You need an antenna. The vhf might barely work without it. You might receive some strong signals from the coast guard or a nearby ship, but you won't be able to transmit more than a short distance without an antenna. If you want a cheap vhf, I would go with a handheld unit.Feb 9, 2015
Does Marine need antenna?
For a powerboat under 24 feet or a sailboat, a 3 dB antenna is recommended. Usually a 6 dB antenna is recommended for boats over 24 feet and a 9 dB antenna is recommended for boats over 32 feet. Longer antennas generally have higher dB ratings but check the technical specifications of the antenna to be sure.
Why is VHF radio antenna important?
The height of a VHF radio antenna is important because VHF is considered a “line-of-sightline-of-sightThe radio horizon is the locus of points at which direct rays from an antenna are tangential to the surface of the Earth. If the Earth were a perfect sphere without an atmosphere, the radio horizon would be a circle.https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Line-of-sight_propagationLine-of-sight propagation - Wikipedia” communication technology. Essentially, you can only communicate between two antennas that are within sight of one another. The higher each antenna is, the further you can communicate.
What happens if you transmit without an antenna?
If you remove the antenna while the transmitter generates the high-frequency energy, a phenomenon happens. The energy flows to the point were the antenna is removed and reflects back on the same conductor it came from back to the transmitter. This creates so-called Standing Waves.
How do I get more range on my VHF radio?
- Elevate your antenna. Antennas are a vital solution to achieve clear communication not only within base stations, but in temporary and mobile situations as well. ...
- Invest in a rebroadcast system. ...
- Increase power.
How can I boost my VHF signal?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58em03HFFSg
What is the maximum range of VHF radio?
Frequency range 30 MHz to 300 MHz
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Wavelength range 10 to 1 m
How can I boost my marine radio reception?
Increasing the antenna height can also increase distance, so mount your antenna as high as possible, such as on top of your boat's hardtop or radar arch. You can also get greater range with a longer antenna — it has a larger radiating element. Additionally, keep in mind that not all VHF radios are created equally.May 24, 2016
Is a longer antenna better VHF?
UHF frequencies have a shorter wavelength and therefore, the antenna can be shorter than for an equivalent VHF radio. ... Theoretically, a longer antenna will have a greater range, but it is far more important for optimal radio performance that the length of the antenna matches the frequency.Sep 25, 2015
How long is the antenna for VHF radio?
Another commonly seen VHF antenna is about 8 feet long and usually mounted on the stern rail; it has more gain than the shorter masthead antenna but is also more directional (i.e. one loses signal strength when heeled over).Feb 29, 2020
How tall should my VHF antenna be?
“As a general rule, antenna height should be less than half the length of the boat,” Catoe says. Higher-dB antennas generate greater effective radiated power, and that can translate into greater range.Jan 9, 2020
How long is a marine VHF antenna?
Marine VHF Antenna Height and Strength A 3- to 4-foot antenna that's 3 dB is generally recommended for boats under 24 feet. Larger vessels can opt for 12- to 18-foot, 7 to 8 dB antennas. “As a general rule, antenna height should be less than half the length of the boat,” Catoe says.Jan 9, 2020
Why is the height of a VHF radio antenna important EQ 20?
This because VHF waves travel in a straight line and become weaker over greater distances. For communications to be effective, the receiving antenna must be able to “see” the waves coming from the transmitting antenna. ... The higher the antenna, the less likely it is that objects will interfere with the radio's signal.