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Dee One

Joined: 29 Jun 2015
Posts: 48

Posted: Wed Nov 04, 2015 11:51 am Post subject: Handheld Radio Performance Issue

Well, after six months of totally rebuilding my Mark 3, I completed the annual inspection, Test flight, I now have a couple hours on the new engine and rebuild airframe.



My airport(L 3 is fairly busyâ€¦ so I purchased two headsets, Intercom, and a ICOM A6 handheld. The problem is that my transmissions are weak and barely readable. I have no experience with handheld radios. How can I remedy this problem? Your experience and recommendations are appreciated.



I am thinking that I will need a remote antenna of some sort. I also understand that it is best to install a remote antenna as for away from the engine (Rotax582)as possible. 



Thanks for your recommendations,

Dee

_________________
The Past is History
The Future is a Mystery
Today is a Gift
Thatâ€™s Why They Call it the Present

Herbgh(at)nctc.com
Guest

Posted: Wed Nov 04, 2015 12:50 pm Post subject: Handheld Radio Performance Issue

New radio?    The driver and final transistors operate in a linear 

mode.  Meaning that if the final is shot...one can still hear a 

transmission some yards away...Herb



On 11/04/2015 01:51 PM, Dee One wrote:

 	  Quote: 	
		   



 Well, after six months of totally rebuilding my Mark 3, I completed the annual inspection, Test flight, I now have a couple hours on the new engine and rebuild airframe.



 My airport(L 3 is fairly busyâ€¦ so I purchased two headsets, Intercom, and a ICOM A6 handheld. The problem is that my transmissions are weak and barely readable. I have no experience with handheld radios. How can I remedy this problem? Your experience and recommendations are appreciated.



 I am thinking that I will need a remote antenna of some sort. I also understand that it is best to install a remote antenna as for away from the engine (Rotax582)as possible.



 Thanks for your recommendations,

 Dee



 --------

 The Past is History

 The Future is a Mystery

 Today is a Gift

 Thatâ€™s Why They Call it the Present





 Read this topic online here:



 http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=448719#448719






	


-- 

Signature text;  Add catchy phrase here..

ceengland7(at)gmail.com
Guest

Posted: Wed Nov 04, 2015 2:34 pm Post subject: Handheld Radio Performance Issue

On 11/4/2015 1:51 PM, Dee One wrote:

 	  Quote: 	
		   



 Well, after six months of totally rebuilding my Mark 3, I completed the annual inspection, Test flight, I now have a couple hours on the new engine and rebuild airframe.



 My airport(L 3 is fairly busyâ€¦ so I purchased two headsets, Intercom, and a ICOM A6 handheld. The problem is that my transmissions are weak and barely readable. I have no experience with handheld radios. How can I remedy this problem? Your experience and recommendations are appreciated.



 I am thinking that I will need a remote antenna of some sort. I also understand that it is best to install a remote antenna as for away from the engine (Rotax582)as possible.



 Thanks for your recommendations,

 Dee


	


Hi Dee,



More details on how your transmissions sound at the 'other end' would 

help with diagnosis & with coming up with solutions.



Are they weak, as in low volume on the other end, or just distorted, or 

buried in noise that's also being transmitted?



If you sit in the plane on the ground with engine off and transmit, does 

the same problem exist at the other end?



Any decent handheld should have enough power to reach across the field, 

'line of sight'. But there are several issues that can come into play 

when you're running the engine and airborne. When airborne, range is 

even better, but noise can mask the actual audio. The noise can be 

engine/wind noise, or can be electrical noise from engine ignition or 

even from the engine's generator.



For longer range transmissions, a properly designed external antenna can 

significantly improve performance.  If you're handy with electrical 

tools, high performing antennas can be pretty easy to make.



Give us some more info so we can help.



Charlie

Dee One

Joined: 29 Jun 2015
Posts: 48

Posted: Wed Nov 04, 2015 4:06 pm Post subject: Handheld Radio Performance Issue

Thanks for the good diagnostic questions.  I’ll try engine-off transmitions and get more/better feedback the next time I go out.

Thanks, Dee LeBlanc

leblancds(at)cox.net (leblancds(at)cox.net)

cell 225-802-1038

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Past is History

The Future is a Mystery

Today is a Gift

That’s Why They Call it the Present

 

  	  Quote: 	
		  On Nov 4, 2015, at 4:33 PM, Charlie England <ceengland7(at)gmail.com (ceengland7(at)gmail.com)> wrote:

--> Kolb-List message posted by: Charlie England <ceengland7(at)gmail.com (ceengland7(at)gmail.com)>On 11/4/2015 1:51 PM, Dee One wrote: 	  Quote: 	
		  --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Dee One" <leblancds(at)cox.net (leblancds(at)cox.net)>Well, after six months of totally rebuilding my Mark 3, I completed the annual inspection, Test flight, I now have a couple hours on the new engine and rebuild airframe.My airport(L 3 is fairly busyâ€¦ so I purchased two headsets, Intercom, and a ICOM A6 handheld. The problem is that my transmissions are weak and barely readable. I have no experience with handheld radios. How can I remedy this problem? Your experience and recommendations are appreciated.I am thinking that I will need a remote antenna of some sort. I also understand that it is best to install a remote antenna as for away from the engine (Rotax582)as possible.Thanks for your recommendations,Dee 	
Hi Dee,More details on how your transmissions sound at the 'other end' would help with diagnosis & with coming up with solutions.Are they weak, as in low volume on the other end, or just distorted, or buried in noise that's also being transmitted?If you sit in the plane on the ground with engine off and transmit, does the same problem exist at the other end?Any decent handheld should have enough power to reach across the field, 'line of sight'. But there are several issues that can come into play when you're running the engine and airborne. When airborne, range is even better, but noise can mask the actual audio. The noise can be engine/wind noise, or can be electrical noise from engine ignition or even from the engine's generator.For longer range transmissions, a properly designed external antenna can significantly improve performance.  If you're handy with electrical tools, high performing antennas can be pretty easy to make.Give us some more info so we can help.Charlie

_________________
The Past is History
The Future is a Mystery
Today is a Gift
Thatâ€™s Why They Call it the Present

lcottrell

Joined: 29 May 2006
Posts: 1494
Location: Jordan Valley, Or

Posted: Wed Nov 04, 2015 5:26 pm Post subject: Handheld Radio Performance Issue

Charlie can definitely get you straightened out, but if you are using a

rubber ducky antenna, you can be assured that you are going to need an

external antenna. So if you are indeed using the antenna that came with the

radio, I think you can limit the experimentation to see what the problem is

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do not archive

byoungplumbing(at)gmail.c
Guest

Posted: Wed Nov 04, 2015 5:36 pm Post subject: Handheld Radio Performance Issue

the next question is,,,Â  are you using batteries, or aircraft power?Â Â Â  battery power should be clean,Â  and a better antenna should give you the best results....Â  if you are using aircraft power,Â  make sure you have a power filter and a good antenna.

 Boyd On Nov 4, 2015 12:54 PM, "Dee One" <leblancds(at)cox.net (leblancds(at)cox.net)> wrote: 	  Quote: 	
		  --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Dee One" <leblancds(at)cox.net (leblancds(at)cox.net)>

 

 Well, after six months of totally rebuilding my Mark 3, I completed the annual inspection, Test flight, I now have a couple hours on the new engine and rebuild airframe.

 

 My airport(L 3 is fairly busyâ€¦ so I purchased two headsets, Intercom, and a ICOM A6 handheld. The problem is that my transmissions are weak and barely readable. I have no experience with handheld radios. How can I remedy this problem? Your experience and recommendations are appreciated.

 

 I am thinking that I will need a remote antenna of some sort. I also understand that it is best to install a remote antenna as for away from the engine (Rotax582)as possible.

 

 Thanks for your recommendations,

 Dee

 

 --------

 The Past is History

 The Future is a Mystery

 Today is a Gift

 Thatâ€™s Why They Call it the Present

 

 

 

 

 Read this topic online here:

 

 http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=448719#448719

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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John Hauck

Joined: 09 Jan 2006
Posts: 4639
Location: Titus, Alabama (hauck's holler)

Posted: Wed Nov 04, 2015 5:57 pm Post subject: Handheld Radio Performance Issue

I have had an ICOM A6 in my MKIII for some time now.  It is a really good little radio.  I use a 24" stainless steel ELT antenna mounted under the nose cone attached through a sheet aluminum ground plane.  I also use a 20,000 to 25,000 uf installed to the positive and negative output wires on the voltage reg/rec.



I frequently carry on conversations with Larry Cottrell's ICOM base station VHF at 75 to 80 sm.



I have used handheld radios, STS, Bendix/King KX-99, ICOM A-24 and A-6, in all three of my Kolbs.  That is all I need to make the flights over the years from here to the Arctic Ocean.



Another item I use to reduce noise picked up in the cockpit is a leather mike muff with a small hole on each side.  I can't remember where I got mine, but here is one very similar and a little less expensive:



 http://www.mypilotstore.com/mypilotstore/sep/10492



A good ground is absolutely essential for good performance.



john h

mkIII

hauck's holler, Alabama



--

_________________
John Hauck
MKIII/912ULS
hauck's holler
Titus, Alabama

John Hauck

Joined: 09 Jan 2006
Posts: 4639
Location: Titus, Alabama (hauck's holler)

Posted: Wed Nov 04, 2015 6:06 pm Post subject: Handheld Radio Performance Issue

That is a 20 to 25 thousand uf CAPACITOR.



Sorry about that.



john h

mkIII

Titus, Alabama



--

_________________
John Hauck
MKIII/912ULS
hauck's holler
Titus, Alabama

Herbgh(at)nctc.com
Guest

Posted: Wed Nov 04, 2015 6:16 pm Post subject: Handheld Radio Performance Issue

and do not forget to ground the engine to the airframe..I use braided 

cable..Herb



On 11/04/2015 07:56 PM, John Hauck wrote:

[quote] 



 I have had an ICOM A6 in my MKIII for some time now.  It is a really good little radio.  I use a 24" stainless steel ELT antenna mounted under the nose cone attached through a sheet aluminum ground plane.  I also use a 20,000 to 25,000 uf installed to the positive and negative output wires on the voltage reg/rec.



 I frequently carry on conversations with Larry Cottrell's ICOM base station VHF at 75 to 80 sm.



 I have used handheld radios, STS, Bendix/King KX-99, ICOM A-24 and A-6, in all three of my Kolbs.  That is all I need to make the flights over the years from here to the Arctic Ocean.



 Another item I use to reduce noise picked up in the cockpit is a leather mike muff with a small hole on each side.  I can't remember where I got mine, but here is one very similar and a little less expensive:



   http://www.mypilotstore.com/mypilotstore/sep/10492



 A good ground is absolutely essential for good performance.



 john h

 mkIII

 hauck's holler, Alabama



 --

George Alexander

Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 245
Location: SW Florida

Posted: Wed Nov 04, 2015 6:30 pm Post subject: Re: Handheld Radio Performance Issue

 	  John Hauck wrote: 	
		  ------- S - N - I - P -------

Another item I use to reduce noise picked up in the cockpit is a leather mike muff with a small hole on each side.  I can't remember where I got mine, but here is one very similar and a little less expensive:

-- 	




Made my own mike muff..... Cut the thumb from an old leather work glove (punch a hole on each side).  Wrap some thin (1/4") foam sheet material from a box that a watch came in around the mike and slip the muff over it.  Works great.

_________________
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FS II R503
E-LSA N709FS
http://www.oh2fly.net

John Hauck

Joined: 09 Jan 2006
Posts: 4639
Location: Titus, Alabama (hauck's holler)

Posted: Wed Nov 04, 2015 6:52 pm Post subject: Handheld Radio Performance Issue

George A/Gang:



A good example of field expedience.



Wished I had thought of that before I dished out the dough.



john h

mkIII

Titus, Alabama



--

_________________
John Hauck
MKIII/912ULS
hauck's holler
Titus, Alabama

GeoB

Joined: 16 Jun 2009
Posts: 207
Location: Fresno, CA

Posted: Thu Nov 05, 2015 12:29 am Post subject: Re: Handheld Radio Performance Issue

 	  Herbgh(at)nctc.com wrote: 	
		  if the final is shot...one can still hear a 

transmission some yards away. 	
 



I think 1st thing I would do- cuz it's easy- is to simply test the radio against a known good one. Find a buddy, maybe most anyone at the airport on Saturday morning, find out how your radio works without the plane involved. If you don't have battery power I imagine you can plug into a car's 12v acc. plug.

_________________
GeoB

"Members of Congress should be compelled to wear uniforms like NASCAR drivers, so we could identify their corporate sponsors"

Richard Pike

Joined: 09 Jan 2006
Posts: 1671
Location: Blountville, Tennessee

Posted: Thu Nov 05, 2015 7:17 am Post subject: Re: Handheld Radio Performance Issue

Lots of good advice, nothing to add in that area. Here are some pictures of how I made my antenna and where I put it.

http://oh2fly.net/oldpoops/pg9.htm

_________________
Richard Pike
Kolb MKIII N420P (420ldPoops)
Kingsport, TN 3TN0

Forgiving is tough, being forgiven is wonderful, and God's grace really is amazing.

Herbgh(at)nctc.com
Guest

Posted: Thu Nov 05, 2015 7:59 am Post subject: Handheld Radio Performance Issue

Richard and all.



   There was a time, when I had my Amateur Radio license, that I knew 

something about radio frequency propagation...not now however...but I 

dug up this design from the web...looks easy and is an inverted V which 

simulates a half wave antenna and requires no ground plane....Herb

http://chrusion.com/BJ7/InvVeeAntenna4ULs.pdf

On 11/05/2015 09:17 AM, Richard Pike wrote:

 	  Quote: 	
		   



 Lots of good advice, nothing to add in that area. Here are some pictures of how I made my antenna and where I put it.

 http://oh2fly.net/oldpoops/pg9.htm



 --------

 Richard Pike

 Kolb MKIII N420P (420ldPoops)

 Kingsport, TN 3TN0



 Would you consider yourself to be a good person?

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 Read this topic online here:



 http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=448772#448772






	


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rickofudall

Joined: 19 Sep 2009
Posts: 1392
Location: Udall, KS, USA

Posted: Thu Nov 05, 2015 8:44 am Post subject: Handheld Radio Performance Issue

Dee, One thing to remember about antennae. Electrical ground and radio

ground plane are not the same thing. I mounted my homemade antenna on the

top of the nose cone with a six inch diameter piece of .025 aluminum inside

the cone as the ground plane. ICT tower could hear me loud and clear as

soon as I had line of sight from 28 miles and I could hear planes in the

pattern at McPherson over 60 miles.

When I flew the "plane from hell" home I had the same radio but with the

rubber duck attached. Salina tower could not hear me at 6 miles.

The best place to get antenna advice is a local ham radio operator or club.

Someone is almost sure to have an antenna analyzer that will help you tune

your antenna for optimum performance.

Another good source is the Aeroelectric Connection right here on the

Matronics Forums.



Rick Girard



On Wed, Nov 4, 2015 at 8:15 PM, Herb <Herbgh(at)nctc.com> wrote:



[quote] 



 and do not forget to ground the engine to the airframe..I use braided

 cable..Herb

 On 11/04/2015 07:56 PM, John Hauck wrote:



> 

>

> I have had an ICOM A6 in my MKIII for some time now.  It is a really good

> little radio.  I use a 24" stainless steel ELT antenna mounted under the

> nose cone attached through a sheet aluminum ground plane.  I also use a

> 20,000 to 25,000 uf installed to the positive and negative output wires on

> the voltage reg/rec.

>

> I frequently carry on conversations with Larry Cottrell's ICOM base

> station VHF at 75 to 80 sm.

>

> I have used handheld radios, STS, Bendix/King KX-99, ICOM A-24 and A-6,

> in all three of my Kolbs.  That is all I need to make the flights over the

> years from here to the Arctic Ocean.

>

> Another item I use to reduce noise picked up in the cockpit is a leather

> mike muff with a small hole on each side.  I can't remember where I got

> mine, but here is one very similar and a little less expensive:

>

>   http://www.mypilotstore.com/mypilotstore/sep/10492

>

> A good ground is absolutely essential for good performance.

>

> john h

> mkIII

> hauck's holler, Alabama

>

> --

_________________
The smallest miracle right in front of you is enough to make you happy....

Rex Rodebush

Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 209
Location: Branson West area, Missouri

Posted: Thu Nov 05, 2015 9:30 am Post subject: Re: Handheld Radio Performance Issue

I have an Icom radio with external antenna under the fuselage cage.  It is attached to a aluminum plate which also acts as a foot rest for the passenger.  Works great and I can pick up transmissions from 50+ miles.



My biggest problem was interference from the 912s engine.  I bought a couple bags of chokes from Radio Shack and put them around every wire that I thought might cause a problem.  Problem solved.  Not sure which wire was the problem as I didn't take the time to test each wire separately.

Dee One

Joined: 29 Jun 2015
Posts: 48

Posted: Thu Nov 05, 2015 6:26 pm Post subject: Handheld Radio Performance Issue

I am currently installing an external antenna at the end of the wing (underneath). I did try the radio with the rubber duck antenna that came with the Icom A6 while on the ground and that provided a strong clear signal. I'm not running on shipâ€™s power yet; using ICOM A6 battery and a  9 V battery in my intercom. Question: what is the function of a ground plane at the base of an antenna? I do have room to add a ground plane if that will be beneficial.  Also, is the orientation of an external antenna important?  RSVP

Thanks for all the advice, Dee LeBlanc

leblancds(at)cox.net (leblancds(at)cox.net)

cell 225-802-1038

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Past is History

The Future is a Mystery

Today is a Gift

Thatâ€™s Why They Call it the Present

 

 [quote]On Nov 5, 2015, at 10:44 AM, Richard Girard <aslsa.rng(at)gmail.com (aslsa.rng(at)gmail.com)> wrote:

Dee, One thing to remember about antennae. Electrical ground and radio ground plane are not the same thing. I mounted my homemade antenna on the top of the nose cone with a six inch diameter piece of .025 aluminum inside the cone as the ground plane. ICT tower could hear me loud and clear as soon as I had line of sight from 28 miles and I could hear planes in the pattern at McPherson over 60 miles.When I flew the "plane from hell" home I had the same radio but with the rubber duck attached. Salina tower could not hear me at 6 miles.

The best place to get antenna advice is a local ham radio operator or club. Someone is almost sure to have an antenna analyzer that will help you tune your antenna for optimum performance.

Another good source is the Aeroelectric Connection right here on the Matronics Forums.



Rick Girard



On Wed, Nov 4, 2015 at 8:15 PM, Herb <Herbgh(at)nctc.com (Herbgh(at)nctc.com)> wrote:[quote]--> Kolb-List message posted by: Herb <Herbgh(at)nctc.com (Herbgh(at)nctc.com)>and do not forget to ground the engine to the airframe..I use braided cable..HerbOn 11/04/2015 07:56 PM, John Hauck wrote:[quote]--> Kolb-List message posted by: "John Hauck" <jhauck(at)elmore.rr.com (jhauck(at)elmore.rr.com)>I have had an ICOM A6 in my MKIII for some time now.  It is a really good little radio.  I use a 24" stainless steel ELT antenna mounted under the nose cone attached through a sheet aluminum ground plane.  I also use a 20,000 to 25,000 uf installed to the positive and negative output wires on the voltage reg/rec.I frequently carry on conversations with Larry Cottrell's ICOM base station VHF at 75 to 80 sm.I have used handheld radios, STS, Bendix/King KX-99, ICOM A-24 and A-6, in all three of my Kolbs.  That is all I need to make the flights over the years from here to the Arctic Ocean.Another item I use to reduce noise picked up in the cockpit is a leather mike muff with a small hole on each side.  I can't remember where I got mine, but here is one very similar and a little less expensive:  http://www.mypilotstore.com/mypilotstore/sep/10492A good ground is absolutely essential for good performance.john hmkIIIhauck's holler, Alabama--

_________________
The Past is History
The Future is a Mystery
Today is a Gift
Thatâ€™s Why They Call it the Present

GeoB

Joined: 16 Jun 2009
Posts: 207
Location: Fresno, CA

Posted: Thu Nov 05, 2015 7:17 pm Post subject: Re: Handheld Radio Performance Issue

 	  Rex Rodebush wrote: 	
		  > bought a couple bags of chokes from Radio Shack 	




These looked like lil transformers with two wires? Or were they toroids? How much did they cost? You use any by-pass caps?

_________________
GeoB

"Members of Congress should be compelled to wear uniforms like NASCAR drivers, so we could identify their corporate sponsors"

byoungplumbing(at)gmail.c
Guest

Posted: Thu Nov 05, 2015 7:39 pm Post subject: Handheld Radio Performance Issue

the coax has 2 wires,,Â  inner conductor and the braid.Â Â  the center conductor connects to the antenna whip,,,Â Â  the braid connects to the ground plane.Â Â Â  the whip is half of the antenna, the ground plane is the other half.Â Â Â  the size and shape of the ground plane affects t On Nov 5, 2015 7:29 PM, "Dee LeBlanc" <leblancds(at)cox.net (leblancds(at)cox.net)> wrote:[quote]I am currently installing an external antenna at the end of the wing (underneath). I did try the radio with the rubber duck antenna that came with the Icom A6 while on the ground and that provided a strong clear signal. I'm not running on shipâ€™s power yet; using ICOM A6 battery and a Â 9 V battery in my intercom. Question: what is the function of a ground plane at the base of an antenna? I do have room to add a ground plane if that will be beneficial.Â  Also, is the orientation of an external antenna important?Â  RSVP



Thanks for all the advice,

 Dee LeBlanc

leblancds(at)cox.net (leblancds(at)cox.net)

cell [url=tel:225-802-1038]225-802-1038[/url]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Past is History

The Future is a Mystery

Today is a Gift

Thatâ€™s Why They Call it the Present





 

 

[quote]On Nov 5, 2015, at 10:44 AM, Richard Girard <aslsa.rng(at)gmail.com (aslsa.rng(at)gmail.com)> wrote:



Dee, One thing to remember about antennae. Electrical ground and radio ground plane are not the same thing. I mounted my homemade antenna on the top of the nose cone with a six inch diameter piece of .025 aluminum inside the cone as the ground plane. ICT tower could hear me loud and clear as soon as I had line of sight from 28 miles and I could hear planes in the pattern at McPherson over 60 miles.When I flew the "plane from hell" home I had the same radio but with the rubber duck attached. Salina tower could not hear me at 6 miles.

The best place to get antenna advice is a local ham radio operator or club. Someone is almost sure to have an antenna analyzer that will help you tune your antenna for optimum performance.

Another good source is the Aeroelectric Connection right here on the Matronics Forums.

Rick Girard

On Wed, Nov 4, 2015 at 8:15 PM, HerbÂ <Herbgh(at)nctc.com (Herbgh(at)nctc.com)>Â wrote:

[quote]--> Kolb-List message posted by: Herb <Herbgh(at)nctc.com (Herbgh(at)nctc.com)>



and do not forget to ground the engine to the airframe..I use braided cable..Herb



On 11/04/2015 07:56 PM, John Hauck wrote:

[quote]--> Kolb-List message posted by: "John Hauck" <jhauck(at)elmore.rr.com (jhauck(at)elmore.rr.com)>



I have had an ICOM A6 in my MKIII for some time now.Â  It is a really good little radio.Â  I use a 24" stainless steel ELT antenna mounted under the nose cone attached through a sheet aluminum ground plane.Â  I also use a 20,000 to 25,000 uf installed to the positive and negative output wires on the voltage reg/rec.



I frequently carry on conversations with Larry Cottrell's ICOM base station VHF at 75 to 80 sm.



I have used handheld radios, STS, Bendix/King KX-99, ICOM A-24 and A-6, in all three of my Kolbs.Â  That is all I need to make the flights over the years from here to the Arctic Ocean.



Another item I use to reduce noise picked up in the cockpit is a leather mike muff with a small hole on each side.Â  I can't remember where I got mine, but here is one very similar and a little less expensive:



Â Â http://www.mypilotstore.com/mypilotstore/sep/10492



A good ground is absolutely essential for good performance.



john h

mkIII

hauck's holler, Alabama



--

byoungplumbing(at)gmail.c
Guest

Posted: Thu Nov 05, 2015 7:48 pm Post subject: Handheld Radio Performance Issue

effects the radiation pattern on both tx and receive.Â  for best results the ground plane should be 1 to 2 times the length of the whip in diameter.Â Â Â Â Â Â  it could be made of very thin metal,,,Â  or could be 3 or more wires,Â  like the spokes of a wheel.Â  each between 1/2 to the length of the whip.

 Boyd On Nov 5, 2015 7:29 PM, "Dee LeBlanc" <leblancds(at)cox.net (leblancds(at)cox.net)> wrote:[quote]I am currently installing an external antenna at the end of the wing (underneath). I did try the radio with the rubber duck antenna that came with the Icom A6 while on the ground and that provided a strong clear signal. I'm not running on shipâ€™s power yet; using ICOM A6 battery and a Â 9 V battery in my intercom. Question: what is the function of a ground plane at the base of an antenna? I do have room to add a ground plane if that will be beneficial.Â  Also, is the orientation of an external antenna important?Â  RSVP



Thanks for all the advice,

 Dee LeBlanc

leblancds(at)cox.net (leblancds(at)cox.net)

cell [url=tel:225-802-1038]225-802-1038[/url]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Past is History

The Future is a Mystery

Today is a Gift

Thatâ€™s Why They Call it the Present





 

 

[quote]On Nov 5, 2015, at 10:44 AM, Richard Girard <aslsa.rng(at)gmail.com (aslsa.rng(at)gmail.com)> wrote:



Dee, One thing to remember about antennae. Electrical ground and radio ground plane are not the same thing. I mounted my homemade antenna on the top of the nose cone with a six inch diameter piece of .025 aluminum inside the cone as the ground plane. ICT tower could hear me loud and clear as soon as I had line of sight from 28 miles and I could hear planes in the pattern at McPherson over 60 miles.When I flew the "plane from hell" home I had the same radio but with the rubber duck attached. Salina tower could not hear me at 6 miles.

The best place to get antenna advice is a local ham radio operator or club. Someone is almost sure to have an antenna analyzer that will help you tune your antenna for optimum performance.

Another good source is the Aeroelectric Connection right here on the Matronics Forums.

Rick Girard

On Wed, Nov 4, 2015 at 8:15 PM, HerbÂ <Herbgh(at)nctc.com (Herbgh(at)nctc.com)>Â wrote:

[quote]--> Kolb-List message posted by: Herb <Herbgh(at)nctc.com (Herbgh(at)nctc.com)>



and do not forget to ground the engine to the airframe..I use braided cable..Herb



On 11/04/2015 07:56 PM, John Hauck wrote:

[quote]--> Kolb-List message posted by: "John Hauck" <jhauck(at)elmore.rr.com (jhauck(at)elmore.rr.com)>



I have had an ICOM A6 in my MKIII for some time now.Â  It is a really good little radio.Â  I use a 24" stainless steel ELT antenna mounted under the nose cone attached through a sheet aluminum ground plane.Â  I also use a 20,000 to 25,000 uf installed to the positive and negative output wires on the voltage reg/rec.



I frequently carry on conversations with Larry Cottrell's ICOM base station VHF at 75 to 80 sm.



I have used handheld radios, STS, Bendix/King KX-99, ICOM A-24 and A-6, in all three of my Kolbs.Â  That is all I need to make the flights over the years from here to the Arctic Ocean.



Another item I use to reduce noise picked up in the cockpit is a leather mike muff with a small hole on each side.Â  I can't remember where I got mine, but here is one very similar and a little less expensive:



Â Â http://www.mypilotstore.com/mypilotstore/sep/10492



A good ground is absolutely essential for good performance.



john h

mkIII

hauck's holler, Alabama



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