Regarding SSB Antennas...

[CapnK]

I'm looking into the different types/methods of SSB antennas for a client.

There are whip antennas that are standalone and are relatively cheap, but might not be considered the best looking solution (unless you lost your spar).

There's the obvious, and prevalent, insulators on the backstay. Not cheap, they introduce several points of possible fatigue/failure, could become almost useless if dismasted, but are common and the least visually intrusive overall.

And there are things like the Split Lead SSB Backstay Antenna which mount to the backstay, are apparently easily removable and stowable, and could be re-rigged for use easily if dismasted, but which I've seen few people actual post usage reviews on.

Any of y'all care to share your actual experiences with any of these systems? Why you chose what you have, vs other options? Would you choose something different, next time? I've already read lots of opinions about the various types, and all of them would work, based on what people say about them.

[Mr. Fixit]

Since I knew nothing about SSB antennas I hired a expert to design my system. he reccomended an "alternate backstay set up. It consists of a section of Vinyl coated SS cable(Lifeline) attached by sections of line (nylon) from the top of mast to stern pulpit. Mine has about 30' vinyl coated ss for the antenna. The downside is that to make it effective with all the bands a tuner is necessary. Antenna is cheap, tuner is not. The one he reccomended is an automatic tuner I think it was around $550.00

[CapnK]

Woof! That tuner ain't cheap! :)

I've read a bot about them, it seems they are only needed for when the antenna is not the proper length. I wonder - does this mean that all SSB installations require a tuner, if you hope to use it on more than one wavelength/freq? (Without having different antennas per wl/freq, I guess...)

BTW - about that delivery - am up to my ears in rigging this boat, will be done after Monday, and will get in touch then. :)

[CapnK]

This looks like an interesting alternative, at about the cost of just a single backstay insulator:

http://www.ropeantenna.com/

In researching, I've found several posts where folks have made this type of antenna as a backup rig, hoisted it to test, and wound up leaving it up and using it as a primary for years.

[Mr. Fixit]

I am sure there are cheaper brands that would work, however the one he specified is top of the line and is used by the military. It is reccomended that it be located as close as possible to the antenna. In my case it is under the cockpit on a shelf that is hanging from the thru bolts that bolt on the stern rails. I am hoping that I never have to crawl in there to install another one. On military vehicles they mount on the outside  of the vehicle so that gives you some idea as to the quality and weatherproof abilities it has.

No rush on the delivery--I will be going down to the boat 2nd week in March

[TJim]

I basically have the same thing you have .  However I used 10 guage braided copper with a plastic cover.  Didn't work worth a poop until I took the plastic off.  Works like a dream now without the plastic cover.  I have worked Scotland, Austrailia, Uraguay, and all over U.S. and Canada with it.

[AdriftAtSea]

Tjim-

I find it strange that plastic would affect the ability for the copper to work as an antenna.

[Captain Smollett]

Tjim-

I find it strange that plastic would affect the ability for the copper to work as an antenna.

Dielectric.

[AdriftAtSea]

Good point.

[TJim]

My exact sentiment.....but I am now sure that that was the problem as it was the only change made and I have since tried it with the plastic and it still results in a large loss of gain.....

[s/v Faith]

Kurt,

  I met a couple who had the 'rope antenna' you mentioned above and were happy with it. (FWIW)

  The automatic tuners are expensive, but there are manual tuners that are cheaper and more KISS friendly.  The electrical length of the antenna assists reception but is not really an issue if all you are going to do is receive.

  This thread would not be complete without mention of the Antenna article on James Baldwins 'Atom' website

 

[vinegarj]

i know little to nothing about HF/ssb stuff, but have an old MFJ 20 meter adventure radio that continues to gather dust in the closet.  have always thought that if i ever used it on the boat, i'd have a dipole antenna to avoid the grounding issues/confusions.  was looking on ebay at cheap tuners and here's the cheapest (linked to MFJ)  http://www.mfjenterprises.com/Product.php?productid=MFJ-16010
and what do the instructions say about using it????  don't ground the antenna!  can anyone educate me as to why this isn't a simple fix for the small boat, low budget HF antenna grounding issue?  thanx.

[Auspicious]

The expectation of that tuner (a fairly conventional L-C antenna tuner) is that the transmitter is grounded well. The guidance to not ground the antenna is based on avoiding ground loops and the self-induced interference that can be experienced as a result. You will get best results, I believe, with this sort of tuner with a very good ground at the transmitter and radials attached at the shell of the tuner.

[Delezynski]

Vinegarj,

If your going for a tuner, and don't have a separate SWR meter, why not go for  the 904 tuner?
http://www.mfjenterprises.com/Product.php?productid=MFJ-904

Greg