Planning on installing a AIS650 and decided it would be easier to install a new VHF antenna than try to split existing. Have a sailboat and was wanting to mount AIS antenna on the rail. Is a standard 3 ' antenna on the rail sufficient?
Dennis,
It is recommended that Class B AIS transceivers be interfaced to a VHF antenna having a gain value of no more than -3dB. VHF antenna manufacturers such as Shakespeare design antennas specifically intended to be interfaced to Class B AIS transceivers (ex. 5396-AIS Galaxy Little Giantâ„¢
AIS/VHF Antenna, 6396-AIS-R Phase III AIS Antenna, etc.).
Ordered the Shakespeare 5215-AIS. Was wondering if rail mount was sufficient. Decided to mount on dingy arch.
Dennis,
The choice for where to install the antenna is a matter of personal preference. Like VHF antennas, range typically increases with the mounting height of the antenna.