FM Radio Ariel

[Wightdiver]

Hi Forum

Just ordered the new console for my project and starting to think about the fit out. I want a CD/radio unit but not sure of how to get a signal. I do not want a standard car ariel showing so thought about sticking it inside the console but it will be a bit untidy. Anyone know of a better solution.

I have never seen an aerial on a Sunseeker so there must be a solution. Preferbaly not at Sunseeker money!!

Ideas?

Thanks

Andy

[PeterM]

I put mine inside the console & it gets FM with no problems. Keeps it out of harms way and the wet environment.

I'd suggest if you can get an IPOD connected unit as CD players on RIBS do tend to jump & skip . I got a FUSION un it whcih seem to be a good balance between cost & quality.

[longjohn]

Originally Posted by PeterM

I put mine inside the console & it gets FM with no problems. Keeps it out of harms way and the wet environment.

I'd suggest if you can get an IPOD connected unit as CD players on RIBS do tend to jump & skip . I got a FUSION un it whcih seem to be a good balance between cost & quality.

Second that - I have a fusion too and use one of those electronic internal windscreen mounted antennas stuck to the inside of the console.

[Wightdiver]

Originally Posted by longjohn

Second that - I have a fusion too and use one of those electronic internal windscreen mounted antennas stuck to the inside of the console.

Longjohn/Peter

Thanks, good point about the CD I had not considered that, I will search out a windscreen antenna.

Andy

[PeterM]

I just got a cheap FM aerial from Halfords for about ten quid ...

[longjohn]

mine looks like this
New Car Windshield Mount Electronic FM Radio TV Antenna | eBay

[Wightdiver]

Originally Posted by longjohn

mine looks like this
New Car Windshield Mount Electronic FM Radio TV Antenna | eBay

Thanks, found something very similar in Halfords, a little more expensive but no postage!! Did you just stick it to the inside of the console? Did you need to try differing positions to get the best reception or jus plonk it in where there was space?

Andy

[longjohn]

I plonked mine on the front wall of the console - dont think the position makes any difference as that will depend on the way the boat is pointing - just has to be horizontal I think

[Wightdiver]

Originally Posted by longjohn

I plonked mine on the front wall of the console - dont think the position makes any difference as that will depend on the way the boat is pointing - just has to be horizontal I think

Thanks Longjohn, always worth learning from someone that has done it before.

Regards

Andy

[Hightower]

don't worry with an aerial, use your smart phone to get internet radio. Just connect an amp to the earphone socket and away you go.

[Wightdiver]

Originally Posted by Hightower

don't worry with an aerial, use your smart phone to get internet radio. Just connect an amp to the earphone socket and away you go.

Andy

You are obvioulsy not aware of my reputation with technology!!!!! I have only just mastered my Betamax video recorder!!

Andy

[Hightower]

How's about an mp3 type player with built in radio? You could run this though an amp using the headphone lead as the aerial.

[ncp]

I just got a splitter so I'm using my 8ft. VHF antenna for both VHF & AM/FM.

$34

http://www.gandermountain.com/modper...litter&i=91524

[PeterM]

Originally Posted by Hightower

How's about an mp3 type player with built in radio? You could run this though an amp using the headphone lead as the aerial.

I got one of these ;

200 Series Marine Stereo (MS-RA200) | FUSION Electronics

and cant rate it highly enough for such a small unit - even gets decent VHF reception on with my halfords aerial !

I think that they even do a cheaper simpler version now too;

50 Series Marine Stereo (MS-RA50) | FUSION Electronics

that can run 2 speakers instead of 4 ...

[Wightdiver]

Originally Posted by PeterM

I got one of these ;

200 Series Marine Stereo (MS-RA200) | FUSION Electronics

and cant rate it highly enough for such a small unit - even gets decent VHF reception on with my halfords aerial !

I think that they even do a cheaper simpler version now too;

50 Series Marine Stereo (MS-RA50) | FUSION Electronics

that can run 2 speakers instead of 4 ...

I have to say I like the simplicity of a unit mounted in the console rather than all that voo doo, black magic MP3 stuff!!. I think it must be an age thing.

Next thing you know they will be inventing telephones that dont need wires!!

[Limey Linda]

Originally Posted by ncp

I just got a splitter so I'm using my 8ft. VHF antenna for both VHF & AM/FM.

$34

Gander Mountain® > Pacific Aerials VHF/AM/FM Broadcast Band Splitter

So pushing 25watts into your am/fm radio when you transmit on vhf does not damage it ????

[ncp]

Originally Posted by Limey Linda

So pushing 25watts into your am/fm radio when you transmit on vhf does not damage it ????

P7101 VHF/AM/FM Broadcast Band Splitter

"VHF/AM/FM broadcast band splitter: Supplied complete with VHF and car radio plugs. The splitter used the VHF antenna to provide AM/FM reception, without degrading the performance of the antenna at VHF frequencies."

http://www.pacificaerials.co.nz/site...101%20Spec.pdf

I think that I'm using it as designed!

[Oscarguitar]

Originally Posted by Limey Linda

So pushing 25watts into your am/fm radio when you transmit on vhf does not damage it ????

No! That's what the splitter is for. Stops that happening.

On the aerial front I added a second VHF antenna which works fine and also means I now have a spare in an emergency. I did try the Halfords method but the reception was not as good as the VHF.

Point to note with the Fusion kit, make sure the tuner is set to European not USA. It seems to pull in far more stations that way.

Frankly just about any old bit of wire does a reasonable job.

[wellhouse]

Originally Posted by ncp

I just got a splitter so I'm using my 8ft. VHF antenna for both VHF & AM/FM.

$34

Gander Mountain® > Pacific Aerials VHF/AM/FM Broadcast Band Splitter

that's exactly what i use to get around this problem, works great as you say.
Got mine from Force 4 for slightly less than £30 although they will price match other people.

Pacific Aerials VHF/AM-FM Splitter - Only £29.95 - Force 4 Chandlery

[Hightower]

Or £23.50 from here:

Pacific Aerials VHF / AM / FM Broadcast Band Antenna Splitter model P7101 | eBay