vhf/fm band splitter

[LotzoFish]

anybody using one of these and how good do they work?

[mboy]

Many people use them with success. I don't like them tho.

[Hunter 2]

I have read bad reviews on them so I will not be buying one. It is a good idea though. A cheap am/fm antenna costs less than $20

[LotzoFish]

well, I already have one and just now installed the stereo in my boat. I used the splitter and the fm works great in my driveway, we'll see what happens on the water. I also connected the new stereo to a second battery that i will run my spreader lights and electronics off. my VHF is still run to the main battery so untill i reinstall the second battery I wont know how the vhf reception is affected, I will post and let you know how it works, I didnt pay shakespears price of almost 80$, THIS ONE COST 29 DOLLARS online

[Hunter 2]

 Okay, I hope it works out for you, Are you installing a battery selector switch? Im not sure but you may have some issues if your vhf and stereo or powered by different batteries. Being that they are sharing an antenna. 
 It could be a voltage or grounding problem.

[mboy]

I just think it is 1 more thing to fail in the chain connecting VHF antenna to VHF radio.

Not what I would want to fail if I could choose any 1 item.

[ped579]

I have used splitters on my ham vhf and uhf rigs for over 15 years and have had not one problem.  I live at the shore and it has been through nor'esters, gails, hurricanes you name it.  I don't have it in the veh any more only because the new radio has a built in one.  I still use it in my base station and it is working flawlessly.

Paul

[LotzoFish]

took your advice and ran my VHF and stereo to the same battery. no switches. just running the 2 radios off the second battery. no room in battery compartment for a second one there so i placed it in my console. just wanted a second battery for emergency starts and to run some radios off of. (got a back up hand held VHF). In my driveway both radios are operating great. will have to wait a week or two to see how it does on the water
thanks all for your input