Bimini VHF MMSI

[Mainah]

Hey y'all, what's a good antenna to use with the GX1700 and best mount location on the 242x?
Prepping for Bimini 2018...

I just got the same radio and spent way too much time researching VHF antennas and the science behind them. I ended up with a black 6 ft Pacific Aerials that I am going to tower mount. Pacific aerials is the only brand with a model line where the antenna connects in the middle of the base allowing you to simply unscrew the antenna and leaving the wire connected to the mounting bracket. As far as performance I went deep into the science and one 6 ft half wave antenna is as good as another. In fact ignore the BS gain numbers. I went 6 ft as that is the longest I can easily stow on the boat (going to add fishing rod holder clips in the ski locker).

 

[Bruce]

@Mainah, I am sure you know but please make sure not to power up the radio with the antenna disconnected.

 

[swatski]

Or at least keep it switched to low power, until need the range.
Most claim they are protected, but Iwouldn't play with it. These are OLD technologies.

--

 

[Mainah]

@Mainah, I am sure you know but please make sure not to power up the radio with the antenna disconnected.

Having never owned a fixed VHF I did not know that so thanks very much for the tip.

 

[Bruce]

Having never owned a fixed VHF I did not know that so thanks very much for the tip.

It was a common problem with old CB radios which would blow a diode if keyed up without an antenna. I worked at Radio Shack in high school and side jobs replacing diodes paid for a lot of dates with @Rana.

 

[Sbrown]

Pacific aerials is the only brand with a model line where the antenna connects in the middle of the base allowing you to simply unscrew the antenna and leaving the wire connected to the mounting bracket.

Not exactly true, Shakespeare also has a complete line of QC (quick connect) antennas and mounts.

 

[Mainah]

Not exactly true, Shakespeare also has a complete line of QC (quick connect) antennas and mounts.

Thanks for pointing that out. I did not find any myself. Perhaps I focused on the Pacific Aerials 6 foot anteena and new mount but good to know.

 

[Sbrown]

Thanks for pointing that out. I did not find any myself. Perhaps I focused on the Pacific Aerials 6 foot anteena and new mount but good to know.

It's all good. Shakespeare doesn't seem to offer a 6' QC antenna which, as you pointed out, is a good size compromise. Pacific Aerials mount I agree is also nicer looking. Just wanted to say there are other options in case those weren't available.