What is the correct angle that the antenna should be at when using 2.4? I have a Futaba 7C and I always thought that the antenna should be up at the same angle as the control sticks, pointing out parallel with the face of the of the tx. When I crashed my decathlon the other day, I had a guy tell me it should be flat and pointing out to the right hand side of the tx. I've never had a problem, and I don't think it contributed to my crash, but how do you guys use yours? Instructions say not to point it at the aircraft, which would be pointing it straight out like a normal extendable antenna. Prolly should ask bax too.

The antenna SHOULD NOT be pointed straigt out towards the plane. The antenna is supposed to be perpendicular to the aircraft. It doesn't matter if it's pointed straight up, straight down, or to either side. Just as long as it's not pointed straight at the plane. The guy who told you how to put it was correct, but you were correct as well, either way will work just fine. </p>

Ken</p>

I keep mine folded, and to the right. It fits in my radio case like that, and I dont have to mess with it either.

A lot depends on how you hold your Tx.

A 2.4 antenna broadcasts from the side, not the tip. So if you hold your Tx down, and the antenna is pointing up, that's bad. But if you hold your Tx up it's ok

I keep mine pointing to the right side, that way it doesn't matter how I hold the Tx

It depends on how you hold your transmitter.  In most cases you are better off with the antenna pointing straight up while you are holding your transmitter as you normally will while flying.  Unless you are flying directly overhead, that will keep the antenna oriented to give its best signal to the aircraft.  I'm not sure where I read this in one of the manufacturers instruction manuals but I do remember seeing it.  Logically, it makes sense.  It is only when I make my range checks at low power that I deliberately point the antenna at the plane as that will give the most severe range test.

No matter how you hold the transmitter.. if you use a tray, or if you use the neck straps, or nothing at all but your hands.  The orientation of the antenna is always in some form, perpendicular or parallel to the aircraft (perpendicular if you hold it so it's straight up, or parallel, as Minnflyer stated, to the right or left.  But never pointed straight at the aircraft.