Antenna/Skin Insulators

[Paul F]

The Viviana Antenna Saver had me wondering what it does, since no data is published about performance; not that I blame them. There are too many variables to say what results one will get.

 

I had some silicone tubing that was about the right size and I gave it a try. The tubing I have does not keep the antenna away as far as the Viviana item. It provided at least an 8db signal improvement. I did not notice any improvement moving the antenna further away.

 

I experimented with the antenna distance from the skin. The signal starts to noticeably attenuate at about 3/16" from the body. So I think Viviana got it right with their product.

 

Thumbs up for this product.

[The Documentary Sound Guy]

Thanks for the test!  I've been skeptical, maybe I'll do some experimentation now.

 

[Philip Perkins]

Isn't this thing a challenge re: tight wardrobe?

[Johnny Karlsson]

I’ve been using a hush-lav held in place center antenna by a piece of top stick for years, and recently started using the aquarium tubing recommended by Karl W.

 

IDK what the exact dB difference might be but I do believe it helps either way. Certainly doesn’t hurt. The Viviana stuff is probably great, but the aquarium tubes are like 5 bucks for 20 ft. 

One thing I noticed is that I think the aquarium tubes has some kind of chemical reaction with topstick. So I’m now trying to figure out a way to get them to stay on the antenna with some other method.

[borjam]

7 hours ago, Johnny Karlsson said:

One thing I noticed is that I think the aquarium tubes has some kind of chemical reaction with topstick. So I’m now trying to figure out a way to get them to stay on the antenna with some other method.

What kind of aquarium tubing?

Turns our I had a marine aquarium years ago. And the classical PVC "green" tubing sold by Eheim and other brands did indeed react with salt water. It got stiff with time. As sweat is salt water with mode stuff I would avoid them just in case someone developed an allergy.

 

There are slightly more expensive hoses made of silicone. I would recommend these. It is also softer to the touch, while the PVC version is more stiff.

 

[Johnny Karlsson]

They are silicone. The reaction I mentioned is that the glue of topstick seems to “melt” and become messy.

 

here’s the link to it:

 

https://a.co/d/5olIC4P