Don't forget that you are communicating with a satellite. Unless it is
near the horizon, getting the antenna higher isn't going to help much once
it is up out of the spray. As you have found out, feed line losses can be
huge at these frequencies. If the way your vessel layout allows it, you may
get better performance with the antenna on a relatively short stern pole, or
some similar arrangement that keeps it clear of the sails and close to the
transmitter.
A few generalities: Coaxial connectors can introduce as much loss as
several feet of cable and there should be as few as possible. Reflections
and standing waves can also result from the slight impedance mismatch in the
connector. All else being equal, big fat heavy cable has lower losses than
thin light cable, which is just the opposite of what you want way up high.
The antenna is easier to fiddle with if it is easier to get at. I suppose
that last one could be a plus or a minus. :-)

Just my 2 cents,
Steve

wrote in message
ups.com...

Vaughan Henderson wrote:
(Tony Rowlands) wrote in message
. com...
Me
Thanks for the advice. Looks like I will get a new one.
I guess it is a good time seeing that the US$ has gone down against
the Aust$.
Do you have any recommendations as to an antenna supplier.
Cruising is great but there is no time for play.
Tony
S/V Ambrosia

Before you spend real money Tony, I'd suspect the fifth component.
The smd devices marked 221 should be resistors, each with a value of
220 ohms. Four of those, effiectively connected in parallel, would
give you the 55 ohms you are measuring on the multimeter. The fifth
component (unmarked) is most likely a capacitor and would be more
liable to be permanently damaged by the water. Difficult to test with
a simple multimeter unless it also has a capacitance range(s). If
you
measure across it, it should read some very high value of resistance
(greater than 10 M-ohm). I don't have any idea what it's value would
be, but could be around 100pF (picofarads). If you are up to
replacing smd components and can get one, (should cost less than
50cents) you could try replacing that.

"Me" may well be right that the lacquer coating you applied has
totally detuned the antenna, so all the above may be a waste of time.

Regards
Vaughan Henderson

Vaughan
Thanks for the advice. Antenna is now working after finding local
technician who could test it. Apparently replaced the capacitor. Works
great.
Problem now is the length of the cable from antenna (on top of mizzen
mast 12m up) to the phone. Overall run about 18m. Signal using RG58 is
almost on existant. Using 6m Microwave cable and 4m RG58 get good
signal. Love to have the antenna at the top of the mizzen. Would a
total of 18m (with connection) made up of 6m Microwave cable and the
remaining 10m of RG 213/U give me adequate signal. What is the option
of a masthead amplifier.?
I know there are heaps of questions but I am technical enough to be
dangerous!!!
Regards
Tony
S/V Ambrosia