Dan Taylor

My Feedback: (2)

Has any one out had experience with load whip RX antennas?
I would like to use one on a Fun Fly plane but worry about
range and orientation of the whip
Thanks

Rich-RCU

I used the deans whip antenna on a 1/2 a plane about 6 years ago. Theoretically the 39 inch wire antenna should work better but in reality I found no difference in my application. I could not see any difference doing a range test on the ground and had no problems in the air. In the 70's Hano Prettner won the world championship aerobatics with his Curare which had a whip antenna.

Rich

scotyfry

I have been using these antennas for years on my helis. I have never had a problem with the deans base loaded 1-piece antenna. However, my buddy is using the 2-piece screw on style deans antenna and last week it came unscrewed... not good! his plane fell from the sky.

Lynx

This is what locktite is for....

Jim Finn

My Feedback: (2)

These antennas work very well. I have used them in gliders to 700feet up and over 1/4 mile away (just a speck) and no problems. They are used extensively in Calif. I make my own for 35 cents and 5 minutes work. I just lay them inside the fuselage aft of the trailing edge of the wing. They are about 6 inches long.

gws1

My Feedback: (13)

Jim,
More info on how you make these please.

Dan Taylor

My Feedback: (2)

yeah
I have had these antenna, both 1 and 2 piece fro a while
have always wanted to try the but was not willing to kill a new plane.
Would like more info about making them though

while we are on the topic of antennas. what about TX rubber ducks

Jim Finn

My Feedback: (2)

Personaly I do not like the look of the short TX antennas. I have seen only two. The loaded RX antenna is very popular though.
To make a loaded RX antenna you need a 1.5 microhenery inductor (35Cents)also called a "Choke". These inductors come in various configurations and physical sizes. The one to use is a small cylinder(about the size of a grain of rice) with a wire out each end. Cut the existing RX antenna wire to about 2 inches long and solder either end of the inductor to it and to the other end solder six inches of any wire. I use a stiff one but soft wire will also work. I cover the whole thing with shrink tubing and thats it! do a regular range and go fly.
Finding an inductor is the hard part. I got mine at a used computer parts store. I bought a handfull. TV repair stores may have them too. No ........Radio Shack does not have this item.

JoshL

My Feedback: (15)

I have used the Revolution whips sold by Hanger 9 for about 2 years now. I haven't seen any decrease in range or performance. I don't know how well they compare to the Dean's though.

Lynx

Hate to tell you, but an inductor is just a fancy name for a piece of spiral wound wire =O If you look hard enough on the net you can find an inductor calculator that will tell you what diameter of what gage wire you need and how many turns to create any inductor value you want.

N55340

My Feedback: (2)

I have a Deans whip antenna on a twin engine glow plane. Haven't experienced any range or interference problems. Plan on using them in the future in scale applications. If you have to put on a dummy antenna, might as well be functional.

visioneer_one

My Feedback: (506)

I have Ducks on all my transmitters. I started using them while flying sailplanes.

I've replaced / broken telescoping ones a couple of times, stepped on them by accident, poked myself in the eye, whacked other flyers, etc.

The final straw? I had the stock antenna entangle itself with the hi-start line, but didn't realize it until it was too late. Launched the sailplane, then the TX. Broke everything. Ohhhh the pain.

Got mine from Smiley Antennas. --> http://www.htantennas.com/rcduck.htm

I think I paid about $20 for mine.

BTW they come in colors besides black! Red, blue and pink IIRC. Don't know why they don't mention it on the website.

You lose a little range as compared with a *brand-new* telescoping aerial, but that becomes moot with use. As you extend and collapse the standard antenna it collects finger oils and misc debris on the brass interconnects and becomes a little less efficient.

You'll still have "beyond visual range" whle you're in the air.

Mind you don't have a senior moment and forget the antenna at home! I did that... once.

Dan Taylor

My Feedback: (2)

Thanks for the input
I am just putting the finsihing touches on a Not for Sale
( RCM Plans)
and will install the short whip
I'll let everyone know
waht happens