Over analysis paralysis here...
I have two VHF radios. New radio in the flybridge (DSC, GPS, AIS-RX) with a remote mic at the lower helm. Second, 1981 Raytheon VHF at the lower station. The TX and RX sound quality on the '81 unit is higher quality, so I may just keep it for a few more years.
The antennas need replacing. One antenna coax jacket is cracked and poor TX range. The second antenna, on 25w TX, causes the chartplotter to loose GPS fix. Assuming both antennas have corroded and failed wiring, age unknown, possibly 1981. GPS antenna is >3' from each VHF antenna.
Antennas are 8,' one mounted on each side of the flybridge. Cable runs to radios are less than 10' each.
On the mast is a LORAN antenna. The loran coax could be used to snake a new VHF line up to the mast spreader.
Here is the question, replacing two VHF radio antennas. Which option?
Option 1
Radio 1. 8' 6dB antenna fly bridge mount. Base height from water 112 inches. Less than 10' cable run.
Radio 2. 8' 6dB antenna fly bridge mount. Base height from water 112 inches.
Option 2
Radio 1. 3' 3dB antenna on mast spreader. Base height from water 202 inches. Approx 25' cable run.
Radio 2. 8' 6dB antenna fly bridge mount. Base height from water 112 inches. Less than 10' coax.
Option 2 yields two radiation options for different sea states. Use the mast radio when in bad sea state with more roll and pitch? Option 1 less install effort and lower cost.
No plans to ever be more than 25' miles from shore, coastal S. California.
I have two VHF radios. New radio in the flybridge (DSC, GPS, AIS-RX) with a remote mic at the lower helm. Second, 1981 Raytheon VHF at the lower station. The TX and RX sound quality on the '81 unit is higher quality, so I may just keep it for a few more years.
The antennas need replacing. One antenna coax jacket is cracked and poor TX range. The second antenna, on 25w TX, causes the chartplotter to loose GPS fix. Assuming both antennas have corroded and failed wiring, age unknown, possibly 1981. GPS antenna is >3' from each VHF antenna.
Antennas are 8,' one mounted on each side of the flybridge. Cable runs to radios are less than 10' each.
On the mast is a LORAN antenna. The loran coax could be used to snake a new VHF line up to the mast spreader.
Here is the question, replacing two VHF radio antennas. Which option?
Option 1
Radio 1. 8' 6dB antenna fly bridge mount. Base height from water 112 inches. Less than 10' cable run.
Radio 2. 8' 6dB antenna fly bridge mount. Base height from water 112 inches.
Option 2
Radio 1. 3' 3dB antenna on mast spreader. Base height from water 202 inches. Approx 25' cable run.
Radio 2. 8' 6dB antenna fly bridge mount. Base height from water 112 inches. Less than 10' coax.
Option 2 yields two radiation options for different sea states. Use the mast radio when in bad sea state with more roll and pitch? Option 1 less install effort and lower cost.
No plans to ever be more than 25' miles from shore, coastal S. California.