Ive just managed to cut off the wire reciever which is fitted onto the plane, it is no big deal fixing another piece of wire, but i was just wondering, as long as i use copperwire which is plastic insulated like before, it will be fine to work wont it? Im just concerned that if i take my plane off and it doesnt respond after reaching a distance i will loose or damage it. Any info apreciated [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

I think those have to be a certain length. I would send it in and have a new one put on. later daveo

You can use any multistrand flexible wire and the length can be anywhere from 37 to 39 inches with little or no effect on range. You use flexible wire so that it will not be easily broken. Gage can be anything from 28 to 22, could actually even vary from that with no degredation in performance. Most hobby shops carry suitable wire antenna replacements.

Thanx alot, im gonna check out my nearest shop and get hold of some, if all else fails ill check my garage and see wots available.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

What is said is correct. Copper is a better conductor than aluminum, but either will work. The antenna used is considered a monopole antenna and can be “tuned” to the correct frequency by sizing it correctly at a quarter-wavelength (one-fourth the length of one cycle of the electromagnetic radio wave). Since our radios operate with a carrier frequency about 72-73MHz (depending on the channel) the characteristic length of the antenna will vary from 37 to 39 inches. Anything outside of this range will cause degradation in the received signal.

Rock Chalk Jayhawk!
AMA 770311

Added note: one can open up the reciever case itself and desoldier old wire and re soder new one on, no big deal. Maintain true length if at all possible, went through that myself, too short on one end caused plane to "Fly" away.

Most good hobby shops will carry 'replacement' antenna wires for teh more popular brand radio gear. Then it's just up to you to replace it by soldering it. Chances are, there's someone at your local feild who woul dbe more than willing to help you! just ask!

I would have no problem soldering a new wire on, the only problem is its a firebird, well an english version called SuperpowerZ And the fuselage is glued together not just held together. I dont really want to disect the plane unless i really have to as it could result in disaster knowing me! Cheers for the info tho[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

Chillywilly, My firebird was not GLUED together, just plastic locking type clamps that had to be carefully opened to allow me to separate the body halves. You still have to get the new antenna wire down the tube of the fuselage.
Here I would stick a verry small wire, preferably telephone wire, because it is thin, and single strand (stiff).
Pull your new antenna wire through that tube with that really thin wire, then solder it into the antenna connection of the receiver/servo/esc, very carefully because of heat, and the complexity of that printed circuit board being all three, receiver, servo, and motor control. My Firebird XL has 25 cm hanging out the back end, but about 54 cm inside the plane. That wire is very thin. telephone wire is thicker in gauge. My antenna is loose in the fuselage tube, which means it is not binding on the push rods at all.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]
GOOD LUCK! I hope I am not to late with this post.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-cool.gif[/img]

Just ever so slightly late yes, but uve answered my question perfectly, i opted to just fit the new wire, on to the tethered end of the old one which was about 1 inch hanging aout of the back, it seems to be working fine, but if the problem occurs i will use your method. Cheers for the info. Ps is there anyway of modifying the firebird, because the english version has those plastic grey things that hold the wire from the servos, but one is on the top of the rudder flap, and one is on the bottom, i no this is so its possible to use only one servo to control both, but when i land it on the ground it tends to catch the bottom one, which results in a teared flap after a good few flights. the new firebird xl has them both on the top, any suggestions? Cheers