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Posts: 4
| I want to install an antenna on my 1775 lund for a Ray marine 53 radio. I narrowed it down to either a 5400xt galaxy 4 footer, or a 5225xt galaxy eight footer. I know longer is better for range, but fishing on the Mississippi River is fishing around bends,bluffs, and many islands. Would I get better results with the 5225 ( clarity in transmission and reception) even though range might only be several miles. If anyone has actual experience with some of these variables, I would appreciate it. |
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Posts: 1936
Location: Eau Claire, WI | Fizz.
I will reply to this and then move the Boats/Motors board as this question is best suited to be there.
Here's what I know about antenna's. Length is important but equally if not more important is the db gain rating on the antenna.
The db rating has to do with how the transmission wave is broadcast.
A 3db rating is shorter wave but has a much higher arc to it. Best for sending signals within a few miles but up and over things like bluffs, islands, etc.
A 6db rating is a little more flat of a signal and is good out to about 6-10 miles depending on interference such as islands, bluffs, etc. This is a good general purpose antenna for the guys who will do some boating on the Great Lakes and some inland boating.
A 9db rating is a very flat signal and is best suited for the Great Lakes or Oceans. It will reach a long distance but because it is a very flat signal it is easily interfered with by things like islands, etc.
I am not familiar with the db ratings on the antenna's you mention so I can not offer an opinion as to which part number is better for your situation. There is a marina in Wabasha, MN just up the road from Slippery's and the guys there are very knowlegeable about antenna's and what works in bluff counrty. Sorry I don't have the number but you could easily find it from directory assistance, their the only one there.
Hope this helps.
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Posts: 5874
| Get the Galaxy 5225 XT. I have one on my lund, and it work's great. In fact, the first year at the Shady Moon outing, I was used as a realy station for all those guys with 4 footers! |
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| Shep,
Do you have your 5225 on a 1775? It seems so long for a boat that size. Also, do you use your radio on the Mississippi frequently? I'm told the 5400xt is the best of the 3db antennas, but it may not equal the 5225. I don't want to go longer than necessary, but don't want to make my radio less efficient either. Thanks for your imput, Shep.
bill |
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Posts: 1936
Location: Eau Claire, WI | Fizz,
Shep runs a 1700 Angler SS. His antenna proudly has an American Flag fixed to the top of it and it folds down and lays along the boat just fine.
He is correct on how his antenna performs and for the water he fishes it is an excellent choice. But if I read your post correctly you spend a lot of time in bluff country so you may want to do a little more investigating. If one of the anteanna's you are considering is the short wire one with the wide base I believe that unit is 3db gain..see post above. I have one of those on my boat now and it is good out to about 2+ miles. Shep's antenna on the other hand will reach out 5+ miles with a good signal. |
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Posts: 5874
| What Mark said. A 1700 Esox Angler SS. Same basic hull as the 1775 ProV. Go here to see some pics of how and where I mounted it.
http://www.walleyecentral.com/photopost/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppu...
Edited by Shep 12/22/2004 10:07 AM
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| Mark and Shep,
Thanks for the information. I think I know where I want to go with this thing. Most of my fishing is on smaller lakes, but the River is on the menu. That is fine looking lund, Shep. Mine is the older 1775 (93), but I think it's a great boat. |
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antennas