Frequently Asked Questions

Shakespeare's team of experts compiled this handy list of some of the most commonly asked questions about marine antennas and marine communication. Choose a category to see the questions - the default display is VHF antennas. To see the answer to any question, just click the question.

Question Categories:

Do I lose anything by using a Combination antenna?
Is it better to use a dedicated AM/FM antenna or a band separator?
What is antenna gain, and how is it measured?
Can I paint the antenna, and with what?
Can I repair the antenna if the fiberglass becomes frayed?
What is the transmission line loss for coax?
What antenna should I use with what radio?
Can I use two radios with one antenna?
What is meant by DC ground?
Do I need a license from the FCC? If so, how do I get one?
What FCC license do I need?
Do I need a different FCC license for a base station?