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Low Drag VHF Antenna

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taildragon(at)msn.com
Guest

Posted: Sun Apr 16, 2006 10:33 am Post subject: Low Drag VHF Antenna

<?xml:namespace prefix="v" /><?xml:namespace prefix="o" /><![endif]-->  

 Is anyone using the Van's Low Drag VHF Antenna? Any tips on  installation?

  

 Roger Standley

 #40291 - fuselage, wiring

JSMcGrew(at)aol.com
Guest

Posted: Sun Apr 16, 2006 11:03 am Post subject: Low Drag VHF Antenna

Roger,

  

 I mounted the low drag VHF comm antenna in the canopy for use with my #2  radio. I have a bent whip on the belly of the plane for my #1 radio. I glassed  it to the inside of the canopy top, just aft of the right door. This antenna is  supposed to be vertical as much as possible and that is the best place I could  find an almost vertical 23" surface. After sanding, filling and painting it  just disappeared and looks great. I hooked it up to my VHF handheld and have  been listening to airline traffic in and out of Boise from my garage... as far  as I can tell it works great. Fiberglass does not blank VHF transmissions -  however I believe certain exterior paints (metallics?) might have some effect.  The reason I did not want to use this for my primary radio is the considerable  blanking you get from the aluminum portion of the fuselage, but it should be  fine for a backup.

  

 Additionally, I plan on glassing the VOR antenna in the wingtip. That is a   horizontally polarized signal and should work great there. Plus there is much  less blanking from aluminum structures way out on the wing tip.

  

 Pictures attached.

  

 Jim

 40134

  

  Jim "Scooter"  McGrew

jsmcgrew(at)aol.com (jsmcgrew(at)aol.com)

  



 In a message dated 4/16/2006 12:35:32 P.M. Mountain Daylight Time,  taildragon(at)msn.com writes:

  	  Quote: 	
		      

   Is anyone using the Van's Low Drag VHF Antenna? Any tips on    installation?

    

   Roger Standley

   #40291 - fuselage, wiring

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taildragon(at)msn.com
Guest

Posted: Sun Apr 16, 2006 11:52 am Post subject: Low Drag VHF Antenna

<?xml:namespace prefix="v" /><?xml:namespace prefix="o" /><![endif]-->  Jim,

  

 Thank you for the response. Very clever installation. One more question,  what did you do about a "ground plane"? Is one recommended?

  

 Roger

 [quote]   ---

JSMcGrew(at)aol.com
Guest

Posted: Sun Apr 16, 2006 1:52 pm Post subject: Low Drag VHF Antenna

I believe the ground plane requirement is covered by the antenna coax  connector (included in the antenna kit) which is bolted to the aluminum  part of the airframe. There is no mention of ground plane in the sheet Van's  included with the antenna kit.

  

 Jim

  

 In a message dated 4/16/2006 1:55:19 P.M. Mountain Daylight Time,  taildragon(at)msn.com writes:

 [quote]      Jim,

    

   Thank you for the response. Very clever installation. One more question,    what did you do about a "ground plane"? Is one recommended?

    

   Roger

   [quote]     ---

VHMUM(at)bigpond.com
Guest

Posted: Sun Apr 16, 2006 2:19 pm Post subject: Low Drag VHF Antenna

Most antenas need ground planes....the connector would not be enough.  

  

 Chris VK3GI 40388

 [quote]   ---

VHMUM(at)bigpond.com
Guest

Posted: Sun Apr 16, 2006 2:34 pm Post subject: Low Drag VHF Antenna

Woops read where connector is attached to airframe....this should be  enough....so disregard

  

 chris

 [quote]   ---

taildragon(at)msn.com
Guest

Posted: Sun Apr 16, 2006 3:12 pm Post subject: Low Drag VHF Antenna

<?xml:namespace prefix="v" /><?xml:namespace prefix="o" /><![endif]--><?xml:namespace prefix="v" /><?xml:namespace prefix="o" /><![endif]-->  Jim,

  

 Makes sense that bolting the connector to the frame does the trick. I  didn't receive a sheet with the kit from Vans. Guess that is why the questions.  Could you please send a copy of it to me? Thanks a bunch. This list is  great!

  

 Roger

 [quote]   ---

rick.conti(at)boeing.com
Guest

Posted: Sun Apr 16, 2006 3:30 pm Post subject: Low Drag VHF Antenna

I'll keep this short. The antenna ground plane is critical. If the antenna is mounted on the rear of the fuselage the radiation pattern will greater In the forward direction and visa versa. 

Thank You

Rick Conti

The Boeing Company

Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld

 



--

JSMcGrew(at)aol.com
Guest

Posted: Sun Apr 16, 2006 5:25 pm Post subject: Low Drag VHF Antenna

File attached.

  

 -Jim

  

 Do not archive

  

 In a message dated 4/16/2006 5:13:11 P.M. Mountain Daylight Time,  taildragon(at)msn.com writes:

 [quote]      Jim,

    

   Makes sense that bolting the connector to the frame does the trick. I    didn't receive a sheet with the kit from Vans. Guess that is why the    questions. Could you please send a copy of it to me? Thanks a bunch. This list    is great!

    

   Roger

   [quote]     ---

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taildragon(at)msn.com
Guest

Posted: Mon Apr 17, 2006 6:20 am Post subject: Low Drag VHF Antenna

<?xml:namespace prefix="v" /><?xml:namespace prefix="o" /><![endif]-->   

  

 Jim,

  

 THANK YOU!!!

  

 [quote]    

   ---

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