There are OTHER ways of loading the antenna that can cause the length to differ from a standard length. There is also one of the high dollar Futaba RX's that they came out with a mod to GREATLY change the length. So as I said before it depeds on the mfg and model of the RX. And possible hidden damage (cracked crystals and the like) still make sending it in a better choice on many occasions.

Costs? Review this: http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_1131517/tm.htm for information on this and other problems.

http://www.tpub.com/content/neets/14.../14182_218.htm

I didn't mean to turn this into an antenna debate, The other ways you point out SHOULD be obvious when inspecting the antenna. Also, I did say ASSUMING the RX doesn't have any internal loading, the high dollar ones you point out MUST have something either obvious when you look at the antenna or internal. However, I will capitulate and agree that it is Brand / Model dependent since there are apparently some makes that DO have said loading.

However, this whole line of discussion is a moot point since as you all point out, if it hit hard enough to sever the antenna the RX should be checked out anyhow. The added cost of antenna replacement cant be much if you already need to send it in so why not just do it?

PS: Nice link to the Antenna page...

Futaba sells the same replacement antenna under the Duratrax brand name for $2.40 less than the Futaba branded antenna. I replaced the antenna on my 7CAF with the Duratrax SKU, both units are physically identical and functionality is also the same.

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXD188&P=7

I cant find any rx antenna's on Tower's site, I am guessing that would have to be ordered straight from the manufacture?

As suggested, send it in for replacement/inspection.

LXERH8
LXH355
LXH356
Here are 3 that Tower carries, may be more. As you will see they ALL have different lengths. You never said which model RX you have so we can't help much further.

I'd still recommend sending it in though. Either now or after the next crash, your choice.

Although the overall range will be reduced

I have not detected any range reduction, and I fly 5 days/week. Perhaps if you fly at the extreme end of your visual range you may detect "reduced range" but at normal flying distances ... don't think you'll detect any changes.

Bruce

After reading some of these posts, I think I messed up big time. I have always cut the excess wire off of my recever antena.

Yeah, that's definitely a big "no-no."

[X(]OOPS!![:@]

Suggest you get that thing replaced ASAP

[X(]

If you've had unexplainable crashes due to radio glitches they where most certainly due to this practice. If not, then you're a very lucky guy but should still replace all your RX antennas to preserve that status.

What do you do with the extra wire? Ball it up inside the plane? Whats the least amount you can have hanging out, can it be taped up so it don't hang to far down? Sorry for all the questions and I thank you in advance for your support. But I have had problems with control sometimes.

zbird,
you can't "ball" it up inside the fuselage. Doing that is just as good as cutting the extra off. The wire needs to be extended to it's full length in order to be working properly. I you ball it up or double it back on its self then that effectively reduces the length of the wire. I just have the extra wire extend out the back of the plane.

Ken

You can tape it to the bottom of the fuse, or you can run it down the inside of the fuse. If it is longer than the fuse, then you can run it inside of the fuse, then bring it out and run it up the vertical fin. There are many options, but cutting them, balling them up, or doubling them over on themselves are all no-no's.
If you tape it, use clear packing tape. Please do not use aluminum or any other metal type tape.
Another option, if you don't like tape, is to lay a piece of monocote over the wire and iron the monocote down on the edges. Just don't run the iron over the antenna wire, as it may melt the insulation.
This effectively hides the wire with the same color as the fuse....