{"id":7065,"date":"2025-04-03T10:02:16","date_gmt":"2025-04-03T10:02:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/?p=7065"},"modified":"2025-04-03T10:02:16","modified_gmt":"2025-04-03T10:02:16","slug":"installing-a-lighted-vhf-antenna","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/?p=7065","title":{"rendered":"Installing a Lighted VHF Antenna"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>    Installing a Lighted VHF Antenna<br \/>\n \t<BR><br \/>\n<BR><\/BR><br \/>\n    <!-- no image --><br \/>\n \t<BR><br \/>\n<BR><\/BR><\/p>\n<div>\n<section class=\"hydra-container\">\n<div class=\"hydra-canvas\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2025\/03\/BTG325-WWK-Antenna-1-1024x768.jpg?resize=800%2C600&#038;ssl=1\" class=\"hydra-image disable-lazyload\" alt=\"Shakespeare CommLight antenna\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2025\/03\/BTG325-WWK-Antenna-1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2025\/03\/BTG325-WWK-Antenna-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2025\/03\/BTG325-WWK-Antenna-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2025\/03\/BTG325-WWK-Antenna-1-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2025\/03\/BTG325-WWK-Antenna-1.jpg 1958w\">                <\/div><figcaption class=\"caption margin_top_xs full border_1 hydra-figcaption\">\n                <span class=\"hydra-image-caption\">Shakespeare\u2019s new CommLight antenna adds illuminated flair to nighttime boating.<\/span><br \/>\n                <span class=\"article_image_credit italic margin_right_xs\">Jim Hatch<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/section>\n<p><iframe id=\"wxuzj5efbz\" src=\"https:\/\/boatingmag.dragonforms.com\/wxuzj5efbz\" scrolling=\"no\" style=\"width:100%;height:165px;border:none;overflow:hidden;\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>Marine VHF antennas have not changed much since VHF radios were adopted by recreational boaters in the 1960s. We have seen improved durability and materials, optimized transmission and reception range, and enhanced mounting systems. Yet, the function of a VHF antenna has remained much the same\u2014until now.<\/p>\n<p>Shakespeare Marine, a long-established leader in marine antennas, has reimagined what a VHF antenna can be with the new CommLight. The 6.5-foot tall, 6 dB gain, and 5 MHz bandwidth CL-6 antenna not only offers outstanding transmission and reception capabilities, but it is also the first antenna to offer LED lighting. Controlled with a mobile app, boaters can adjust the vibrant glow of the antenna across the full RGB color spectrum and cue up flashing modes and adjust the pulse speed. It has multiple presets, and the CL-6 can sync its changing colors to the tempo of downloaded music.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Lighting aside, the CL-6 features brass and copper elements for range and reception, a corrosion-resistant stainless-steel ferrule designed to fit a standard threaded (\u00ad\u00ad1-inch diameter\/14 threads per inch) ratchet mount, a durable high-gloss PMMA antenna finish, a 15-foot RG-58 coaxial cable with a PL-259 connector, and a 25-foot two-piece power cable with a controller that connects wirelessly to your mobile device.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Because you need to route and install both a standard coax cable and a power cable, retrofitting your boat with the CL-6 differs a bit from installing a replacement VHF antenna, but this DIY project is still fairly easy.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><strong>Skill Level:<\/strong> 2 of 5<\/p>\n<p><strong>Finish Time:<\/strong> Approx. 3-4 hours<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tools and Supplies<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Shakespeare Marine \u00adCommLight VHF antenna ($199.95; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thegpsstore.com\/Brands\/Shakespeare\/Shakespeare-66-6dB-CommLight-VHF-Antenna\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">thegpsstore.com<\/a>)<\/li>\n<li>Shakespeare Marine <a href=\"https:\/\/outclick.co\/l\/01jp7zp4gf6ypgyv8y05ccs9js\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">4187<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/outclick.co\/l\/01jp7zkwcmv4eqadk8bxakmkdv\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">4187-HD<\/a> ratchet mount (<a href=\"https:\/\/outclick.co\/l\/01jp7zkwcmv4eqadk8bxakmkdv\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">westmarine.com<\/a>)<\/li>\n<li>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/outclick.co\/l\/01jngserad5a4v0ma1vrmrq817\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Power drill<\/a> and bit set<\/li>\n<li>Phillips screwdriver<\/li>\n<li>Socket wrench and box\/open wrench sets<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/outclick.co\/l\/01jp7zsdxttm2vmjv2jd9xabf4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Solder gun<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/outclick.co\/l\/01jp8025emqdcgp4rdd345p738\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Resin-core solder<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/outclick.co\/l\/01jp800zba4jrb628mbaqx8hrg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Marine crimp terminals with heat-shrink collars<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Heavy-duty self-adhesive 1-inch Velcro strips<\/li>\n<li>Crimping tool<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/outclick.co\/l\/01jmdb5zxzfxmmm6863932hn4s\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Heat gun<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Zip ties<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/outclick.co\/l\/01jp7zv19n1r653xc70s799fgy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Blue Sea Systems medium cable clam No. 1002<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<section class=\"hydra-container\">\n<div class=\"hydra-canvas\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2025\/03\/BTG325-WWK-Antenna-2-1024x768.jpg?resize=800%2C600&#038;ssl=1\" class=\"hydra-image\" alt=\"Download the app\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2025\/03\/BTG325-WWK-Antenna-2-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2025\/03\/BTG325-WWK-Antenna-2-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2025\/03\/BTG325-WWK-Antenna-2-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2025\/03\/BTG325-WWK-Antenna-2-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2025\/03\/BTG325-WWK-Antenna-2-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\">                <\/div><figcaption class=\"caption margin_top_xs full border_1 hydra-figcaption\">\n                <span class=\"hydra-image-caption\">Having the app on your phone ahead of time will allow you to confirm that the illumination system is operational before finalizing installation.<\/span><br \/>\n                <span class=\"article_image_credit italic margin_right_xs\">Jim Hatch<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/section>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Download the App<\/h2>\n<p>Before getting started, it\u2019s a good idea to download the free Shakespeare \u00adCommLight app on your mobile device. For Android, visit Google Play; for iPhones, go to the App Store. Once it\u2019s on your phone, scroll through the functions, which include the on\/off button at the top of the homepage, connecting to Bluetooth, a color wheel, pulsating and flashing color modes, music-sync mode, brightness and more. Having the app on your phone ahead of time will allow you to confirm that the illumination system is operational before you finalize the installation and button up everything on your boat.\u00a0<\/p>\n<section class=\"hydra-container\">\n<div class=\"hydra-canvas\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2025\/03\/BTG325-WWK-Antenna-3-1024x768.jpg?resize=800%2C600&#038;ssl=1\" class=\"hydra-image\" alt=\"Mount the antenna\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2025\/03\/BTG325-WWK-Antenna-3-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2025\/03\/BTG325-WWK-Antenna-3-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2025\/03\/BTG325-WWK-Antenna-3-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2025\/03\/BTG325-WWK-Antenna-3-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2025\/03\/BTG325-WWK-Antenna-3-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\">                <\/div><figcaption class=\"caption margin_top_xs full border_1 hydra-figcaption\">\n                <span class=\"hydra-image-caption\">Choose a mounting location that is as high as possible.<\/span><br \/>\n                <span class=\"article_image_credit italic margin_right_xs\">Jim Hatch<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/section>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mount the Antenna<\/h2>\n<p>If you do not already have an existing VHF antenna on your boat, choose a mounting location that is as high as possible (such as on a hardtop), free from obstructions, and as far as possible from any other antennas. Use a Shakespeare <a href=\"https:\/\/outclick.co\/l\/01jp7zp4gf6ypgyv8y05ccs9js\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">4187<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/outclick.co\/l\/01jp7zkwcmv4eqadk8bxakmkdv\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">4187-HD<\/a> or similar ratchet mount (sold separately), and \u00adfollow the directions with the mount that you have chosen. If your boat has an existing VHF antenna that you are planning to use with the CL-6, remove the old antenna completely, and then thread the ferrule of the new antenna onto the ratchet mount, and tighten by hand. Do not use pliers; they can scratch the ferrule.<\/p>\n<section class=\"hydra-container\">\n<div class=\"hydra-canvas\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2025\/03\/BTG325-WWK-Antenna-4-1024x768.jpg?resize=800%2C600&#038;ssl=1\" class=\"hydra-image\" alt=\"Route the cables\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2025\/03\/BTG325-WWK-Antenna-4-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2025\/03\/BTG325-WWK-Antenna-4-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2025\/03\/BTG325-WWK-Antenna-4-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2025\/03\/BTG325-WWK-Antenna-4-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2025\/03\/BTG325-WWK-Antenna-4.jpg 2000w\">                <\/div><figcaption class=\"caption margin_top_xs full border_1 hydra-figcaption\">\n                <span class=\"hydra-image-caption\">Coil up and secure the cables with zip\u00a0ties before you thread the antenna onto the mount. This will help prevent the cables from twisting and tangling as you spin the\u00a0antenna. <\/span><br \/>\n                <span class=\"article_image_credit italic margin_right_xs\">Jim Hatch<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/section>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Route the Cables<\/h2>\n<p>Route the RG-58 and power cables from the antenna through the same pass-through that you used for the previous antenna. Once through, route the RG-58 cable to the VHF radio, keeping it away from electrical equipment and other cables. Roll the cable in a coil of at least 8\u00a0inches, and stow it out of the way. Install the PL-259 connector (\u00adsupplied) on the RG-58 cable according to the connector\u2019s instructions. These call for soldering the connector to the cable. For a video tutorial on soldering on a PL-259 connector, visit <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=_%C2%ADiy4W03GnBk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>Boating<\/em>\u2019s YouTube channel<\/a>.<\/p>\n<section class=\"hydra-container\">\n<div class=\"hydra-canvas\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2025\/03\/BTG325-WWK-Antenna-5-1024x768.jpg?resize=800%2C600&#038;ssl=1\" class=\"hydra-image\" alt=\"Install the control box\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2025\/03\/BTG325-WWK-Antenna-5-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2025\/03\/BTG325-WWK-Antenna-5-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2025\/03\/BTG325-WWK-Antenna-5-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2025\/03\/BTG325-WWK-Antenna-5-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2025\/03\/BTG325-WWK-Antenna-5.jpg 2000w\">                <\/div><figcaption class=\"caption margin_top_xs full border_1 hydra-figcaption\">\n                <span class=\"hydra-image-caption\">Position the control box where it can receive Bluetooth signals.<\/span><br \/>\n                <span class=\"article_image_credit italic margin_right_xs\">Jim Hatch<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/section>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Install the Control Box<\/h2>\n<p>Position the compact illumination-control box in a spot that can receive Bluetooth signals from an onboard mobile device. The control box should also be close to an onboard power source. There is no supplied mounting system for the control box, but we recommend using a strip of heavy-duty Velcro with peel-and-stick adhesive (not supplied) to secure the lightweight module. Add a 3-amp fuse or breaker to the red positive wire from the power cable, and connect it to a switchable 12-volt DC power source. Connect the black negative wire from the\u00a0power cable to the \u00adonboard ground circuit.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Read Next:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/how-to\/making-dsc-fully-functional-vhf-radio\/\">How to Make DSC Fully Functional on a VHF Radio<\/a><\/p>\n<section class=\"hydra-container\">\n<div class=\"hydra-canvas\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2025\/03\/BTG325-WWK-Antenna-6-1024x768.jpg?resize=800%2C600&#038;ssl=1\" class=\"hydra-image\" alt=\"Route and connect the power cable\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2025\/03\/BTG325-WWK-Antenna-6-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2025\/03\/BTG325-WWK-Antenna-6-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2025\/03\/BTG325-WWK-Antenna-6-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2025\/03\/BTG325-WWK-Antenna-6-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2025\/03\/BTG325-WWK-Antenna-6.jpg 2000w\">                <\/div><figcaption class=\"caption margin_top_xs full border_1 hydra-figcaption\">\n                <span class=\"hydra-image-caption\">If the Bluetooth function on your mobile device fails to connect, a bulkhead or other object might be blocking the signal. Try moving the CommLight control box to a new spot to establish a connection.  <\/span><br \/>\n                <span class=\"article_image_credit italic margin_right_xs\">Jim Hatch<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/section>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Route and Connect the Power Cable<\/h2>\n<p>Run the power cable from the pass-through to the illumination-control box, and connect these two elements using the special cable-to-cable watertight plug, ensuring that the small pin connectors align properly and that the two knurled turnbuckles thread tightly against each other. Switch on power to the control box using the CommLight app previously installed on your mobile device, and test the system and its various features to ensure full \u00adfunctionality. Then secure all of the cables along their runs with zip ties to prevent \u00adchafing or other damage.<\/p>\n<p>The post <a rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/how-to\/installing-a-lighted-vhf-antenna\/\">Installing a Lighted VHF Antenna<\/a> appeared first on <a rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/\">Boating Mag<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p> \t<BR><br \/>\n <BR><\/BR><br \/>\n    Jim Hendricks<br \/>\n \t<BR><br \/>\n<BR><\/BR><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/how-to\/installing-a-lighted-vhf-antenna\/\">Go to boatingmag<\/a><br \/>\n \t<BR><br \/>\n <BR><\/BR><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Installing a Lighted VHF Antenna Shakespeare\u2019s new CommLight antenna adds illuminated flair to nighttime boating. Jim Hatch Marine VHF antennas have not changed much since VHF radios were adopted by recreational boaters in the 1960s. We have seen improved durability and materials, optimized transmission and reception range, and enhanced mounting systems. Yet, the function of [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[176,2872,126,179,175,181],"tags":[127],"class_list":["post-7065","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-affiliate","category-april-2025","category-boatingmag","category-diy-projects","category-how-to","category-weekend-workbook","tag-boatingmag"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7065"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=7065"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7065\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=7065"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=7065"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=7065"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}