T&T: AIS antenna

[Chuck and Susan]

Stephen, You should keep your cable run as short as possible. You did not say
what unit you are using so can't comment completely. If you are going less
than 30 feet use RG58C/U and for over 30 feet use RG213/U. All antenna
splitters are not alike so be very careful using them. The best I have found
are offered by Milltech Marine. The AIS frequencies are close to those used by
coastal units so should be placed as far apart as possible. Some say a minimum
of 3 feet but I find this still too close. Placement won't affect your GPS or
SSB but SSB transmission might interfere with the AIS when transmitting so
seperate them well. Without knowing what specific equipment you are using I
can only offer general advice. Chuck

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--- On Wed, 3/4/09, hymarks at mindspring.com <hymarks at mindspring.com> wrote:
 

I am planing to install an AIS receiver.  The antenna and cable included with
unit has cable 15-18 feet.  This is too short for my antena cable route!
Manfacturer says extension will affect performance.  Is this mostly an SYA
statement or does it really effect performance.  If so how?  What will suffer.
Will it be that I simply do not see far away boats or what.

Also I have read about antenna spliters that allow the use of one's VHF
antenna to be used with thhe AIS.  That would possible be a good solution
since
my VHF antenna is a the top of the mast.

Also what says the group about placing antenna with respect to other antenna
eg
SSB , GPS or other VHF antenns.

Thanks for your comments.

Stephen Starling