Combination anchor light/antenna/wind direction indicator
Combination anchor light/antenna/wind direction indicator
Hey all, we've had a good amount of snow and cold weather up here in the north hinterland...all we can do is watch the sailing vids on Youtube to get us through. Hope you guys in the warmer areas are enjoying your sailing
Actually, spring is around the corner and I'm looking forward to some projects on my C-22. One of the things I wanted to consider is a combination anchor light, antenna and wind direction indicator at the top of the mast. I've seen another forum member post pictures of such a setup here and that looks to be pretty much what I'm after. I didn't find this setup at West Marine though. Does anyone know where I can buy one? Also, I take it that the antenna is for VHF but can it also be used simultaneously for a regular AM/FM radio? How are some of you doing VHF and AM/FM radio together? Do I really need two antennas, one for each?
Thanks in advance!
Bryan
Actually, spring is around the corner and I'm looking forward to some projects on my C-22. One of the things I wanted to consider is a combination anchor light, antenna and wind direction indicator at the top of the mast. I've seen another forum member post pictures of such a setup here and that looks to be pretty much what I'm after. I didn't find this setup at West Marine though. Does anyone know where I can buy one? Also, I take it that the antenna is for VHF but can it also be used simultaneously for a regular AM/FM radio? How are some of you doing VHF and AM/FM radio together? Do I really need two antennas, one for each?
Thanks in advance!
Bryan
- CaptainScott
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Trev is absolutely correct. You need to think about how you will use the VHF and where you sail. The antennas transmit on a plane. Or better descritption, picture a round dinner plate. The center of your plate is the antenna. The plate is the signal pattern. If the plate is to high you literally transmit right over the top of boats that are close. Happens to me on Destiny a lot since the antenna is 55' in the air! I actually installed a second radio system with an antenna on the radar arch just so I could communicate ship to shore and to boats close at hand!
This is not to discourage putting your antenna on top, just a pointer to some things will will find out after install anyway! Your antenna on top will most certainly give you the longest range so if you sail off shore and every bit of range is important, on top is certainly the best way to go.
If memory serves Alan custom made a plate for Honu. He will likely be able to help in the design. Also I believe someone else here did the same but I can not remember who! LOL!
Scott
This is not to discourage putting your antenna on top, just a pointer to some things will will find out after install anyway! Your antenna on top will most certainly give you the longest range so if you sail off shore and every bit of range is important, on top is certainly the best way to go.
If memory serves Alan custom made a plate for Honu. He will likely be able to help in the design. Also I believe someone else here did the same but I can not remember who! LOL!
Scott
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Bryan, for all the times I helped you raise and lower your mast, I can remember if you have the cast mast head or one like mine
Here is a shot of the set-up on Happy Place.
Masthead light on top
VHS antenna mounted on side
Windex mounted on rod extended off the back (other side of entenna)
The FM radio entenna is actually inside the boat.
...and to help you get through the rest of the winter... remember this day last August
Love the nice white sails
Here is a shot of the set-up on Happy Place.
Masthead light on top
VHS antenna mounted on side
Windex mounted on rod extended off the back (other side of entenna)
The FM radio entenna is actually inside the boat.
...and to help you get through the rest of the winter... remember this day last August
Love the nice white sails
H:)ppy Place
78 Chrysler 22
You can go to a Zen Master or you can go Sailing, either way you end up in about the same place..... a Happy Place
78 Chrysler 22
You can go to a Zen Master or you can go Sailing, either way you end up in about the same place..... a Happy Place
Here is my set-up:
Shakspeare has an antenna coupler that allows you to use you VHF antenna as your stereo antenna.
http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/st ... MgodQTkAcQ
Shakspeare has an antenna coupler that allows you to use you VHF antenna as your stereo antenna.
http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/st ... MgodQTkAcQ
Mark
http://s1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc4 ... ew%20C-22/
1975 C-22 currently named Stardust (soon to be "Angela Marie")
http://s1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc4 ... ew%20C-22/
1975 C-22 currently named Stardust (soon to be "Angela Marie")
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Here is what I did.CaptainScott wrote:If memory serves Alan custom made a plate for Honu. He will likely be able to help in the design. Also I believe someone else here did the same but I can not remember who! LOL!
Scott
Now I have altered it since this photo was taken.
The Wind vein has been moved to the Little platform the Running light is on and the antenna has moved back to the end of the arm.
I've not used this setup anyplace but my driveway yet so I can't talk to it's performance. I intend to use the antenna for radio reception, as In AM-FM. I use a hand held water proof radio which I keep in mt life vest. I sail coastal, rives and lakes so the top of the mast would not work well for me unless I was really headed out to sea.
Thanks
Alan
Last edited by Alanhod on Mon Feb 11, 2013 6:31 pm, edited 1 time in total.
It's a good life on the
Honu, 1976 C-22
My Chrysler Sailing Photos: http://s1297.beta.photobucket.com/user/ ... ry/Sailing
Honu, 1976 C-22
My Chrysler Sailing Photos: http://s1297.beta.photobucket.com/user/ ... ry/Sailing
Bondo...its not the power , its the radiation pattern. Evidently these vertically polarized antennas have a nearly line of sight radiation pattern( no personal experience on this topic) judging by the comments from those who have tried mast top mounting. Thus there seems to be no radiation below the horizontal plane below the antenna base. Therefore the signal skips over the top of nearby boats and shore stations.
Only a guess here. I would not mount anywhere lower on the mast.
Only a guess here. I would not mount anywhere lower on the mast.
Bill
Actually, the radiation pattern is more like a donut, with the antenna whip standing in the "hole". Now, depending on the gain of your antenna, your pattern varies.
The theoretical radiation pattern of a zero gain antenna is a perfect sphere. A perfect example of this type of antenna does not exist, but it gives a basis to compare. Basically, the higher the gain, the squattier that sphere becomes. Perhaps those that are having problems close in are using a higher gain antenna and are "skipping over" those nearer in (astrorad). Anyone who has issues know the gain of your antenna?
Know that many factors affect radiation patterns of antennas. Moving it down on the mast will provide a large "shadow" where transmissions and receptions will be blocked.
Now, I don't doubt that folks are having problems as stated, but I have not experienced it. I have many, many customers that used their radios near their intended target (that is, on our smaller lake and out on Lake Michigan.) I have used a hand-held on the docks and directed sailboats to open slips rather than just yelling to them. I just haven't run in to it or heard any complaints. I do see the potential, especially with higher gain antennas, but our masts are just not that tall either. I'll be looking into the issue and poll my customers. Hope to experience it so I might learn the cause.
The theoretical radiation pattern of a zero gain antenna is a perfect sphere. A perfect example of this type of antenna does not exist, but it gives a basis to compare. Basically, the higher the gain, the squattier that sphere becomes. Perhaps those that are having problems close in are using a higher gain antenna and are "skipping over" those nearer in (astrorad). Anyone who has issues know the gain of your antenna?
Know that many factors affect radiation patterns of antennas. Moving it down on the mast will provide a large "shadow" where transmissions and receptions will be blocked.
Now, I don't doubt that folks are having problems as stated, but I have not experienced it. I have many, many customers that used their radios near their intended target (that is, on our smaller lake and out on Lake Michigan.) I have used a hand-held on the docks and directed sailboats to open slips rather than just yelling to them. I just haven't run in to it or heard any complaints. I do see the potential, especially with higher gain antennas, but our masts are just not that tall either. I'll be looking into the issue and poll my customers. Hope to experience it so I might learn the cause.
Mark
http://s1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc4 ... ew%20C-22/
1975 C-22 currently named Stardust (soon to be "Angela Marie")
http://s1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc4 ... ew%20C-22/
1975 C-22 currently named Stardust (soon to be "Angela Marie")
Hey thanks for all the great comments and info everyone. I wasn't aware of the issues regarding the radiation field of the VHF antenna if mounted at the top of the mast. That being the case, someone mentioned using a handheld VHF for short range areas and the masthead for longer ranges and I will keep that in mind. Mcrandall your setup is exactly what I wanted to build, it looks real good. So, based on the metal shavings I saw on the ground in your picture, it looks like a custom job of yours and not something you can buy? I'm not adverse to projects like that...so maybe I'll be copying your design and making it myself, if you don't mind. Thanks for the pic!
Bondo, yes that picture of my boat is definitely inspiring! Now I'll go and renew a couple of subscriptions to sailing magazines...
Bondo, yes that picture of my boat is definitely inspiring! Now I'll go and renew a couple of subscriptions to sailing magazines...
By all means, delighted to have it copied/improved upon! That's what this site is all about, right?!
Please check out my pics at the link in my signature block. You'll see I used aluminum angle stock for the c-channel base and aluminum bar stock for the "legs". Aluminum rivets help to eliminate galvanic issues.
Anywho,let me know if you have any questions!
Cheers
Please check out my pics at the link in my signature block. You'll see I used aluminum angle stock for the c-channel base and aluminum bar stock for the "legs". Aluminum rivets help to eliminate galvanic issues.
Anywho,let me know if you have any questions!
Cheers
Mark
http://s1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc4 ... ew%20C-22/
1975 C-22 currently named Stardust (soon to be "Angela Marie")
http://s1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc4 ... ew%20C-22/
1975 C-22 currently named Stardust (soon to be "Angela Marie")
If you use one of these, you don't need a separate antenna for FM radio. It really helps pulling in stations when your antenna is up high.
http://www.amazon.com/Shakespeare-4357S ... rds=4357-S
http://www.amazon.com/Shakespeare-4357S ... rds=4357-S
Tom
1981 Endeavour 43 s/v Pearl Lee
Former 1976 Columbia Payne 9.6 s/v Gin Rhumby
Former 1979 Chrysler 26, s/v Copacetic
http://www.asswhaffleyachtclub.net
http://www.svpearllee.com
1981 Endeavour 43 s/v Pearl Lee
Former 1976 Columbia Payne 9.6 s/v Gin Rhumby
Former 1979 Chrysler 26, s/v Copacetic
http://www.asswhaffleyachtclub.net
http://www.svpearllee.com
I have one of these, and I have installed several of them for customers. None have been dissatisfied.
Mark
http://s1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc4 ... ew%20C-22/
1975 C-22 currently named Stardust (soon to be "Angela Marie")
http://s1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc4 ... ew%20C-22/
1975 C-22 currently named Stardust (soon to be "Angela Marie")