A new SSB marine radio antenna

The Split Lead antenna eliminates the need for high-voltage backstay insulators. No longer must the integrity of a sailboat’s backstay be compromised by cutting the backstay wire to install expensive RF insulators. The Split Lead antenna simply press-fits onto your existing
backstay and secures with a delrin clamp. Plastic ties fastened at intervals around the antenna housing complete a gale-proof connection to the backstay wire.

Consider the advantages:
􀂾 No cutting or swaging; full integrity of the backstay wire is preserved.
􀂾 Fully enclosed & insulated RF elements; RF shock hazards associated with conventionally insulated backstay antennas are eliminated
􀂾 No cutting, swaging, or measuring: simply press fit the Split Lead antenna over the backstay wire
􀂾 No need to remove existing swages
􀂾 Highly conductive RF elements-many times more electrically conductive than a stainless steel backstay wire
􀂾 Waterproof & electrically sound lead wire connections; no more performance losses associated with the corrosion of bare copper lead wires wrapped around exposed backstays
􀂾 RF elements completely shielded against wind, rain & salt spray
􀂾 RF elements shielded against Precipitation Static, a form of RF interference associated with squalls & thunderstorms at sea
􀂾 Coils to a diameter of approximately 26” when not in use
􀂾 Easily transferred from one backstay to another
􀂾 Tough LDPE antenna housing specifies a 2 ½% carbon content to ensure maximum UV and weathering resistance
􀂾 Antenna housing measures just 1 5/16” width x ½” thickness; total length is 34 feet
􀂾 Cost is competitive with conventional backstay insulators, including swaging expenses

Communications Expert Gordon West Reports, “I have done numerous SSB ham and marine radio checks with this system and have found no discernible signal losses, even when used with a well-grounded backstay aboard a steel-hulled vessel.” The Split Lead antenna’s. . .”twin radiatingelements. . .bang out a signal as if they were suspended in mid-air.” – from Sail Magazine’s “Ask Sail” column, October 2005.