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Random Quote: Give a man a fish, feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish... create a lifetime addiction.
Ok, I'm sure this has been done before but please indulge me. I want to match a good quality antenna to my new Icon M45. (I know what you're thinking, I didn't want the DSC) It's going on my CC Parker 21SE. I don't have any room on the console due to compass, chartplotter and fishfinder already taking up space. It'll probably go on a rail mount. What I had in mind is an 8' Shakespeare Galaxy 5225. Its a 6db. My question is - is there a better antenna out there or is there a digital antenna available to fit my needs. If so, please recommend brands, pros and cons, etc. Also, will the proximity to the other electronics interfere with the antenna? Thanks.
I lean towards the Digital brand of antennas, especially on a CC, where the extra strength/durability is a factor. Proximity to the other items should not be an issue, and a rail mount is the way I go on such an installation.
__________________ I am a Marine Electronics rigger. My opinons do not reflect those of my boss or anyone but me, and I am not a shill. My answers are based on 20 years of doing it for a living, and 40 years of doing it for love. your mileage may vary.
I got the Morad HD-156 antenna. It is only 54,5" tall and a 6DB antenna. We shall see how it performs but it is the strongest built antenna made for VHF. The 6"adapter needed to attach to a ratchet mount was machined out of 1/4" stock. It looks impressive and will be the last antenna I need to buy for this boat.
Thanks for the responses guys. I ended up getting a Shakespeare 5225 XP at West Marine today. I also got a PL-259-CP-G coax cable connector. Next i need a ratchet mount. Then all I gotta do is the install. I'm thinking of putting the radio in my glove box and adding a small external speaker. Any installation tips would be appreciated.
Tim - get a heavy duty SS ratchet mount (not nylon). You can cut the excess antenna cable (leaving at least 3'). Run the power & ground to the fuse block or bus bar in your console. Make sure there is a fuse protecting the circuit. Secure all of the cables using lots of cable ties
Buy a meter (or borrow mine) and check the performance of the VHF & antenna. They are much more conculsive than a "radio check"
You should have gotten a DSC model. That way, I could poll your location and know where the fish are NOT biting
Gary- Thanks for the info! Those are some good tips. I have a Shakespeare SS 4190 rail bracket in mind. I need to find one. That's a cool meter. I would like you to hook it up to my antenna and all to show me how it works. Hope all is well with you and yours. Let's really try and fish together this season.
Oh, and BTW, the reason I didn't get the DSC is because I really don't think I need it especially since I don't go offshore with this boat and I got a very good deal on this brand new leftover Icom M45. I've merely been using a handheld M1V and a cell phone for over three years!
PS, someday I may get a T-Top and relocate the antenna so I hesitate to cut any off. Meanwhile, are there any disadvantages to having all that extra antenna cable bunched up inside the console area? I wonder. Thanks again. Tim
Someday I may get a T-Top and relocate the antenna so I hesitate to cut any off. Meanwhile, are there any disadvantages to having all that extra antenna cable bunched up inside the console area?
From Shakespeare's website:
Reasonable lengths of excess cable can be rolled in a coil of at least 8 inch diameter and stowed in an out-of-the-way place
I'm thinking of putting the radio in my glove box and adding a small external speaker. Any installation tips would be appreciated.
Is it too late to return the new radio and get a Standard Horizon Phantom PS1000 for only $100 while they are still available? You can put the unit wherever you want and operate it all from the command mike.
VHF radio antenna 
