Table of Contents
What are the different types of VHF antennas?
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.
What is the most common type of antenna for VHF?
Yagi–Uda – One of the most common directional antennas at HF, VHF, and UHF frequencies. Consists of multiple half-wave dipole elements in a line, with a single driven element and multiple parasitic elements which serve to create a uni-directional or beam antenna.
What are VHF antennas?
VHF (Very High Frequency) antennas are an important part of the VHF system used on your boat. They’re made to receive signals that are between 30-300 MHz, and these signals degrade less than UFH (Ultra-High Frequency) signals, allowing them to have a longer broadcast range.
Do I need a VHF antenna?
Generally, our bowtie antennas can receive high-VHF broadcasts. However, if the VHF signals in your area are weak or are transmitting from a tower more than 20 miles from your home, a longer-range VHF antenna may be necessary to ensure reception of all your available local stations.
What’s better UHF or VHF?
UHF is the better all around signal and is by far the most popular, so if you are in doubt, choose UHF. UHF signals don’t travel quite as far outdoors as VHF signals, but they do a better job of penetrating wood, steel, and concrete, giving you better range and performance in urban environments and around buildings.
What does a VHF antenna look like?
An outdoor VHF antenna has longer elements, arranged in an easy-to-remember V-shaped pattern. If you see both V-shaped elements and a smaller cluster of straight elements on the same antenna, it receives both signals. Many antennas include both rabbit ears and loops so they can receive both sets of frequencies.
What type of VHF antennas do I need for my Boat?
VHF antennas are made of stainless steel or fiberglass. For masthead mounting, short 3dB stainless steel “whip” antennas create less windage and provide the appropriate wide radiation pattern required by a heeling sailboat. Small powerboats may also use stainless whip antennas because they are rugged. Fiberglass tube antennas vary in quality.
What is the signal gain of a VHF marine antenna?
With a signal gain of 3dB, this antenna might not reach as far as some of the others on our list, but it sure does deliver crystal-clear quality within its limited range. The Tram 1607-HC 46-Inch VHF Marine Antenna covers all marine-band frequencies and comes with a Nylon ratchet mount.
Is this a good replacement for my old VHF antenna?
With the correct mount, installing this antenna is a piece of cake. Its connector adapts well to most VHF radio outlets. It is a great replacement for your old antenna. However, I am not satisfied with its performance of fewer than 12 feet, which is too short and almost useless for any connection.
What is the difference between UHF and VHF antennas?
Unlike UHF signals (Ultra-High Frequency Signals), VHF doesn’t degrade easily and can be used for longer range broadcasting. VHF antenna’s main purpose is to provide a radiator and radiate energy in the right direction. Essentially, your VHF radio wouldn’t work if it’s not connected to a suitable antenna.