Reciever Antenna - Any Compromise if Mounted Inside ?
 

Is there any compromise in reception if the reciever antenna is mounted inside the fuse (inside a nyrod type plastic tube), compared to being outside the fuse in the open air (mounted in the traditional way to the top of the vertical stab) ? Or is the compromise (if any) negligible ? I will be mounting the reciever (PCM) in a DF model and there are a few servo extensions that run the length of the fuse for the rudders and elevator servos. I am willing to sacrifice a bit of looks (and have the antenna outside) if there is a benefit in reception/reliability. Thanks. Bob

RE: Reciever Antenna - Any Compromise if Mounted Inside ?
 

There is only one way to tell that for sure and that is range check it throughly before flying.

RE: Reciever Antenna - Any Compromise if Mounted Inside ?
 

I have it inside on my Kingcat (down the leading edge of the wing, per plan) and have had no problems.

I have always had them inside on my giant scale aerobatic planes, including all composite ones) with no problems.

I think there are prudent things to do, e.g. keep away from heat sources do not run side by side with servo extensions, etc. I'm sure there are others that may chime in with other suggestions.

As David says, be sure to do a thorough range check no matter how you end up mounting it.

JS

RE: Reciever Antenna - Any Compromise if Mounted Inside ?
 

Very true. I have mine inside and have never had a problem.

RE: Reciever Antenna - Any Compromise if Mounted Inside ?
 

Ditto... Iv'e put my antenna inside every plane Iv'e built with no problems at all. I have heard that some metallic paints can inhibit reception though. I run a length of tubing down the fuse and push the antenna down it. Sometimes I have to stretch it to straighten it out.

RE: Reciever Antenna - Any Compromise if Mounted Inside ?
 

No problem just keep it clear of Carbon Fibre and electrics.

RE: Reciever Antenna - Any Compromise if Mounted Inside ?
 

Generally, it is better to have the antenna upright (a whip antenna) in the aircraft's Z axis. The idea is to get it away from all of the carbon fiber, wires, and other conductors. This is based on the extensive experimenting of a friend that works on UAVs. Empirically, he says this is by far the best way to mount a consumer R/C antenna to maximize reception.

RE: Receiver Antenna - Any Compromise if Mounted Inside ?
 

When the antenna is in the Z axis and you are far away turning around the antenna is pointing at you this is your poorest signal.
Darryl Usher