Scientific fact: CB radios work better without an antenna.

Why should you never key up a radio mic with no antenna or dummy load connected?

If a transmitter is tested without a load attached to its output terminals such as an antenna or a dummy load, the power will be reflected back into the transmitter, often overheating and damaging it.

What causes a CB radio not to transmit?

Yep its sounding like it has a bad power or ground connection. A weak power or ground connection can provide enough power for the CB to turn on & receive but not be able to pass the additional power (current) required by the CB when it is trying to transmit.

Does an antenna tuner help reception?

Your right, an antenna tuner WILL help you on receive. The radio is going to work better receiving off a 50 ohm in feed. In fact, most guys with antenna tuners will use the noise floor or a received signal to begin tuning their antenna tuner.

Will a VHF work without an antenna?

You need an antenna. The vhf might barely work without it. You might receive some strong signals from the coast guard or a nearby ship, but you wont be able to transmit more than a short distance without an antenna. If you want a cheap vhf, I would go with a handheld unit.

Will a VHF radio work without an antenna?

You need an antenna. The vhf might barely work without it. You might receive some strong signals from the coast guard or a nearby ship, but you wont be able to transmit more than a short distance without an antenna.

What is the major function of an antenna tuner?

Antenna tuners contain variable capacitors and/or inductors and can thus be used to adjust the antenna systems impedance to match the transmitters impedance. This can allow a radio operator to use an antenna on a frequency that it is not tuned for (has the wrong impedance at that frequency).

Does AIS require a special antenna?

Most VHF antennas are optimally tuned around 155-156 MHz but AIS uses frequencies around 162 MHz. If you are using a dedicated VHF antenna for your AIS system, consider purchasing a VHF antenna that is tuned for AIS frequencies. Vesper, Morad and Shakespeare make AIS-tuned antennas.

Where do you mount AIS antenna?

Typically this antenna is mounted at the top of a mast, radar arch, flybridge, or another high point onboard where it has the greatest range and is more likely to receive weak signals.

Do VHF antennas go bad?

Marine VHF antennas almost never go bad, unless they are physically damaged or water is allowed to intrude into the loading coil.