The Autumn and Spring months are a great time to perform maintenance on your Marine Communication Antenna System.
There are 5 simple steps we can recommend to help extend the life of your antenna array and maintain your communications :

1. Check Earthing
   Earthing is not only designed to help in the likely event of lightning strikes, it is also effective at reducing the static build-up often associated with noise or interference in communications equipment. By earthing out both top and bottom of the feeder run you can help reduce the overall noise and get clearer communications.
2. Check the Sealing of Connectors
   Over time rubber and PVC degrade. UV light slowly breaks down the layers and salt air will penetrate into the connection and cause corrosion. To minimise this, re-sealing connections at regular intervals is vital.
   It is also important to look for damage caused by birds and other wildlife. Cockatoos are notorious for stripping cables bare. The most effective solution is to feed vulnerable sections of cable through stainless steel braid which will provide the ultimate protection against all such bird damage. The braid ends can be secured with stainless steel hose clamps. Bird-proof braid is highly flexible and will survive long term in the harshest of environments.
3. Return Loss/VSWR Testing
   If you have access to a Return Loss or VSWR meter, it is a good idea to spend some time once a month checking antenna performance. Over time all antennas degrade. When dealing with communications antenna this equates to a reduction in range. By keeping a log over the space of 6 to 12 months, you will be able to monitor the performance of your communication antennas and make informed decisions on when to replace.
   Note: ZCG Scalar recommends that Base Station antennas have a VSWR equal to or better than 1.5:1.
4. Remove Old Antennas and Steelwork
   Old antennas, steelwork and feeder cables are the major cause of interference on communications sites around Australia. By removing old antennas and the related accessories you can free up space as well as help improve your coverage by reducing the likelihood of interference being generated.
5. Replace Antennas and Feeders
   Because communications are mission critical to Marine Rescue organisations, it is important to have the best. Having an antenna designed specifically for Marine Base Station applications installed by qualified technicians can help ensure your communications are always performing to the level you require. In an emergency you do not want to be worrying about whether you can actually get in contact with your rescue craft.

ZCG Scalar can happily assist you with all 5 steps and offer a complete range of Base Station Antennas specifically designed for Marine Communications. We also supply Coaxial Cable, Connectors, Earthing Kits and Lightning Power Surge Protectors.

Our technicians are fully qualified and equipped for Antenna Rigging, Tuning and Performance Testing services.

By performing our 5 Tech Tips regularly you can ensure your communication antennas won't let you down.

The Importance of Coaxial Feeder Cable

Just as important as the antenna, the type of feeder cable can make a huge difference to how far your communications reach. Most standard marine deck mount antennas are shipped with 5 metres of RG58 cable, which in short runs is perfectly acceptable. However, for Base Station applications, ZCG will always recommend using a quality low loss feeder cable like RU400. For cable runs over 30 metres, we would recommend that 1/2" Flexible Foam Dielectric be used to reduce signal loss to a minimum over the distance.

Stainless Steel Cable Ties are just perfect for securing antenna feeder cable in the harsh Marine environment.

• Resistant to corrosion, salt, acids, chemicals, radiation, extreme temperatures and all weather conditions.
• Superior strength.
• Ideal for use indoors, outdoors or underground.
• Install with full confidence that the Grade 316 Stainless Steel will maintain integrity over many decades.
• Tensioner Tool available to fit stainless steel cable ties quickly at the proper tension and neatly cut off the tail.