Product Information
A counterpoise is easy to make up - and significantly improves the performance of your RopeAntenna / Backstay Antenna system.
The RopeAntenna or Backstay wire is in reality only half of your antenna system. The other half of the antenna system is traditionally made up by your grounding system (metal plate attached to the outside of the vessel making contact with sea water) - see the "Grounding Shoe" sold by us here under Marine Radio - Install Accessories.
An enhancement (but not a substitute for your grounding plate) is what is called a counterpoise system.
The counterpoise is easily made up from 450 ohm ladder line. You can either buy the ladderline by the metre from us and make up your own counterpoise or we can make it up for you.
You require 2 lengths of ladderline of the lengths specified below. Each length of ladderline attaches to the grounding wingnut on your antenna tuner (this is the same wingnut that the copper strip running from your grounding plate is attached to on the tuner).
On one side of the vessel either port or starboard, cut the ladder line at approximately 38 feet. This counterpoise has good RF resistance for frequencies in the low marine bands, which also support the lower amateur bands. The second length of ladder line should be 28 feet in length. This side supports the higher frequencies, above 12 MHz. If possible it is best to keep each length of ladderline at least 6 feet apart from the other.
Refer the diagram below as an example:
You can purchase ladderline by the meter from us here
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Price: $98.00
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