SSB info
Posted: Wed Sep 13, 2006 9:34 am
If you are installing a SSB, the link below provides a good alternative to an insulated backstay antenna. It works better and is a lot cheaper. The link also provides some good info about how to enhance performance on catamarans by installing 450-ohm ladder rope as a counterpoise in each hull to supplement the below-water grounding plate.
http://www.ropeantenna.com/
Rather than installing the antenna tuner in the rear lazerette (which is these are typically installed), it's much better to install it as close to the ground plate as possible (as opposed to putting it close to the antenna). Thus, if you have a PDQ36, a good place is inside the wooden locker to the right of the electrical panel, assuming the ground plate is in your starboard hull. That way, it will only be a few feet from the ground plate. Plus, it will be in a considerably less corrosive environment. Instead of connecting the tuner to the ground plate with a wire, use a strip of copper foil. I moved mine from the rear lazerette -- a hassel. but the result was much improved performance.
Finally, salt air corrodes everything metal, sooner or later. So plan on cleaning EVERY terminal (screw-on or plug-in) on the tuner and radio itself at least annually to maintain good performance.
Ed
http://www.ropeantenna.com/
Rather than installing the antenna tuner in the rear lazerette (which is these are typically installed), it's much better to install it as close to the ground plate as possible (as opposed to putting it close to the antenna). Thus, if you have a PDQ36, a good place is inside the wooden locker to the right of the electrical panel, assuming the ground plate is in your starboard hull. That way, it will only be a few feet from the ground plate. Plus, it will be in a considerably less corrosive environment. Instead of connecting the tuner to the ground plate with a wire, use a strip of copper foil. I moved mine from the rear lazerette -- a hassel. but the result was much improved performance.
Finally, salt air corrodes everything metal, sooner or later. So plan on cleaning EVERY terminal (screw-on or plug-in) on the tuner and radio itself at least annually to maintain good performance.
Ed