VHF Antenna wanted

matiboy · 26 November 2002, 17:24

Ok got the fixed VHF purchased at an amazing price from states, but now need an antenna suitable for mounting on my ribs radar arch

Anybody got one for sale or know of where I can get one at a reasonable price ?

matiboy · 01 January 2003, 18:54

if you know of one

Scotty · 02 January 2003, 14:01

Are prices in the US much cheaper than the UK ? I live in Dublin but have a friend that travels back to Boston every three weeks.

Daniel · 02 January 2003, 16:02

I found a guy selling a DSC VHF on ebay but when i contacted him he said UK customs would not allow it in. Any tips matiboy?

VHF antenna : Could pick one up from the local chandlers and deliver with Rib-International at some stage if you like. Local chandler / outboard guy is a friend and gives me great prices - let me know.

Daniel

matiboy · 02 January 2003, 19:21

please see my post on ribchat

would be interested to see what price you could get one for Daniel ? The fibreglass ones I can get for 25 quid but the flexible wire ones recommmended for ribs are 50 quid ??

Scotty, yes research the web, a lot of electronics are much cheaper

TIM · 02 January 2003, 22:50

That is untrue about sending stuff across from the US. I bought in a whole heap of electronics from florida, no problem. I just had to pay vat on it here.(clamed it back as company expence)

the Guy I got it off was VIT Electronics.com I think.

good service, great prices

Brian · 03 January 2003, 14:04

I may be wrong (I usually am) but I think I read somewhere that VHF's manufactured for sale in the USA had certain channel frequencies either allowed/disallowed or preset or something and these were diferent from UK/Europe ones.
Hence perhaps UK Customs not liking it?

wavelength · 03 January 2003, 17:01

without going and looking at the frequency list there are a few slight differences. One that springs to mind cos it has local(to me) significance is ch7 which is simplex in usa and duplex here. But I have yet to have one from over the pond that is not switchable and when we have forgotten to switch over it has made no operating difference. Vhf are s'posed to be type approved for the radio comm agency licencing but they don't ask on the application form what the set is. Customs will be interested with their liason with trading standards as radios should be CE marked to say they comply with electro magnetic compatability regs. Sets sold in states do not need a ce mark as it is european community legislation. Lets face it sets sold in the states may well be going onto an american vessel which is sailing the world and he needs to be able to communicate with his radio wherever he is. What's the difference practically if the set comes over here on an aeroplane and is then fitted as opposed to coming over already fitted and working.
Our best buy was a uniden h/h vhf about 5 years ago. totally waterproof, designed for jet skiers who are going to get wet inevitably, switchable int/usa and fits in lifejacket pocket. Less than $100 at the time and still going strong despite frequent wettings.

Daniel · 08 January 2003, 12:43

matiboy,

I use a fibreglass one on my RIB, no problems to date. I can get it for about £18 - not really much saving to be had there, he does not have any of the RIB specific ones - saw them @ LBS but they were still £60.

Daniel

matiboy · 08 January 2003, 20:02

18 quid sounds good

what sort of length fibreglass, could it be fitted to top of A frame or mounted next to A frame ? Cheers

Daniel · 08 January 2003, 20:06

on the right in this photo (one on left is slightly shorter)

http://grayswish.rib.net/gallery/full/10.jpg

matiboy · 08 January 2003, 21:33

are you able to fold arial down easily, as if I am to mount one on the A frame to get it back under the car port at night and also for towing it would need to be able to fold down

see attached pic of boat

Oh and where could I get hold of one of these ?

Cheers

Daniel · 08 January 2003, 23:14

£18 me old mate is a special price - it's got a £28 price tag on it. I'll buy one next time i'm passing if you like, but we'll have to meet-up somewhere.

The aeriel is designed to fold - mine too has to fold down to fit into the garage. Mounting will require a solid peice of stainless about 30mm x 50mm (guessing here) and 4 stainless bolts and nuts (plus washers?). I don't thing you get any with it. It can be adjusted for any angle.

I had some stainless fabricated for a custom fit, you have nav. lights fitted in the ideal location for the mounting base, i would say mounting on top of the A-frame would introduce too much stress. Don't know what to suggest really! There looks like two other suitable 'plates' bracing between the tubes, but this might be a little too high up also.

Daniel