Single Sideband, Longwire verses 21' whip antenna

[Surf Dweller]

Single Sideband Longwire verses antenna.
I am thinking of installing the icom 802 and 140 tuner and was wondering which is the better way to go?

I believe you only need a tuner if your antenna is under 23'. I think running a long antenna would be better than a short one with a tuner.

[jamesdean]

I have the ICOM 802 with the 140 tuner and went with the 23' foot antenna. If you've gone with the best SSB (IMO)....don't scrimp on the antenna..............

[tiara3100]

A long wire would probably resonate better, but there are too many variables to be exact. You should be just fine either way. The more important thing is to make sure you have the proper ground plane. I have installed a few SSB on sportfisher and have had the best results with a large ground plane area. Some we tied into the fuel/water tanks, others we used just a large Dynaplate. Good quality copper foil to tie in the grounds to the tuner. I bought copper sheets from E-bay and used those. Much better then that thin copper foil the marine stores try to sell.

And contrary to what is stated above, you will need a tuner.

[Radio University]

What kind of boat are you putting this on? A backstay is very effective and very common. Depending on what you are putting it on, you will have to deal with mounting the 23' whip and may need an upper support for it. Longer backstays actually tune easier then 23 foot verticals. Especially at lower frequencies. Either way, you WILL need a tuner.