S/Steel HF Antenna

Submitted: Monday, Jul 02, 2007 at 19:06

ThreadID: 47330 Views:3964 Replies:3 FollowUps:3

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Fragle_Rock (VIC)

Hi All,

I have a Codan 9313 HF radio with an 8558 auto tune antenna. Currently I use the fibreglass antenna that came with the unit. I am wanting to change to fibreglass antenna to a stainless steel antenna as I believe they have a little more give in them, particularly in the high country. (I am worried about damaging the antenna when it hits branches overhanging the tracks and yes I am too lazy to take the thing on and off when needed).

I have been advised that the stainless steel antenna needs to be between 1.2m and 1.65m in length. If I want to get RFDS channel 2020, then the antenna needs to be at the higher end of the scale. Is this correct? Is there anything else I need to be aware of? Is it as simple as purchasing a stainless steel antenna that is 1.65m or longer and screwing the thing in?

Any advice greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance

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Reply By: Member - Phil G (SA) - Monday, Jul 02, 2007 at 19:19

Monday, Jul 02, 2007 at 19:19

I use a very flexible stainless steel whip - costs $45 at the local HF radio shop.

The can still break from fatigue at the base - if it does this, then you can simply loosen the grub screw and put it back in again - good as new. To stop you losing it if it breaks, you can put a piece of electrical tape from the base, up the aerial about 6 inches. I've had 2 snap over the past 5 years, but I have been guilty of abusing them.

AnswerID: 250362

Follow Up By: Fragle_Rock (VIC) - Monday, Jul 02, 2007 at 19:55

Monday, Jul 02, 2007 at 19:55

Thanks Phil....what length is the whip you use? I take it that you don't have any problems tuning to the various frequencies?

FollowupID: 511534

Follow Up By: Member - Phil G (SA) - Monday, Jul 02, 2007 at 20:18

Monday, Jul 02, 2007 at 20:18

Its 5 foot long.
My radio is a Barrett, but I have friends with Codan who use the same whip but I think with an thread adaptor.

My standard Barrett aerial is 6 foot, and my SuperRod is 9 metres long. No prize for guessing what works best, but the 5 foot whip performs as well as most others. They all autotune fine, but I don't go below 3995kHz.

FollowupID: 511543

Reply By: MEMBER - Darian (SA) - Monday, Jul 02, 2007 at 20:22

Monday, Jul 02, 2007 at 20:22

You should find the autotune adjusting itself automatically to whatever reasonable length whip you put on there.... IE..... different frequencies, on different length whips will all produce different configs inside the autotune - it sorts itself out.
BTW - I use a light duty flexible stainless whip on my Barrett system (same whip mentioned by Phil above).... about 1.5m I think - available widely - tapered wire with a simple female base fitting that mates to the male rod on top of the autotune - I bought a small base spring too (about 100mm) from the local radio shop (brass - chromed) - goes betwen the whip and the autotune - seems not be needed, but adds length and I've never broken the whip........ the spring may absorb some dynamics when mobile.......I have a heavier - heavy duty 1.8m whip too, but usually put that on when static.

AnswerID: 250382