VHF fiber antenna 8' broken at the top ( less than 2 feet).....Easy fix?

sansteph

So we are new to this world and I guess we are learning the hard way ...they are apparently bridges lower than others ;-)...so we snapped our VHF antenna and top broke in two...wire seems fine as the radio still working...for the moment we just tapped it. Just wondering...could we just cut the last part and cap it? or should we buy a new antenna...( which would require us I guess to redo the entire wiring which we would rather prevent.  or other options?

Thanks in advance to anyone that can provide so input to help us.

Sandra and Stephane

Handymans342

Just get new because the higher it is the better reception

Weber

Buy a new one, attach the new wire to the old wire and you should be able to pull the new one right to the radio or close to it.

Stodge

Transmitters are sensitive to the length of the antenna.  If the radiating part of the antenna is damaged you run the risk of burning out the transmitter.  VHF radio is an important safety tool.  I'd get a new antenna instead or running the risk of ruining your VHF.

212rowboat

^+1

They're tuned pretty close from the factory... In theory, you could get a swr meter and retune it at a new length, but the length is directly proportionate to the receive/transmit distance.....  They're not that much, and likely only twice what a decent swr meter would cost.  

LaRea

VHF = critical safety gear.  Don't compromise.  Buy a new antenna and run fresh cable all the way back to the radio.  

Also, you are officially welcomed as the newest member of the thwap-thwap-oh-crap club!  

Stodge

Your local ham radio operator (de n4izo) will usually have a VHF SWR meter handy.  

The electrical length of the antenna is determined by the frequency range of radio operation.  The wave length of the antenna will determine gain and gain will determine the multiplying field effect of the radiated signal.  Meaning, all other things being equal, a 1/4 wave antenna will not transmit as far as a 5/8 wave antenna.  Gain is rated in dB.  More is better.

There are also differences in radiation pattern from one wave length to another.  Physical antenna length is not as important as electrical length.  Other than it raises up the over all height of the antenna.  Again, all other things being equal, an antenna up 10 feet will not have the range of an antenna up 50 feet.

sansteph

Thanks everyone.

bigal6030

I just cut the broken piece off mine and capped it. works fine. Replace it after this season.

sansteph

Thanks!