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| I got a marine band radio for christmas and am wondering which antenna to get for it. I am looking at getting a 4' antenna instead of an 8' because of space but am curious if there is a significant performance loss going with the shorter antenna. Does anyone have experience with a 4' vs 8' antenna? the radio is a uniden oceanous thanks Jason Malone | |
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Posts: 87
Location: michigan | Jason, there is a difference between the 4' & 8' antennas. There are also big differences between antennas of the same size. I don't know where you intend to fish and how far you want to be able to reach someone, but don't buy the cheapest antenna. If you have the room get the 8', the difference in price is due the difference in db gain (the higher the gain the higher the price and the better the reception). The Shakespeare galaxy has worked well for me on the big lakes, no humming or buzzing very clear. Your radio will only be as good as the antenna you purchase. Hope this helps. | |
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Posts: 1936
Location: Eau Claire, WI | Jason,
When it comes to marine antennas one very important thing to look for is the db-gain rating.
I'll try to keep this brief and simple... They generally come in one of 3 options. 3db gain, 6db gain, and 9 db gain. In simple terms it relegates itself to the shape of the transmitted wave.
3db gain, generally the shorter 3 foot steel antennas have a curved wave simimlar to the top half of a circle (arc). They are good for shorter ranges 1/2 - 3 miles but will get the wave up and over islands and steep shorlines (like the steep cliffs of the Mississippi River).
6db gain, generally available in 5-8 foot fiberglass antennas have less of a curve to the transmission wave. They are good up to about 7-10 miles and are great for most inland bodies of water. The wave will go over most islands and most shorelines and will travel a long distance.
9db gain, generally available in 8 foot or longer fiberglass. These transmit a flat wave and are good for out to 20+ miles depending on strenght of transmitter (radio). These are generally recommended for wide open conditions like the Great Lakes or Ocean type situations.
My recommendation is to try to find one in the 6db gain rating. Shakespeere makes one that is 6' long in fiberglass with the mount for about $110. Go to a marine dealer and have them order it.
For a little less money you can get one of the little 3' wire ones that are 3 db gain but they're only good for talking to your buddies on the same lake within the 2 mile range. They are usually $60 +/-.
Hope this helps.
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Marine band radio antenna