VHF antenna Location, Cabling | Furuno FA-150 guide

1.1.2VHF antenna Location

The location of the mandatory AIS VHF-antenna should be carefully considered. Digital communication is more sensitive than analog/voice communication to interference created by reflections in obstructions like masts and booms. It may be necessary to relocate the VHF radiotelephone antenna to minimize interference effects.

To minimise interference effects, the following guidelines apply:

•The AIS VHF antenna should be placed in an elevated position that is as free as possible with a minimum of 0.5 meters in the horizontal direction from constructions made of conductive materials. The antenna should not be installed close to any large vertical obstruction. The objective for the AIS VHF antenna is to see the horizon freely through 360 degrees.

•The AIS VHF antenna should be installed safely away from interfering high-power energy sources like radar and other transmitting radio antennas, preferably at least 3 meters away from and out of the transmitting beam.

•There should not be more than one antenna on the same plane. The AIS VHF antenna should be mounted directly above or below the ship’s primary VHF radiotelephone antenna, with no horizontal separation and with a minimum of 2.8 meters vertical separation. If it is located on the same plane as other antennas, the distance apart should be at least 10 meters.

Cabling

•The cable should be kept as short as possible to minimize signal attenuation. Coaxial cables equal to or better than RG10U/Y are recommended.

•All outdoor-installed connectors on coaxial cables should be fitted with preventive isolation such as vulcanizing tape to protect against water penetration into the antenna cable.

•Coaxial cables should be installed in separate signal cable channels/tubes and at least 10 cm away from power supply cables. Crossing of cables should be done at right angles (90°). The minimum bend radius of the coaxial cable should be 5 times the cable's outer diameter.

•Install the VHF whip antenna referring to the outline drawing at the back of this manual. Separate this antenna from other VHF radiotelephone antennas as shown on the next page to prevent interference to the FA-150.