12 Volt SSB Scanner

[TreblePlink]

Originally Posted by cburger

Gentleman thank you for the replies. The SSB that came with the boat is all push button with no tuning knob, programed Itu marine channels and as such difficult to search bands, was thinking this may be a good faster way to see who make be speaking on frequencies. I understand that in SSB scaning may only pull in strong signals, wouldn't these be more likely be able to be contacted than the fainter signals?

Yes. But as you head into this, please remember: SSB and Scanning do not work well. Programming the memory channels to your desired frequencies will make it easy to quickly tune and check them; expect to do this manually.

[cburger]

I have installed the R-75 Icom using the same backstay antenna as the vessels SSB. As hoped it has simplified picking up transmissions and appears to be more sensitive than the transceiver. The Icom has the ability to utilize two different antennas. I am considering attempting to use the vessels cap shroud as a different type of antenna with the idea of better reception on different frequencies. So the answers to a couple of questions would be appreciated. The cap stay is connected to to external chain plates and the mast is 50' tall, the stays are connected at the top with tangs that are through bolted to the opposite side stay. Should I have fair expectation that there would be continuity to both stays and would this essentially create a 100' inverted dipole? If I connect feed wire to the 1/2" chain plate bolt on the inside of the boat would the bronze turnbuckle attached to the stay interfere with the performance of the stainless wire antenna and would I need to put a stainless bridge wire from the chain plate to the rigging wire to improve reception. Finally, is there any benefit to what I am thinking about doing ?

[TreblePlink]

It would not be a dipole, but may work. Consider it an experiment.

[transmitterdan]

It’s more like a long wire antenna but if it’s grounded to the sea at the base of the mast then it’s kind of a loop antenna. It’s not a dipole in any case.