[Talisman66]

Cruising Ebay looking at boat parts, I came across this SSB grounding aternative. Iam curious if any of our resident sailors have seen this before and what is really inside of the tubing? Reading about SSB installs, everyone seems to conflict with one another about the best way to do it. What works? What does'nt? Has anyone used this exact product? Thanks
Marine SSB Ground (Sailing, Radar, Dynaplate):eBay Motors (item 110440031060 end time Oct-05-09 20:56:43 PDT)

 

[Alannc44]

Cruising Ebay looking at boat parts, I came across this SSB grounding aternative. Iam curious if any of our resident sailors have seen this before and what is really inside of the tubing? Reading about SSB installs, everyone seems to conflict with one another about the best way to do it. What works? What does'nt? Has anyone used this exact product? Thanks
Marine SSB Ground (Sailing, Radar, Dynaplate):eBay Motors (item 110440031060 end time Oct-05-09 20:56:43 PDT)

I think he makes a mistake by calling it a "ground system". It's more like the counterpoise in a dipole system. Ideally, you could stretch out his cable(s) in a straight line with the center line conductor and consequently create a dipole. At least that's what his system sounds like to me.

Alan
WN4HOG

 

[DwayneSpeer]

No

No, it's not a ground, it's a dipole antenna and it will be very directional if it works at all.

 

[Alannc44]

No, it's not a ground, it's a dipole antenna and it will be very directional if it works at all.

Dipoles work fantastically if you get them stretched out. You can even string them up vertically for vertical polarization, or horizontally for horizontal polarization. For vertical operation just tie one end to a halyard. Horizontally might be a little more problematic since the idea is to get it level.

The advantage of horizontal over vertical, besides polarization, would be the angle of take-off. A dipole will be affected by the water and cause short skip to be a little stronger than long distance propagation unless you get the antenna way up high out of the influence of the water. The vertical setups work really well for really long distances since the angle of take-off is so low. For that setup try to keep the wire as far from stays as possible.

Yes, a dipole has some directivity, but you can use that to your advantage. Just keep in mind the signals will be stronger when hitting the antenna broadside. (and transmitting). That means, if you have a vertical setup, the weaker part will be straight up. No problem there.

Alan
WN4HOG

 

[TSOJOURNER]

Cruising Ebay looking at boat parts, I came across this SSB grounding aternative. Iam curious if any of our resident sailors have seen this before and what is really inside of the tubing?

It's a piece of wire... for $129. Jeez Loueeeze!

Tip #1 - don't EVER buy anything radio related off of E-Bay!
Tip #2 - see tip #1

You already have access to the world's greatest grounding (signal reflecting) system. It's called THE WATER! I'm short on heart meds right now, so that's all I care to say.

 

[scottyt]

i just want to fire one shot across his bow

its the car comment. does any one really believe that lightning after traveling 1000,s of feet thru the air really have a problem with jumping the other 6 inches past the tires.

 

[Omatako]

This is confusing (it's easy to confuse me with radio stuff).

How does a copper wire connection to the "grounding lug" become a dipole antenna?

I have a dipole antenna encased in plastic and "clipped" onto my backstay. I can't remember who makes them but I got it in the US. It works really well and it doesn't appear to be directional at all. Edit: I found it, check Gam Antennas

So amongst other things, I'm also a little puzzled at the comment that says to "keep the wire as far away from the stays as possible". Mine cannot possibly get any closer.

Maybe a sketch from the boffins will clear this up because reading the above just muddles things for me.