Jim, This works, and is an improvement. Apparently the connections are the site of the greatest loss in signal, short coax leads of quality large gauge wire also make for less loss. The component that cannot be overcome is the output of the transciever. Handhelds are usually measurably less output than fixed mount radios. Remember 'line of sight' for signal - balance that with signal loss over long coax runs and multiple connectors. It is believed that poor connections are guilty of degrading the signal - hence minimize the number of connectors and use good quality components and proper solder technique for best results. Best coax available is recommended Some folks use both types of antenna - masthead and deck mount - they have the best of both. 3db for sailboats. Obviously size and complexity are of concern on an M-15 or M-17 for that matter. FWIW - I replaced my lost Icom M-11 with a near new used one from a guy that sails in the SD, CA area - he uses his cell phone instead! Fixed mount radio is an M56. 9 (not currently installed -no fixed antenna) GO M-17 # 316a
From BoatUS- _http://www.boatus.com/husick/c_hheld.asp_ (http://www.boatus.com/husick/c_hheld.asp) Connecting a hand-held radio to the boat's fix mount antenna can be very worthwhile. The fixed mount antenna is a more efficient means for radiating transmitter power than the necessarily small antenna on the radio. The added height of the fixed mount antenna will increase the "radio horizon", the distance over which you will be able to establish reliable communication. The antenna on many hand-helds plug into an RF connector on the top of the set. With the antenna removed a coaxial cable connected to a fixed mount antenna can be plugged into the radio. If you elect to use this option be sure to secure the normal antenna to the radio so that it will be immediately available when it is necessary to use the set without the fixed antenna.
In a message dated 4/3/2009 11:53:20 A.M. US Mountain Standard Time, picfo@comcast.net writes: I've seen guys put an auxiliary antenna on top of the mast that plugged into their handheld in the cabin. Kind of jury rigged - but definitely out of the way when not needed. Has anybody tried this and does it really work? Jim M-17 "Spirit" On Apr 3, 2009, at 5:49 AM, Joe Murphy wrote:
My hand held radio just isn't sufficient for my location so I recently purchased a fixed mount VHF. I'm going to intall a mast antenna this weekend if this storm finally leaves the east. My question is this. Do any of you have any good ideas for the best way to mount a fixed VHF. Obviously I want to have easy access to it at the helm. I also would like to have access to it from within the cabin on occassion. Thanks for any advice. Joe Seafrog M17
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