SSB Antenna Installation

[Old PDQ Message Board]

SSB Antenna Installation

Posted by Ken Jenkins on March 18, 19100 at 21:38:35:

I'm thinking about adding a marine SSB to my PDQ36. I'm very curious about the
antenna installation. I know these have been put on 36's but wonder how people
handle installing the counterpoise if they are using insulated backstays as the
antenna and where they are mounting the tuner

Ken Jenkins
PDQ36 Bullwinkle

Follow Ups:

Re: SSB Antenna Installation Mike Martin 18:45:07 12/23/00 (0)

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Re: SSB Antenna Installation

Posted by Mike Martin on December 23, 2000 at 18:45:00:
In Reply to: SSB Antenna Installation posted by Ken Jenkins on March 18, 19100
at 21:38:35:

We ordered "Distant Music" with SSB antenna & counterpoise installed. The
antenna tuner is in the port end of the lazarette locker, and the port aft
backstay is insulated to provide the antenna. The counterpoise is a large Dyna
plate mounted well aft on the port hull. The radio works like a charm, but I
developed a serious engine corrosion problem on the lower units of both Yamahas

After a lot of testing & head-scratching, I decided that the large Dyna plate,
which shares the vessel's common ground, was the most likely source of the
problem. In a galvanic couple between 40 sq ft of copper and the aluminum engine
housings, the lower units loose -- big time. I installed a standard battery
selector switch in the line between the Tuner and the plate; when I need to use
the transmitter, I switch the plate in & take it out when I'm done. Problem
solved.