AM or UHF arial (confused WA)
Submitted: Thursday, Jul 20, 2006 at 11:07
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35994
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Niffty
Hi All
I have an arial which I was given when I got my Patrol/Maverick. The guy who last had the 4wd had both Am and UHF installed, the UHF was removed before I got the Maverick.So I have an arial which Im not sure if I can use it on my new UHF set.The arial is 1m total length the top 100mm is a adjustable stainless tip with a grub screw. The stem I believe is fiberglass with shrinkwrap finish.The wire at the bottom is sparsly wound and then looks like a solid thicker section just below the ajustable tip.I have tried recieving on the AM set but only got some garble. The coax is 50 ohm and the base is a big H/duty spring mount on the B/bar. I know I can use the coax but dont want to ruin my new UHF by trial and error.Any easy identifiable difference?
Niffty
Perth
Reply By: Sand Man (SA) - Thursday, Jul 20, 2006 at 11:28
Thursday, Jul 20, 2006 at 11:28
Niffty,
Why stuff about?
The AM set (and aerial) is just taking up space in your vehicle.
If it's working OK, you can only communicate with another AM set user and they are rare indeed nowadays. AM CB has been
well and truly replaced with UHF.
Now, as for your new UHF set, buy a ground independent UHF Aerial of 6.5db which will give you the best flexibility. They can be obtained in several configurations anywhere between $30 > $100, or so.
Being in
Perth, check out Prestige Communications or, visit your local Dick Smith store.
AnswerID:
184442
Follow Up By: Niffty - Thursday, Jul 20, 2006 at 11:40
Thursday, Jul 20, 2006 at 11:40
Cheers Sand Man
Yep total agree with the usability of Am these days.But I was wondering if the arial was the UHF type as I kind of remember the guy saying it was a UHF but I thought better to check first.The Am/ssb unit was disconnected when I got the Maverick so I was wondering if it is the old UHF arial.Be a shame to spend the extra $100.00 on a arial I dont need.
Niffty
FollowupID:
441113
Reply By: Des Lexic - Thursday, Jul 20, 2006 at 11:29
Thursday, Jul 20, 2006 at 11:29
Nifty, most antenna have a coloured tip or ring around them. A UHF is blue and the 27meg is red. Hope it helps
AnswerID:
184443
Follow Up By: Niffty - Thursday, Jul 20, 2006 at 11:44
Thursday, Jul 20, 2006 at 11:44
Des Lexic
Just total blackness, bit like my knowledge of UHF.Last time I used a set, AM was the go (1980s).
Niffty
FollowupID:
441114
Reply By: Squizzy - Thursday, Jul 20, 2006 at 11:40
Thursday, Jul 20, 2006 at 11:40
Niffty,
It sounds like a 27meg arial just like I used to have and is now stuck in the shed with all other 27meg stuff.
If the description is how I see it, it is a stainless tip about 100mm long X 3mm thick and is adjustable in and out of the arial using a grub screw.
If so, then it is sure to be the above.
Hope this helps.
Geoff
AnswerID:
184444
Follow Up By: Niffty - Thursday, Jul 20, 2006 at 11:49
Thursday, Jul 20, 2006 at 11:49
Squizzy
Same tip.
Sounds like I may have a new Ugly Stik for the boat!
Bet I can pull up some big ones with that stiff little bugger.
Could I still use the spring base or is the thread different?
Niffty
FollowupID:
441115
Reply By: Member - Roachie (SA) - Thursday, Jul 20, 2006 at 11:45
Thursday, Jul 20, 2006 at 11:45
Niffty,
That aerial sounds like a AM type to me, so I wouldn't risk hooking it up to a UHF.
The spring base will be okay if you decide to get a compatible UHF antenae.
As said already, get rid of the AM CB as nobody uses them anymore....although if it's not taking up any space you could keep it on the off chance that you want to communicate with somebody who does still have one.
On the bullbar, you'd be
well advised to use a 'ground-plane independant' type UHF aerial.....one that has a short solid steel base. This makes up for the fact that you haven't mounted the antena in the BEST place of all (ie: the middle of your roof).
Cheers
Roachie
AnswerID:
184445
Reply By: feral - Thursday, Jul 20, 2006 at 11:59
Thursday, Jul 20, 2006 at 11:59
Definately a 27meg CB aerial. I have the same in the back of the cupboard which was used on a Midland AM/SSB. I have not seen a UHF aerial that was adjustable.
I could be wrong though.
Cheers.
AnswerID:
184447
Follow Up By: Member - Mike DID - Thursday, Jul 20, 2006 at 14:41
Thursday, Jul 20, 2006 at 14:41
If you can see spiral wire winding around it and it has a length-adjustable tip then it is definitely 27 Meg AM/SSB - it is useless for a 477 Meg UHF FM set.
Mike
FollowupID:
441153
Reply By: Max - Sydney - Thursday, Jul 20, 2006 at 17:23
Thursday, Jul 20, 2006 at 17:23
Even if it were for UHF, don't waste your time and tears trying to make it work.
Antennas get old and cranky (just like me according to the managing partner) and you would be smart to get a new one.
Max
AnswerID:
184514