1 ANTENNA SYSTEM

Antenna for ship

Required antenna element length

Required antenna element length to achieve full performance varies according to the lowest frequency:

The lowest frequency

Required antenna element length

 

 

1.6 MHz band

7 m; 23.0 feet or longer

 

 

4 MHz band

3 m; 9.8 feet or longer

 

 

The longer the antenna element, the better the antenna efficiency.

Undesirable antenna element lengths

AVOID multiples of 12λ (half wavelength) for antenna element lengths, since tuning becomes difficult.

L : Antenna element length to be avoided [m]

f : Operating frequency [MHz]

n : Natural number (n = 1, 2, 3, ...)

L = 300

1 n

f

2

[Example]

At an operating frequency of 16 MHz, avoid the following antenna element lengths:

L =

300

1

n

9.4, 18.8, ...

 

16

 

2

 

 

1 m

39 inches

 

For example, if 15 m is selected for an antenna element length, you have no problem in the 1.6–25 MHz marine bands range.

Insulator

Backstay operates as a long-wire antenna.

Insulator

Whip antenna

NOTE: Keep antennas as far away from other objects as possible, especially metal objects.

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