RE: 2.4 ghz antenna placement
Hi firstly you did not say how your antenna system is set when operating at SHF (Super High Frequency) such as 2.4hz you should have your antenna system matched both vertical or horizontal.
If you try to cross polarize a signal at these frequenices it results in a drastic loss of recived signal at the RX end, you have to bere one thing in mind your transmitter is putting out a VERY low power signal i,m not exactly sure of the permitted amount on 2.4Ghz, perhaps 10 milliwatts but I could be wrong !
i'm sure I will get a few people saying my antenna is curled up in the radio box and it works GUD Luck.
Also some brands on radios work better fror marine use than others on this band, Futaba seem to have a better reputation than others.
PS. ( fully licenced radio ham that operates in the 2.4ghz band ).