Fixed DSC VHF set for Sib.

[kaman]

Got an offer I couldn't refuse on a brand new Standard Horizon VHF and aerial set up.
I'm going to be fitting it to my Honwave over the next few weeks when I get time.
Going to fix the VHF set under the seat.
It will be out of sight inside the seat bag.
It's 1 metre water proof and as light as a feather.
Going to fix the aerial to a metal bracket on the transom.
Hoping the 25w output and external aerial will give me greater range over my Standard Horizon 6w handheld.
I'll post up pics once it's fitted☺

[Paul]

Kaman

Are you going to mount the Ariel on the transom or make up an 'A' frame of some sort to mount it on as height is the 'key' with line of sight VHF transmission
I've purposely left the threads from my launch wheels and towing eyes on the transom extended to give me a mount for a possible 'A' frame or fishing rod holders.
It'll be interesting what you come up with

Paul

[kaman]

Hi Paul the aerial I've got is around 5 ft 6 inches from base to tip.
It's not the short rib whip type.
Its rigid fiber glass - the type designed to go on a small fishing boat Cuddy.
I've got a bracket cut and painted with Hammerite ready to go onto my auxiliary engine outrigger.
The aerial base has 4 x m8 pre-drilled bolt holes to affix it.
I've made a 1 ft stand to go on top of the outrigger mount ready to accept the aerial.
I'm going go make another mounting stand section capable of bolting in to give added height if necessary.
Antenna tip is around 8ft from the waterline just now.
Can add in a larger one piece section to raise thr height accordinbly.
Ill ptobably aim to get 10 - 12 ft elevation.

[Paul]

Kaman

Nice job mate
I assume this is in readiness for next years Scottish Adventure so you can remain in contact with base (PaulB and Rodger Black)
Joking aside, I'm liking the idea you can extend it further to give you a greater range
Certainly food for thought

Paul

[kaman]

Howdy Paul.
On me caravan hols - no tin ternet .
I've trimmed and tidied up the mount and going to fabricate a bolt in extension section soon.
It's looking good and it will definetly act as a confidence booster when pushing the envelope in a small SIB.
Can call ashore and order our fish and chips at Benderloch next year when we catch up with Paul B.
His boat is suitably fast enuf to get ahead and warm the cooking oil for the following of hungry Sibbers.
Will post some pics in the next 2 weeks when I get a chance to finish things off.

[kaman]

Got my fixed DSC GPS Standard Horizon registered on Ofcom today.
MMSI received - input and saved correctly - phewww!!!!!
Tested it today and cut and tidied wiring.
Got all the metal mounting brackets cut welded and painted ready to install to the hibernating SIB..
I've made a bolt in section to elevate the height of the aerial to boost the range when going for an off shore extended jolly.
Ill get around to installing and finishing things off in time for the new year.

[kaman]

Work in progress..........

[kaman]

Brought the Sib seat indoors earlier and installed the VHF set.
Two thumb screws to easily remove the set.
It can play peek a boo from I side the storage bag.

[kaman]

Still needs a lick of paint to finish but here's the aerial / mount and bolt in extension section.
Should be around 12 feet at the tip when mounted.

[kaman]

Here's a few pics showing roughly how the aerial fits on my outrigger.
The rusty metal mounting bracket in the pic has now been cut sanded and painted and is currently on the sib patiently waiting for the weather to play ball in the new year.

Looking at the pic of the Sib the aerial mounts to the right hand side of the little Suzuki auxiliary.