Communications Questions and Answers

Analog to digital

How to get reception for your analog TV with your digital converter aboard your boat. More

Better to be seen

By Gordon West Posted July 20, 2008

Gordon West says why a good idea to mount a radar reflector on the leading edge between the forestay and the masthead for a 28-foot boat with a fractional rig. More

SSB/Ham radio: Outdated?

Don't be too quick to trade in your Marine SSB and ham radio for a satellite phone, advises Gordon West. More

Farm team

By Gordon West Posted May 27, 2008

Gordon West describes the proper way for installing an antenna farm on the horizontal arch behind a boat’s cockpit. More

Ground out

By Gordon West Posted June 26, 2008

A reader asks whether grounded rigging pull down SSB signal transmissions. More

Loud and clear

By Gordon West Posted October 20, 2008

Gordon West explains how to how much VHF signal strength will be lost if a reader puts a coaxial cable disconnect assembly at the base of a mast. More

Silent Night

By Gordon West Posted November 24, 2008

A reader can't hear weather reports on SSB unless his batteries are disconnected. More

Somewhere over there

By Gordon West Posted December 3, 2008

Gordon West explains that extraordinary VHF reception can be caused by particular weather patterns. More

Spot on

By Gordon West Posted April 14, 2009

Gordon West describes what he likes about the SPOT portable position transponder. More

VHF echoes

By Gordon West Posted December 22, 2008

Strong radio signals ashore affect one reader's VHF transmissions. More