Antenna for Fusion Stereo

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SGIDAVE

Well-known member
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Nov 24, 2008
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916
Fluid Motion Model
C-24 C SE
Vessel Name
Tug Tide (2013)
MMSI Number
338162327
Hello All,

Has anyone installed an antenna to their Fusion Stereo to improve FM reception? Mine needs an antenna. There are several 'hook ups' in a pigtail affair behind the panel in which it is mounted and my manual indicates that one of them is for an antenna.

I need details like what kind, where/how mounted, etc.

Thanks!

/david
 
I installed a Shakespeare VHF antenna splitter like the one available at West Marine. (link below) This also allows use of the Fusion Radio's Vhf feature and reception is great. I have had no problems. I also bought a test meter and ran before and after on swr and output with no change after installation.

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/st ... yErrorView

copy and paste, it worked for me
 
Wow what a great idea sharing the antenna, fits in with all the other double duty traits of the tugs 🙂 Thanks for the info
 
Thanks for the replies and ideas.

/david
 
If you Goggle SHAKESPEARE 4357-S you can save about 20 bucks.
 
RProffer":1xzspa74 said:
If you Goggle SHAKESPEARE 4357-S you can save about 20 bucks.
Click to expand...

Is there a consensus that 'splitters' are "OK" in terms of

-safety (not compromising the function of the VHF as safety equipment), and

-utility (that the splitter actually turns the VHF antenna into a decent FM antenna)?

Thanks. I know nothing about VHF/FM splitters and their relative benefits over a separate antenna other than I would rather keep to just one antenna if possible. I usually carry a backup handheld VHF, again, just for safety on the boat or in the event we must ditch.

david
 
Over the years I have seen articles both pro and con about splitters. There are splitters for similar and dis-similar radios and can range from inexpensive to very expensive. I would say if you are a perfectionist, then get a separate antenna. Otherwise, I would go on other peoples recommendations. Shakespeare is a company that is known for their quality products. I have been using their products for almost 50 years. If you get the splitter and install it behind your VHF radio, then you can always remove it easily if you were to have an issue.
 
To close the loop on this topic I will explain what I ended up doing to improve the FM reception with my Fusion Stereo.

I ordered the Shakespeare splitter; I was working on installing it when I discovered a short (maybe 18") white wire with the proper RCA/antenna connector already in place. The wire had a ring connector on the end...but was NOT connected to anything back behind the stereo.

I then recalled something I read on C-Brats several years ago where a guy used his aluminum window frames for his stereo antenna. The white wire that was factory installed as the "antenna" easily reached on the the window screws on the port side window frame...so I attached it there. Then, I made little "jumper" wires (maybe 3" long) to connect each window frame to the next so that the port side window was connected to the frame for the next window in line toward the stb side. In that fashion 5 windows on my 21EC are connected to make the "antenna." It works very well. And CHEAP.

Merry Christmas,

/david
 
I had an antenna installed on my R31 with upper helm. It took the installer quite some time to get to the connections in the closet; but, he finally did. When done, he ran the line up through the panel closet and out the salon helm station and up the side door to the overhead of the windshield. We now have great reception on our stereo --which we did NOT before. I have a 700 fusion stereo and so I contacted Fusion directly to ascertain the type of antennae I was to use and if I could connect the stereo to VHF splitter instead. They said the following:
Lance from Fusion----
The correct antenna is a AM/FM ground independent mast for optimum performance. This will have the correct Motorola connection for the 700 as opposed to the VHF antenna connection which will be different. VHF splitters are not to be used as they block the VHF signal reception of the 700 and degrade AM/FM performance.
 
Dave-

I bought an external antenna and have never gotten it installed. In the mean time I took a Ford Pickup antenna and covered it with electrical tape and shoved it up the pipe (wire chase). I put a wire tie on the bottom through one of the mounting holes and wrapped it around the harness. It has been working great and I may never get the external one hooked up. Out of sight and works flawlessly.

Don't ask about my TV antenna or I may have to take a picture of the $5.99 antenna I pull out of the rear storage and put on the swim platform. I run the coax through the finger hole in the cover. It's a real class act! 😀

-David
 
Fusion Told me that with a splitter there is potential for damage to the radio when you broadcast on the VHF. The say don't use one.
 
You really need a special splitter that shuts down the leg to the fusion when you broadcast on the VHF. These splitters are not cheap. It is less expensive to run a new antenna or use your window frame.
 
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