{"id":4872,"date":"2017-08-31T13:31:52","date_gmt":"2017-08-31T17:31:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/shakespeare-ce.com\/marine\/?page_id=4872"},"modified":"2018-08-09T11:35:06","modified_gmt":"2018-08-09T15:35:06","slug":"antenna-selector","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/shakespeare-ce.com\/marine\/antenna-selector\/","title":{"rendered":"Antenna Selector Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Not sure which antenna is best for you? Take a look at some of these useful tips to get you started.<\/em><\/p>\n

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What dB Does Your Boat Need?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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Just selecting an antenna with the most dB (also known as gain) doesn’t mean you get the best signal. As dB increases, the signal is more compressed like a focused flashlight. A compressed beam can cause the signal to fade in rough seas especially for smaller boats that tend to rock more.<\/p>\n

Below demonstrates that while a smaller dB isn’t as concentrated, it offers the most consistency in the area covered when a boat is rocking. A larger dB sends a further signal but is not efficient with high levels of boat movement.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/3″][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

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3 dB Gain<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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Usually a 4 foot antenna. <\/em><\/p>\n

Best suited for powerboats under 24 feet or sailboats.
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6 dB Gain
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Usually an 8 foot antenna. <\/em><\/p>\n

Best suited for boats <\/em>over 23 feet.<\/em><\/p>\n

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9 dB Gain
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Usually any antenna 12 feet or taller. <\/em><\/p>\n

Best suited for boats over 32 feet.<\/em><\/p>\n

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Keep the maximum dB that your boat can use in mind as you walk through the steps of picking an antenna.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Step 1: Get High.<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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Last time we checked, the earth is round. You want to exceed the curvature of the earth by getting your antenna as high as possible.<\/p>\n

Taller antennas (over 8 feet) usually require 2 mounting points. A swiveling mount at the base and a stand-off bracket a few feet from the base. Shorter antennas (8 feet and under) usually only need to be mounted through their base. So pick a spot on your boat and an antenna length that get you as high as possible.<\/p>\n

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Step 2: Drown Out the Noise.<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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Drown out the noise from other radios and the environment by having an efficient transmission system. An efficient transmitter improves the amount of signal and the amount of noise that another listener would hear from you. Would you pair a low quality speaker to a high quality stereo system? The same applies to your antenna.<\/p>\n

The factors (within your control) that can improve the efficiency of your transmission are:<\/p>\n