SSB Weatherfax

Discussions about Cape Dory, Intrepid and Robinhood sailboats and how we use them. Got questions? Have answers? Provide them here.

Moderator: Jim Walsh

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jim stull

SSB Weatherfax

Post by jim stull »

Would appreciate any thoughts on antenna and ground setups usable on a smaller boat (CD25). Have got a SI-Tex receiver and Coretex software. Am now to the point that I can receive good weatherfaxes using a "longwire" antenna at home but am unsure about the "best" setup when moving the unit to the boat. Hate to go to the trouble to convert the backstay if this is not the best (cheapest) setup. (I am only receiving faxes using the SSB radio not transmitting).
Thanks Jim



jtstull@icubed.com
Bill

Re: SSB Weatherfax

Post by Bill »

Would appreciate any thoughts on antenna and ground setups usable on a smaller boat (CD25). Have got a SI-Tex receiver and Coretex software. Am now to the point that I can receive good weatherfaxes using a "longwire" antenna at home but am unsure about the "best" setup when moving the unit to the boat. Hate to go to the trouble to convert the backstay if this is not the best (cheapest) setup. (I am only receiving faxes using the SSB radio not transmitting).
Thanks Jim
Jim

I use a radio shack on board rhapsody and have had pretty good sucess just using a long wire attached to the back stay... I know that is not a permanent solution, but it is cheap... I remove it when not in use, and certainly during a storm... I can pick the cruisheimer's net out of south florida, and Conn to the Tx Gulf Coast.

I know that there are safety issues here, but as I said I dont leave it hooked up all the time

bs



cd25d@rhapsodysails.com
John

Re: SSB Weatherfax

Post by John »

Jim,

We've got a CD30 with a Icom 700TY and auto tuner and a weather fax system. FYI we use a insulated backstay with the Icom auto tuner. The radio system uses a full ground counterpoise which is a typical installation. It would be my recommendation that you use a fiberglass whip antenna mounted at the stern which is reasonable in cost and installation and will provide you with adequate reception for your needs. Perhaps call Shakespeare who manufactures the whip I'm refering to and request more technical info on the antennas performance capabilities and exact suitability for your minimal needs.

For the ground you can also use a ground plate such as a Guest "Dynaplate". It is a plate of sintered bronze BB's.
Would appreciate any thoughts on antenna and ground setups usable on a smaller boat (CD25). Have got a SI-Tex receiver and Coretex software. Am now to the point that I can receive good weatherfaxes using a "longwire" antenna at home but am unsure about the "best" setup when moving the unit to the boat. Hate to go to the trouble to convert the backstay if this is not the best (cheapest) setup. (I am only receiving faxes using the SSB radio not transmitting).
Thanks Jim
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