I suspect the skip and hop characteristics of SSB mask the poor radiation patterns in use. Or in other words every time it doesn't work it's attributed to a bad bounce.
I helped by brother go through the installation process on his IP38 and I did the teak work for the nav station. He chose an Icom IC-M710-RT (which is probably out of production) that has a compact control head for nav station and a remote transceiver that couples up next to the automatic antenna tuner. My concern on a C27 install would be just what kind of antenna length is left when isolate down from the top and isolate 8 ft off the cockpit floor. I'll swag the isolated antenna wire would be about 26ft. Icom calls it a long wire antenna but how long is long, and I leave it Ralph to us what that means. Phil Agur s/v Wing Tip Commodore, Call Sign WCW3485 IC27/270A MMSI 366901790 www.catalina27.org Vessel Doc# 1039809 -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Ralph E. Ahseln Sent: Tuesday, January 10, 2006 5:52 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: catalina27-talk: backstay antenna ----- Original Message ----- From: "Art" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: catalina27-talk: backstay antenna >I am considering putting SSB in my C27 this spring. It will be primarily >for my amateur radio hobby. I was wondering if anyone has made an HF >antenna out of the backstay by installing insulators? There are some >simpler options, but I thought I'd investigate this since launch date is >still over 4 months away! > > Art Snapper > #6610 Sabbatical > Art, You've asked one of the questions that rate very high , on the "HEATED Discussion" topic list. LOL So I'll Jump in and put my feet in the fire.. IMHO.. (former Ham Extra, FCC 1st phone (now General Phone), FCC 2nd Tele, Radar endorsed..... blah blah...) Backstay antennas are: Slopers, With Questionable radiation patterns (I've yet to find someone who has done Field Strength measurements on it).. In some minds feel that you might as well Shunt feed one of the Shrouds because of the induced RF a Sloper sets up.. (Some folks refer to them as "Sloppers" because of the Sloppy results).LOL... I think they are an alternative to almost any other radiator. Used mainly to maintain the "Look" of the boat so it will still be SALTY appearing.. A well engineered Vertical would probably do as well , if not better. But many don't like the look of a big stick sticking up on the boat. My personal pick would be the Vertical . I like the proven radiation pattern. Well, in most of the installations, anyway.. But, it's a subject that surely causes anger is some and amusement with others.. Don't get me started on what Ground, Ground Plane, Counterpoise, Common,, ....... Means.. ROFL ! Good Luck, UW Ralph Ahseln Oblio Gresham OR
