Antenna Considerations; Choosing A Location - Uniden MC 615 Owner's Manual

ANTENNA CONSIDERATIONS
A variety of antennas is available from a number of quality suppliers. It is recommended
you draw upon the advice of your Marine Dealer in determining a suitable antenna for your
vessel and range requirements.
The general rul~s for antennas are: The more gain the greater the range and, the higher
above the water line the greater the range. Antennas should be located so as not to be
in proximity to metal objects. Antennas should not have excessively long coaxial feed
cables.
CHOOSING A LOCATION
Some of the more important external fa,ctors to consider in selecting the location of
your MC 615 are:
1. Select a location that is free from spray and splash.
2. Keep the battery leads as short as possible. Connec:tion directly to the battery is most
desirable. If direct connection cannot be made with the supplied power lead, any
extension should be made with #10 AWG wire. Long extensions should use larger
wire.
3. Keep the antenna lead as short as possible. Long antenna leads can cause substantial
loss of performance for both receiving and transmitting.
4. Locate your antenna as high as possible and clear from metal objects. The reliable
range of coverage is a direct function of antenna hoight.
5. Select a location that does not allow the radio to bE! subjected to direct sunlight
(including that coming through windows).
6. Select a location that allows free air flow around the heat sink on the rear of the radio.
7. Select a location well away from the ship's compass. Auxiliary speakers also should
be located away from the compass.
After you have carefully considered the various factors affecting your choice of location,
position the radio (with the bracket, microphone, power plug, antenna plug and any
auxiliary plugs installed) into the selected location to assure, there is no interference with
surrounding items. Make the location of the mounting bracket.
Remove the bracket from the radio and use it as a template to mark the holes to be drilled
for the mounting hardware. Drill the holes and mount the bracket with hardware
compatible with the material of the mounting surface. Install the power cable (red is +,
black is -), antenna and all other auxiliary cables and accessories.
Install the radio into the mounting bracket and connect all cables and accessories to the
appropriate jacks and connectors.
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