Vhf Splitter

[Nausikaa]

I don't want Nausikaa to look as if there is a leaf-less forrest growing at the mast top so I thought that instead of having seperate VHF antennas for each bit of kit working on VHF bands, i.e. VHF radio, VHF receiver (on the public radio band) and AIS receiver. I would try to use just one antenna and a VHF splitter.

Does anyone have any experience of a VHF splitter? Good or bad - I would like to hear it!

Aye // Stephen

[MMNETSEA]

As long as all the appliances operate on the same bandwidth frequency and feed line resistance --

NO PROBLEM !

Give us the individual frequencies .

Richard

[Nausikaa]

Thanks for the response.

The frequencies are as follows:

Radio receiver, VHF 88 - 108 MHz

AIS receiver, 156.025 - 162.025 MHz

VHF transmitter / receiver 155 - 158.6 MHz simplex and 159.6 - 163.2 MHz duplex.

Aye // Stephen

[MMNETSEA]

Originally Posted by Nausikaa

AIS receiver, 156.025 - 162.025 MHz

VHF transmitter / receiver 155 - 158.6 MHz simplex and 159.6 - 163.2 MHz duplex.

Stephen

The above 2 should work off the same antenna using a coax switch like this :-



The radio will need its own antenna - but I will look up something unobtrusive - what do you use it for ??

Richard

[Nausikaa]

Thanks for this Richard.

I much prefer the idea of a manual splitter rather than an electronic device.

The radio is a Sailor R109 which has a coaxial aerial input for VHF and another for SW, MW and LW. The radio will mainly be used for receiving weather forecasts on long wave from the BBC (shipping forecast), listening to the news etc on short wave and general entertainment on VHF.

aye // Stephen

[Nausikaa]

The Sailor R109 receiver.

It is also fitted with a hand bearibng compass / DF.

Aye // Stephen

[MMNETSEA]

Hi

If you are referring to the pix, this is a manual device - nothing electronic . EG... turn left AIS -- turn right Marine VHF. purely mechanicall.

If you are referring to something like a splitter that is used to deliver TV transmissions to multiple TV sets , ie One antenna serving TV sets in different rooms. This type no good for your purpose.

Richard

[Nausikaa]

Indeed. The manual splitter (switch) will be great or perhaps an electronic splitter such as shown here LINK

Aye // Stephen

[MMNETSEA]

Originally Posted by Nausikaa

Indeed. The manual splitter (switch) will be great or perhaps an electronic splitter such as shown here LINK

Aye // Stephen

Stephen,

I understood you to say "I much prefer the idea of a manual splitter rather than an electronic device"

The LINK took me to an electronic splitter - which as you see, requires its own power supply,

just something else to go feet up.

I can see it having no advantage over the mechanical coax switch. I use 2 of them and they have never given a problem over many years and countless switching. The one coax switch I pictured is made by Daiwa (who also make good fishing reels)

Stay well

Richard

[Nausikaa]

Originally Posted by MMNETSEA

The one coax switch I pictured is made by Daiwa (who also make good fishing reels)

They certainly do. I have a Daiwa reel Ihave had for years and, with only the slightest maintenance, is still going strong!

I agree on the manual vs. automatic issue. No point is adding more electrickery for such a simple task even if the consumption is low (0.1 W or less). Just more stuff to go wrong!

Aye // Stephen

[Aquaria]

Hi Stephen,

I was moving this problem many years ago: operating a VHF-Marine Radio and an Car Radio on just one antenna on the mast top.

I thought about a manual splitter too: Only problem - what happens to your VHF-Marine Radio if you forget to turn the switch into the correct position and the antenna is not connected?

The manual of the VHF gives the warning to not operate (transmit) without the antenna connected - some important parts will be destroyed immediately...

So I installed a permanent splitter, connecting both VHF and car radio to the antenna.

Here the next pboblem arose: What happens, if you transmit with, say 25W wile the car radio is running?

You will destroy the signal amlifier of you car radio instantly because 25W are way too much to be amplified..

Solution:

I installed an either/or power swith between the VHF and the car radio, so it is never possible to operate both radios at the same time.

I installed the power swith right next to the VHF and so instead of swithing the antenna I swith the power to the equipment I want to use. And it is foolproof: you cannot destroy the VHF (because of the lacking antenna) or the car radio (because of a too strong radio signal).

I know, it is not a standard installation of the VHF as it has to be on commercial ships, but this arrangement has worked for many years now without any problems!

Only problem now: I cannot listen to stereo music wile sailing and using the VHF. But we never missed loud musik on the water.

Wintertime is time of improving the ship, standing high and dry in the shed!

Cheers

Uwe

SY AQUARIA

[Nausikaa]

Hi Uwe,

Many thanks, as always, for your advice. I like the idea of an eithor/or power switch. That seems like a very good idea.

I think the new (old) Sailor R109 will fit very nicely in Nausikaa as it is ofthe right vintage as well as matching the VHF radio. I am also thinking of installing a smaller, DSC VHF in a watertight box fitted in the cockpit. At the moment, I am still just considering this.

Keep well - I will be sending you an email before Christmas!

Kindest regards // Stephen