Antenna behond SD radar mast

[Mark Sarsfield]

Paul,

  What is the long whip antenna with the weird reflector device in the middle supposed to be - mounted behind Cod's SD mast?  Must have been a 50's addition.

[Paul Farace]

You mean the VHF whip antenna with the hydrovane (currently missing from COD for modifications -- it was made too fast by a well-intentioned volunteer who didn't bother to ask what size it should be!!!  It needs to be about 30% smaller).  This was a late, late WWII modification -- possibly July 1945. The VHF provided much better radio (voice at that) with local and distant points. The hydrovan laid the whip down when the sub dove. The angle in the metal plate would meet the water at 90-deg for the first part of the dive, and as the antenna was folding back, the angled part would now be 90-deg to the water and further fold and lock it in a position that was horizontal to the deck. The first lookout topside when surfacing would yank a line and free the spring-loaded ratchet causing the antenna to spring back upright (without resorting to Viagara)... Batfish has this rig too!

Hope this helps.

Paul 

[Tom Bowser]

I believe the Drum got hers at Hunters point June-July 45. I don't know what happened to the Drums, it was there into the 70's. Would like some good detailed photos so I can remake ours.
Tom

[Mark Sarsfield]

We have the springy base for the whip on our SD platform, but that's all that is left.

[Paul Farace]

I'll try to shoot some detailed pics when it stops raining.  Maybe this week.  Measurements are tough, since it's too high to reach on my tiptoes!

 

[Mark Sarsfield]

LOL!