SSB Installation
Posted by Roger Ford on February 12, 2001 at 04:48:00:
I'm in the planning phase of an SSB installation in my PDQ36 (36080). I'm
assuming that a grounding plate (DynaPlate)will be installed on the starboard
hull with the bolt for connecting the ground coming in the aft portion of the
starboard bilge. I'm also assuming that the tuner will be in the aft lazarette
In specific detail, how do you route the copper foil from the ground to the
tuner? Any other installation suggestion would be appreciated. Thanks in
advance!
Follow Ups:
Re: SSB Installation Don Byrd 16:38:27 02/12/01 (1)
Re: SSB Installation & Don Byrd jack coulter 12:44:05 02/19/01 (0)
Name:
E-Mail:[/i]
Subject:[/i]
Comments:[/i]
--------
Re: SSB Installation
Posted by Don Byrd on February 12, 2001 at 16:38:00:
In Reply to: SSB Installation posted by Roger Ford on February 12, 2001 at
04:48:00:
Hello Rodger.
Being a long time HAM and a electronics engineer/tech
and radio officer for NOAA for 19 yrs I have a few
suggestions.. Make sure ya take the power direct from
the batteries, also be sure to use large enough wire
so as to limit the voltage drop. As for the grounding
plate. I had one on my monohull for yrs and it worked
great but ya have to keep it clean. I assuming you are
going to use the stbd side backstay as a antenna. Try
put the bottom insulator high enough so people can't
accidently grab it while your are transmitting. Also
best if ya keep the top insulator down about 5-6ft
from mast head. As for grounding, would be great if
you were having a new PDQ built and knew ya was going
with a SSB HF radio. Then ya could have the factory
glass copper screen inside the keel and run a cable up
into the stbd hull that you could tie to.. but alas too
late for that. Your idea of the dynaplate is a good one,
suggest ya get the large one. Another idea that would
be good in that no hulls would be drilled would be to
have a dynaplate rigged in the stbd cockpit locker and
cable connected into radio ground. When ya get ready to
transmit you drop the dynaplate overboard in the water,
have a safety rope tied to it and a stranded #10-12
cable attached. It works as I have used that method in
the past. Works best at anchor or slow speeds needless
to say. Don't know if this was any help or not
Good luck with the SSB.
Follow Ups:
Re: SSB Installation & Don Byrd jack coulter 12:44:05 02/19/01 (0)
--------
Re: SSB Installation & Don Byrd
Posted by jack coulter on February 19, 2001 at 12:44:00:
In Reply to: Re: SSB Installation posted by Don Byrd on February 12, 2001 at
16:38:00:
Hey Don - liked your insight into the world of SSB radios. I have a question and
you sound like the man to answer it. "Mojo" (PDQ 36) is down in the Abacos and I
would like to install an SSb before the return trip. I can't find anyone down
there to do the backstay antenna conversion. Is there any way to rig a temporary
antenna(I have an extra halyard), someone told me to use electric fence wire and
a couple of insulators. I had PDQ install the copper ground when the boat was
built, so I'm ahead on that part. I just need a working SSB until I get back
here and I'll have it done properly. Thanks for the help. Regards/Jack