RE: AIS / VHF Splitter
My main reasons for trying the single antenna approach are (1) I didn't know you can't operate AIS and VHF simultaneously, and (2) I will only very rarely be transmitting on VHF... basically only for emergency/urgent communications. Much less important, I hate to drill more holes and fit more bits on my boat if not really necessary for my purpose. And it turns out an imported antenna costs more than a switch here in Hong Kong.
I agree, I don't care about loosing a few seconds of AIS here or there, but unfortunately the chartplotter's "no AIS signal" alarm beeps until one acknowledges it, which would not be ideal when I'm operating the VHF at a different station... but how often does that happen? Practically never in my case I suspect. So basically a non-issue for me.
Except I'm still left wondering if there is any truth to my retailer's advice that a VHF radio will burn out if transmitting without an antenna attached. Any thoughts?
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