Base loadaed atenna failure
05-03-2005 | 05:22 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
From: Fallon,
NV
Base loadaed atenna failure
I was curious if anybody has experienced mechanical failure with a whip antenna before? I searched the posts but couldn't find any information. I have a base loaded antenna in my Raptor 50. A few weeks back I was flying when the heli went out of control. Just before impact I regained control and managed to land it. After shutting the heli down I inspected everything and couldn't get the heli to glitch. A range check with the engine off checked out ok. When I started the heli up, the glitching started back up. While the heli was running I noticed that the white wire that fits inside the whip was vibrating. I gave a gentle tug and the wire came out of the whip. The wire had broken at the base. The failure wasn't at my solder point but in the antenna itself. The heli is balanced well and I have no visible vibrations while running, but I can't rule out failure due to vibration. The antenna is mounted in a protected position and has never been bent, bumped, etc. I'm wondering if this unit was defective from the start? I'm hoping this was just a fluke and not a trend. I've replaced the antenna and have six flights with the new one. I haven't had any problems with the new antenna. Has anybody had a failure like this before?
05-03-2005 | 05:49 PM
#2
My Feedback: (11)
RE: Base loadaed atenna failure
Haven't ever had it with a whip, but have with just the antenna. Helis produce enough vibration to do strange things. I had it taped to the tail tube about every 6 inches. It broke clean, half way between the tape, in 3 sections all at one time. Strange.
05-03-2005 | 09:01 PM
#3
Senior Member
My Feedback: (13)
RE: Base loadaed atenna failure
Was it a Dean's or Revolution?
The Dean's are famous for cracking the coil at the base, under the plastic overcoat.
The Revolution (which is what it sounds like you have) has a much better record of durability. But doo-doo occurs....
The Dean's are famous for cracking the coil at the base, under the plastic overcoat.
The Revolution (which is what it sounds like you have) has a much better record of durability. But doo-doo occurs....
05-04-2005 | 03:19 PM
#4
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
From: Fallon,
NV
RE: Base loadaed atenna failure
It was a Revolution. I put a dab of silicone on the end of the new whip. If the antenna breaks again, the silicone should keep it from falling out of the end of the tube. This might give me enough control to still land.
