OT: 3foot antenna for ICOM 402

[TopCat]

Yea, when I saw that sale price, I was thinking about buying that same radio too. Trouble is, I really don't have any room left on my console. What I need to do is get a T-Top with a radio box & then add an antenna. Funny, I actually bought an ICOM 302 for $100 & a matching Shakespeare antenna a year ago or so but took it back because I didn't have the space for it. Sometimes I think I shoulda kept it til I could use it. I use a handheld & a cell phone. [grin]

[J.A. Veil]

When I bought my Parker 23 SE, it was one year old, and the previous owner (a well-known light tackle guide) had mounted a Shakespeare 3' whip antenna to the side of the console. The top of the antenna goes no higher than the top of the windshield. It is great for avoiding damage to my rod tips during casting, but gives poor reception. Two years ago, I took out the original inexpensive radio and installed an ICOM 402. I expected better performance but did not get it. I concluded that the weak link is the antenna, not the radio.

I considered adding an 8' antenna but this would not only get in the way but also would not fit under my cover when folded down. I see that Shakespeare makes a 2-piece 9'6" antenna that can be broken done. If anyone on TF has used the 2-piece model, I would appreciate your thoughts.

I thought that antenna performance is primarily related to height off the water. With that in mind, how can a 4' digital work better than an 8' fiberglass antenna?

[dwh_1987]

There are a lot of things that could contribute to bad antenna performance. One of the most common is the plug that connects the antenna's coax to the radio. Height over the water is important for extending the horizon, and thus the radio's effective range. It sounds like you might have some issue other than that, though.

[BBCroaker]

"Megabyte" and "get the net" I've been looking at the GAM-SS-2-35" on Boaters Word and thought it was just another 3db .Checked it out on the gam website.It is a 6db gain like the 8' ant. and looked good but was wandering if anyone actually used one .Glad to see you all's post on it.I take it that it performs good and you all recomend it.
Like "Whalen" I'm also looking at the Icom 402S . and wanted a 3' ant. for my CC.
I tell you this tidalfish is the best .I'm hooked on it.
ThanksGuys !
"burwells bay croaker"

[Megabyte]

bbcroaker...

I had an Icom 402s and GAM antenna on my Dusky and never had a problem with it. Here is what the installation looked like...



These days I use an Icom 502a and Digital 529 (8') antenna on my Parker. I have to admit that the 8' Digital has greater range, but the 36" GAM was no slouch either.

If you don't have the room for a 4' or 8' fiberglass antenna, the GAM 36" stainless whip is the best one I've found. I bought mine online from BoatersWorld along with the antenna base and nylon folding mount. It worked well for me while I owned the boat, and so far as I know... it's working for the present owner too. [grin]

[BBCroaker]

Megabite!
Been so busy haven't been on the boards for several days.Thanks for the info on the Gam SS-2 36" Antenna.
Since I do most of my fishing in the lower bay here in Va. and don't go off shore and an 8' would be in the way on a 20'CC I think I'm going for it.
Good fishing to you bbcroaker!

[BBCroaker]

Megabite!
Been so busy haven't been on the boards for several days.Thanks for the info on the Gam SS-2 36" Antenna. Nice picure of the CC. very neet installation that would also look good on mine.Exactly what I'm looking for.
Since I do most of my fishing in the lower bay here in Va. and don't go off shore and an 8' would be in the way on a 20'CC I think I'm going for it.
Good fishing to you bbcroaker!

[BBCroaker]

OOPS! Sorry for the double didn't think the first one went through.

[bbrownie]

Stainless ant tends to only last one or two seasons. I have a 3ft dgital and it is great. Well worth the extra money.

[TerpHeels]

Here's my experience w/a stainless whip antenna. They work fine but will become encrusted w/something invisible to mankind which limits their effectiveness. Every so pretty often, wipe the length of the antenna w/a cloth, seriously. I had a 21 go fast that I ran down the ICW to Savanna once (crazy youth). I ran w/3 other boats and by mid-day I couldn't transmit to them, but could hear em fine. Just the salt spray was enough to make the thing act funky. Other than that I had no issues.