VHF radio equipment?
I want to install an in-dash VHF radio. What other equipment will I need besides the VHF radio? Antennas, special tools….? I have never installed one so any tips would be appreciated! Thanks
If I buy a brnad new VHF radio…will it come with an antenna?
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Tags: antenna, radio antennas, special tools, vhf radio
Jul 08, 2010 in
Cars FAQs
7 comments
BitburgerPilsMan on July 8, 2010 at 10:44 am
No special tools, but the antenna is probably the most important element. It must be mounted correctly. A marine shop should be able to answer those questions.
oklatom on July 8, 2010 at 10:44 am
If you’re talking 2 way radio, your best bet would be to get a licensed technician to install it for you, and get the right antenna in place adjusted for the lowest standing wave ration and most power.
sailordragonball on July 8, 2010 at 10:44 am
You’re best guess is to go to Radio Shack if you are in the United States … I worked there for 2 years … I was also in the Navy … an HF technician … they have some models on their website http://www.radioshack.com if you are interested in looking at them … give me an e-mail and I’ll help you out.
bobweb on July 8, 2010 at 10:44 am
If you want a temporary antenna to test and operate with until you install a permanent antenna, you could get a magnetic mount portable antenna that might work quite well. Read your manual to see what type of RF antenna connector is on your radio, and look for that type connector when you order the magnet mount antenna. Also, a fully charged spare battery will allow you to operate the radio with no other connections to the boat’s electrical system.
http://www.shakespeare-marine.com/antennas/vhfant.htm
mark t on July 8, 2010 at 10:44 am
You will need a marine vhf radio antenna that is matched to your radios requirements. No big deal and they come in all styles(fixed and folding and either black or white). You can get them at Boaters World or West Marine or any other place that sells marine radios. If you already have the radio bring it with you to the store to get the antenna. You will need a crimping tool to put ends on the wires and you should have a soldering gun to properly put on the connector for the antenna cable end.
Try not to wire direct to the battery, if you leave on the radio and go home when you return you will have a dead battery!
justanotherengine on July 8, 2010 at 10:44 am
No special tools required, the antenna and VHF radio work on "LINE OF SIGHT", so the taller the antenna, the further the transmission, sailboats have their ant. way up on the mast, so it covers a larger area than a power boat. You will need an extenal speaker (should plug right in the back of the unit), the speaker that comes with the VHF radio is tiny, and hard to hear. The best and easiest connection, is to connect it right to the battery, and use an in-line fuse. You will have to do a tiny bit of soldering to connect the ring teminals to the wires (2) easy, after soldering (solder may corrode on the outside but, inside the connection is still good (IMPORTANT), apply "Liquid Lectric tape" (marine store). You may also attach to the fuse box but, make sure that the radio is "FUSE" protected. Install radio in an easy spot to reach, the rest is straight forward, I also carry a back up hand held VHF radio $48 at http://www.overtons.com, A VHF radio is a Smart thing to have on a boat, and don’t be surprised if you need it to save someone else who does NOT have one, I have, GOOD LUCK, you can e-mail me if you have any problems. REMEMBER CHANNEL 16 FOR DISTRESS ! or hit the "HOT BUTTON", brings you right to channel 16, I leave mine on channel 16 to monitor a watch for anyone in distress, a good captain always maintains a "WATCH" on channel 16 when under way.
Mike D on July 8, 2010 at 10:44 am
Installing a VHF is relatively easy and requires no special tools except a skill saw perhaps to cut the hole. new radios will come with mounting brackets and a template to cut out the hole to mount the radio. When you install the unit make sure you use some sealant around the edges even if it has a rubber seal, they all leak after a while. The installation booklet is self explanatory. The antenna should be mounted has high as possible and again sealed with sealant, screws as well. If you have to drill a hole to run the coax, ensure you use a grommet around the coax and where it goes through the hole, again use sealant. Once installed the electrical wiring should go direct to a battery or via a terminal block, all new radios will come with an in line fuse. Check that there is a fuse in the holder, some don’t come with one. Tidy up the coax and other wiring and secure with tie straps.