The demand for a marine VHF antenna is increasing in the field of marine radio communication. This antenna makes communication better on marine vessels, aircraft, and FM stations. This antenna has many benefits over the other kinds of antennas. In this blog, we will discuss everything related to Marine VHF antenna and its benefits.
What is a VHF Antenna?
VHF is a very high-frequency antenna that has a higher band. It is an antenna used widely by local governments and numerous broadcasters. Many broadcasters have now changed from the HF band to the VHF band.
VHF band has a longer range than the HF band. This is one of the major reasons why many FM stations, marine vessels, and TV channels use a VHF band antenna. It gives a better quality and reduces minimal radio interference. Moreover, this antenna delivers the best performance in marine communication.
What is a Marine VHF Antenna?
Now, we will further discuss the meaning of Marine VHF antenna. This antenna is used in many kinds of boats, ships, yacht to cruise for radio communications and broadcasting signals. It also helps to receive and transmit radio signals over a long distance. These antennas allow boats to communicate well with each other and radio stations.
The fixed VHF radio has a typical ship-to-ship range of about 20 km. It is a portable antenna that can be carried anywhere during the journey. The range of a marine VHF antenna will increase with the increase of sea level or Antenna.
Benefits of Marine VHF Antenna
Marine VHF antenna is a very useful component that helps in transmitting and receiving radio signals over long distances. It allows the boats & ships to communicate with each other over a long distance and radio stations. Now, let us have a look at the major benefits of a Marine or VHF Ship board antenna in the below section:
1. Reduces Radio Interference
One of the major benefits of using a marine antenna is the less radio interference. It is widely used by marine forces and merchant navy to get a better communication range. VHF antenna works better than UHF antenna to deliver the communication to longer distances. Apart from that, the antenna also works better than the UHF antenna in other stations at night. It gives a better performance than an HF antenna.
2. Gives Good Sound Quality
The biggest reason for weak marine communication is bad sound quality. A very high-frequency antenna gives better sound quality than other kinds of antennas. Precise sound quality helps to give better communication on boats and ships. Marine VHF antenna is a useful component for harbor master and ship crew.
3. Effective Transmission And Receipt of Signals
A major benefit of using a marine VHF antenna is that it receives and transmits communication signals effectively. The radiation pattern and antenna gain will change the reception and transmission of communication signals. The high gain of a marine VHF antenna will give a higher range than UHF and HF antennas.
4. Portability
VHF antennas are highly portable and affordable. They do not have any long wires or loops. Besides, the VHF antenna is also easy to store and ship to any part of the world. You can use a marine VHF antenna for two-way radio communication and weather band signals. It works better than AM or UHF antennas and receives FM radio and VHF TV stations.
5. Strong Construction
One of the major benefits of using a VHF ship board antenna or marine antenna is that it has good construction. It is developed with the help of sound materials that do not rust or corrode due to moisture, winds, sunrays, dust, or chemicals. Besides, this antenna also remains stable on any type of boat or ship while going through oceans and seas.
6. Good Performance
While HF and UHF bands give low performance, the marine VHF antenna gives a better performance than the other antennas. It takes a few minutes to set up this antenna on the boats. VHF antennas come in a variety of sizes according to the needs of the clients. They also deliver better quality signals in marine communication. Mounting this antenna is easier than other types of antennas and can be done without using any special tools.
7. Suitable For Boating
The main advantage of a VHF marine and ship board antenna is that it suits every kind of boat and ship. You can mount it on any kind and size of boat and ship. There are no barriers in marine radio communication due to which you can use VHF antenna on ships and boats.
8. Better 2-Way Communication
Marine VHF antenna gives a powerful two-way radio communication on boats. You can communicate effectively from vessel to vessel and vessel to shore after mounting this antenna on the ship vessels and boats. Marine bands and VHF marine antennas are developed to work at the different frequencies on ships and vessels.
How to Buy a Marine VHF Antenna?
If you want to buy a VHF antenna, consider certain things and specifications before purchasing it. Besides, you must also consider certain things while purchasing a marine VHF antenna such as:
- The first thing to consider is the length of an antenna. This length will ultimately affect the communication range and gives a longer range than other kinds of antennas.
- The next factor to look for it mounting style while buying a marine VHF antenna. It can be mounted according to the needs and size of your ship vessel or boat.
- You must look at the transmission pattern while buying the marine VHF antenna. If you want the better VHF communication range, choose the antenna with higher decibel rating.
- You must look at the various options and compare the cost of a marine VHF antenna.
- You should see whether the antenna fits in your budget or not.
The most important thing to look for while choosing a marine VHF antenna is the experience of using it on vessels and boats. You must check whether it is safe to mount the antenna on vessels and boats.
