How can I tell if my Antenna is CB or VHF?

[mcu]

I just bought a boat, and it has an antenna on it, but the conectory is cut<br />off at the end of the wire! How can I tell if its a CB or VHF antenna? I<br />installed a CB, but it does not get any reception. My antenna is made by<br />Glassmaster and has a white thin cable. Any info would be very helpful. What connector do I need for the end of my cable?

 

[Yepblaze]

Re: How can I tell if my Antenna is CB or VHF?

You can get a PL-259 connector at Radio Shack and while there pick up a cheap SWR meter with the jumper cable to attach it inline. Then check out the SWR with the meter and if it reponds with less than (in the red zone) for a result have at it.

 

[mcu]

Re: How can I tell if my Antenna is CB or VHF?

Pl-259 is too big for my cable. I just found out its a VHF antenna! Just my luck. I just bought a CB radio. Should I change the antenna or get a new VHF radio? What more will I get with the VHF?

 

[Yepblaze]

Re: How can I tell if my Antenna is CB or VHF?

PL-259 comes in sizes for smaller coaxial cable, even in a no-solder crimp on type. The VHF radios also use the same SO-239 matching outlet on the radio. VHF is the way to go. A real emergency channel (16) No license required anymore, and good range without all the noise. I recently picked up the West marine/Uniden mod.1020 and what a great radio it is. It'll scan all the channels while allowing the couple of channels that always seem to have annoying noise on them omited from the scan. There are only a few channels allowed for general gabbing with your buddies, but all in all, It's great knowing that big freighter, tourboat, or bunch-O-drunks, is headed your way

 

[TONY H]

Re: How can I tell if my Antenna is CB or VHF?

MCU, The VHF is the ship to ship method used by the Coast Guard. It depends on where you do your boating as to what's important.<br />If you want to talk to your buddies about fishing, go with the CB. If you want it for safety andn you learn the proper VHF protocal, Get the VHF.<br />The Frequencies (channels) on the VHF are very specific as to what they are used for. There is no such thing as "Breaker, breaker" on a VHF.

 

[krosemond]

Re: How can I tell if my Antenna is CB or VHF?

Amen to learning the proper VHF protocol! Ship to Ship VHF communications are serious business. No room for gaffawing with your buddies. Channels 68, 71, which are "recreational" channels are polluted with<br />with nonsense chatter. Use your cell phone to talk to your buddies about whats biting.<br /><br />But for safety, monitor 16, and only talk for or in response to an emergency, or critcal communications with another vessel.<br /><br />Happy and safe boating!