth
cindalyn posted 01-27-2008 12:04 PM ET (US)
Seth, thank you for the pictures. I did read Jim's article that you reference. That and Casco Bay Outrage's recommendation convinced me that is the way I wanted to go.
I like your mounting but I want to try mounting mine on the rail that goes around the console. It won't be quite as high as yours though. If that doesn't work, I'll add the extension and remount it on the console if I need a more rigid attachment.
By the way, whereever I had seen the ad for $40 I can't find it again. It looks like I'm up to about $46. Oh well, it's only money!
GreatBayNH posted 01-27-2008 01:18 PM ET (US)
Yeah, I looked in my Defender catalog and they had it around 46 I think. That's why I was so impressed with the 40 dollar quote you mentioned. Those GAM antennas are made only about 40 minutes west of me but I had to go through a national distributor to order it at a decent price. Too bad they don't have a factory outlet store or I'd pick one up for you.
As far as mounting on the console, that should be fine but keep in mind it will whip around a bit while underway so you want to make sure it is above eye level for your tallest passenger so no one loses an eye.
-Seth
cindalyn posted 01-27-2008 07:58 PM ET (US)
Thanks for the tip on the whip, I'll keep it in mind. I think it should be high enough as long as it doesn't whip more than 45 deg.
I contacted GAM and they offered to sell it direct but it was more expensive than going through Defender who they recommended.
GreatBayNH posted 01-28-2008 05:28 PM ET (US)
That's the same scenario I had. Defender prices seem pretty good. It might be worth buying through them just you get their catelog in the mail. I'm getting it now I assume simply because I ordered through them once. I like their style.
-Seth
davej14 posted 01-31-2008 12:41 PM ET (US)
Here is a pic of my installation on the console rail with a Shakesphere antenna.
http://www.bobdean.com/images/djpics/D14-Antenna-Extension.jpg
Since this view I backed into my garage without lowering the antenna and snapped off the stainless steel extension. I replaced the original two foot extension with a one foot extension which is plenty high for my location. I also replaced the antenna with a GAM that I an totally happy with.
When checking out pricing for extensions, stainless was much less costly than fiberglass. This is not what I expected.
Another suggestion, mount the antenna on the side away from your compass because the base will interact if it is too close.
The GAM antenna requires a mounting base, be sure you also order the base because the antenna screws into it.
cindalyn posted 01-31-2008 03:23 PM ET (US)
Dave, that's pretty much how I anticipate mounting mine. Do you think the 1' extension is necessary for clearance above head level or is it high enough that the extension isn't a concern for that reason?
I also see you mounted the connector for your raio mic onthe side of the console. Do you like it there? I'm thinking of mounting mine inside the little compartment by the dash.
Casco Bay Outrage posted 01-31-2008 11:08 PM ET (US)
Ron -
I think mounting the connector inside the electronics box is a good idea.
My traditional VHF is on the right side.
For ergonomics, I removed the bottom/side screws of the face trim and slipped the mic and cord under it. The cord goes down between the throttle and instrument panel. I mounted the mic holder adjacent to the throttle on the angled section.
I have a photo of the cord routing but not the final mounting of the mic.
see http://picasaweb.google.com/CascoBayOutrage/1991Outrage17I/ photo#5161858077984485858
I may be able to sneak under the tarp and get you a photo of the mounting this weekend.
CBO
home Aside posted 02-01-2008 12:03 AM ET (US)
I too have the exact setup on my 1985 Revenge 22 WT that JimH has on his....you won't be sorry with the setup
Pat
cindalyn posted 02-02-2008 02:44 AM ET (US)
Phil, do think the way you 'snuck' yours under the frame is better than just bringing it out the compartment opening which would let you put the mic control in the compartment and locking it?
Casco Bay Outrage posted 02-02-2008 10:42 AM ET (US)
Ron -
I lived with the mic being stored inside the electronics box. After a very short time I realized the opening the door or leaving the door open was a pain while underway. The sea state most of the time is bumpy, lumpy and wavy. The open door would often slide and close or if opened to get the mic, it would close on me. It was challenging to navigate and and get to the mic at the same time.
For the reasons above, I have mounted an external speaker behind the GPS on the top of the electronics box. When getting under way, I set the squelch, volume and then close the door. With the cord snuck under the trim, the mic is in easy reach and I can grab it without taking my attention/eyes off the water when under way.
With your all-in-one mic, you will not have to access the radio black box at all. Just set the controls on the mic and go.
Want that photo of the mic mounting position?
Just one opinion.
CBO

davej14 posted 02-02-2008 08:52 PM ET (US)
My Dauntless does not have a compartment by the dash so this was not an option for me. Since my mic is also the speaker it needs to be aimed toward me when at the helm. I added the 1 foot extension to elevate the antenna above my head and to improve performance. Higher is better, but I thought the 2 foot extension looked ungainly. I am mostly on medium sized inland lakes and 1 foot extra works fine for me.
I brought the mic connector out the side of the console to keep the connector and the cord out of the way. It is also protected by the hand rail. I think this was a good choice.
jimh posted 02-05-2008 09:45 PM ET (US)
[From there the topic strayed into a discussion of radio and microphone choices. That discussion has been separated into its own thread.--jimh]

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Author	Topic: GAM SS-2 Antenna
cindalyn	posted 01-21-2008 12:24 AM ET (US) If anyone spots a REALLY GOOD DEAL on a GAM SS-2 antenna please let me know. The best I've seen so far is $40. (My coins are dwindling quickly!) Ron
GreatBayNH	posted 01-26-2008 12:02 PM ET (US) 40 USD is a pretty good deal. I'd grab it if I were you. Anything cheaper and it would be free. If 40 dollars is going to put you out I'd sell your boat and take up knitting.
cindalyn	posted 01-26-2008 01:05 PM ET (US) $40 here, $40 there - then hundreds which I'm way beyond. Please reserve your saurcasm until you're on a fixed income with other priorities.
GreatBayNH	posted 01-26-2008 04:51 PM ET (US) Please forgive my "sarcasm". I know how you feel. I don't have much money to spend on boating after boat payment + insurance + gas + registration, etc etc. That said, 40 bucks for that antenna is a great price. I assume you have figured in additional cost for the ADAP II and mounting hardware you will need. Or do you already have those items?
cindalyn	posted 01-26-2008 08:18 PM ET (US) GreatBayNH, no problem, I'm just showing signs of sticker shock. I anticipated the cost of the VHF radio I bought and antenna I'm going to buy. What I didn't expect was the cost of the rail mount, antenna adepter, antenna cable and cable fittings. The antenna and accessories are going to cost more than the radio which I got on e-bay at avery good price. Then there's the kill switch for $30. Too be honest I'm trying to do too much too quickly each of which is costing much more than I anticipated. Ron
GreatBayNH	posted 01-26-2008 11:36 PM ET (US) Expect the antenna and mounting hardware to be as much or more than the radio. Here are some pictures of my GAM Antenna install if you are looking for some ideas on how to mount the whip. I wanted to get mine high up away from humans and also improved the gain while I'm at it. Basically I took JimH's antenna mounting advice verbatim. http://s75.photobucket.com/albums/i316/srcbell/GAM%20Antenna%20Install/
GreatBayNH	posted 01-26-2008 11:40 PM ET (US) Here's the link to the antenna info from the CW reference section if you have not looked at it already. http://continuouswave.com/whaler/reference/VHFAntenna.html -Seth
cindalyn	posted 01-27-2008 12:04 PM ET (US) Seth, thank you for the pictures. I did read Jim's article that you reference. That and Casco Bay Outrage's recommendation convinced me that is the way I wanted to go. I like your mounting but I want to try mounting mine on the rail that goes around the console. It won't be quite as high as yours though. If that doesn't work, I'll add the extension and remount it on the console if I need a more rigid attachment. By the way, whereever I had seen the ad for $40 I can't find it again. It looks like I'm up to about $46. Oh well, it's only money!
GreatBayNH	posted 01-27-2008 01:18 PM ET (US) Yeah, I looked in my Defender catalog and they had it around 46 I think. That's why I was so impressed with the 40 dollar quote you mentioned. Those GAM antennas are made only about 40 minutes west of me but I had to go through a national distributor to order it at a decent price. Too bad they don't have a factory outlet store or I'd pick one up for you. As far as mounting on the console, that should be fine but keep in mind it will whip around a bit while underway so you want to make sure it is above eye level for your tallest passenger so no one loses an eye. -Seth
cindalyn	posted 01-27-2008 07:58 PM ET (US) Thanks for the tip on the whip, I'll keep it in mind. I think it should be high enough as long as it doesn't whip more than 45 deg. I contacted GAM and they offered to sell it direct but it was more expensive than going through Defender who they recommended.
GreatBayNH	posted 01-28-2008 05:28 PM ET (US) That's the same scenario I had. Defender prices seem pretty good. It might be worth buying through them just you get their catelog in the mail. I'm getting it now I assume simply because I ordered through them once. I like their style. -Seth
davej14	posted 01-31-2008 12:41 PM ET (US) Here is a pic of my installation on the console rail with a Shakesphere antenna. http://www.bobdean.com/images/djpics/D14-Antenna-Extension.jpg Since this view I backed into my garage without lowering the antenna and snapped off the stainless steel extension. I replaced the original two foot extension with a one foot extension which is plenty high for my location. I also replaced the antenna with a GAM that I an totally happy with. When checking out pricing for extensions, stainless was much less costly than fiberglass. This is not what I expected. Another suggestion, mount the antenna on the side away from your compass because the base will interact if it is too close. The GAM antenna requires a mounting base, be sure you also order the base because the antenna screws into it.
cindalyn	posted 01-31-2008 03:23 PM ET (US) Dave, that's pretty much how I anticipate mounting mine. Do you think the 1' extension is necessary for clearance above head level or is it high enough that the extension isn't a concern for that reason? I also see you mounted the connector for your raio mic onthe side of the console. Do you like it there? I'm thinking of mounting mine inside the little compartment by the dash.
Casco Bay Outrage	posted 01-31-2008 11:08 PM ET (US) Ron - I think mounting the connector inside the electronics box is a good idea. My traditional VHF is on the right side. For ergonomics, I removed the bottom/side screws of the face trim and slipped the mic and cord under it. The cord goes down between the throttle and instrument panel. I mounted the mic holder adjacent to the throttle on the angled section. I have a photo of the cord routing but not the final mounting of the mic. see http://picasaweb.google.com/CascoBayOutrage/1991Outrage17I/ photo#5161858077984485858 I may be able to sneak under the tarp and get you a photo of the mounting this weekend. CBO
home Aside	posted 02-01-2008 12:03 AM ET (US) I too have the exact setup on my 1985 Revenge 22 WT that JimH has on his....you won't be sorry with the setup Pat
cindalyn	posted 02-02-2008 02:44 AM ET (US) Phil, do think the way you 'snuck' yours under the frame is better than just bringing it out the compartment opening which would let you put the mic control in the compartment and locking it?
Casco Bay Outrage	posted 02-02-2008 10:42 AM ET (US) Ron - I lived with the mic being stored inside the electronics box. After a very short time I realized the opening the door or leaving the door open was a pain while underway. The sea state most of the time is bumpy, lumpy and wavy. The open door would often slide and close or if opened to get the mic, it would close on me. It was challenging to navigate and and get to the mic at the same time. For the reasons above, I have mounted an external speaker behind the GPS on the top of the electronics box. When getting under way, I set the squelch, volume and then close the door. With the cord snuck under the trim, the mic is in easy reach and I can grab it without taking my attention/eyes off the water when under way. With your all-in-one mic, you will not have to access the radio black box at all. Just set the controls on the mic and go. Want that photo of the mic mounting position? Just one opinion. CBO
davej14	posted 02-02-2008 08:52 PM ET (US) My Dauntless does not have a compartment by the dash so this was not an option for me. Since my mic is also the speaker it needs to be aimed toward me when at the helm. I added the 1 foot extension to elevate the antenna above my head and to improve performance. Higher is better, but I thought the 2 foot extension looked ungainly. I am mostly on medium sized inland lakes and 1 foot extra works fine for me. I brought the mic connector out the side of the console to keep the connector and the cord out of the way. It is also protected by the hand rail. I think this was a good choice.
jimh	posted 02-05-2008 09:45 PM ET (US) [From there the topic strayed into a discussion of radio and microphone choices. That discussion has been separated into its own thread.--jimh]