Next message: Donald Smith: "[world-cruising] Re: ssb antennas...."
I bought my ICOM 718 and tuner for less than $700. Got Norseman insulators for the back stay for $80 each. Will replace the backstay with Dyform wire and Norseman terminals. Getting rid of the swages will give me a lot more piece of mind than an uninterrupted backstay with swage fittings. Will try a counterpoise with copper strapping which looks like an easy, though acrobatic, install through gaps in the bulkheads. If that doesn't work out, can install a DynaPlate, like I had on my previous boat, at the next haulout. Should be into the whole HF rig for very close to a $1,000.
The studying for the Ham license has taught me a lot about electricity that will come in very handy. Have to deduct the increased knowledge from the cost of the installation.
The Sangean ATS 909 was also sold as a Radio Shack DX-390. Picked up one of those when RS discontinued carrying them for $90. That replaced a Grundig 400, a Kenwood and a Yaesu reciever. It outperformed all those with the included whip antenna. My only complaint is the AM and FM reception ain't so hot. The C. Crane CC Radio Plus and the GE Super III blow the socks off the Sangean and probably every other radio in AM and FM, for that matter.
Aloha
Peter O.
grant harris <> wrote: thanks Chris, that was a good reply. A balanced, middle of the road, workable solution without extremes.
Fair winds,
Grant
Chris Harris <> wrote: Low
> cost to acquire but there is a cost per minute usage.
>:-(
>
>
>
> Anyone else have some thoughts? Maybe a new thread?
Yea I have thoughts on cost... Cost to aquire is a good
point you can probably buy a satphone lets say Iridium for
£800 i(1600USD)f you shop around. A good HF rig and tuner
will cost as much or more.
However the killer for many cruisers if the operating
cost. HF is free. Satphone is expensive however you look
at it.
As for the discussion on HF antennas. The price of those
backstay insulators are ridiculous! better to hoist a
wire, it shouldn't be hard to find a way to hoist a wire
that can be used underway. Almost anything will do hoisted
over salt water where you have such a good ground plane.
Sintered copper plates and stuff.. also expensive. Just
chuck a wire over the side or use a through hull or
annode, or the keel bolts.. It'll be fine and work.
The engineers ( I am a radio engineer ) will have you
chasing the last .1dB of signal etc.. for HF it'll work or
it won't. If conditions are good you will get through on
wet string, if they are bad wait until the conditions are
good.
Me - I'd fiddle around and get the best antenna that I
could achieve but without getting anal about it, the
difference isn't worth it. beware of the salesman!
Cheers
Chris aka VP8BKF
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Don't get soaked. Take a quick peak at the forecast
with theYahoo! Search weather shortcut.
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