REFLECTOR: Radio weak and scratchy

[Rene Dugas]

Kirk,

My problem is new.  I have over 500 hour on my plane and have flown it all
the way around the border of the US with no communication problems.  I have
visited the Shaw factory and have seen sample layups and at the time mine
were built carbon was used at the hinge connections only of the winglets.
When I attached my lower winglets the areas I sanded were not carbon.  

It does not sound like the same problem but IF we fix it I'll certainly post
it.

Thanks,

Rene'

 

From: reflector-bounces at tvbf.org [mailto:reflector-bounces at tvbf.org] On
Behalf Of Kirk Aragon
Sent: Friday, September 04, 2009 8:57 AM
To: Velocity Aircraft Owners and Builders list
Subject: Re: REFLECTOR: Radio weak and scratchy

 


Rene,
 
I experience many radio problems and I have Shaw wings also. Two years ago
when I was at the factory, they confirmed that the winglets are carbon fibre
and explained to me that radio waves will "ground" (maybe not the exact word
that they used) to the carbon.
 
I can receive from 60+ miles away, but transmission is only good for 2-3
miles. I currently carry a portable tranciever and when I get tired of
hearing everyone telling me I'm "breaking up," I switch to it. With the
portable, I can talk with ATC at 30+ miles.
 
I've tried the "Advanced Aircraft Electronics" no ground plane antenna at
the front pillar on the pilot side door, but have not noted substantial
improvement in performance. I attribute that to the curved path that the
antenna must take to conform to the aircraft hull. 
 
Since there are no other flat and vertical surfaces in the aircraft, I am
unsure as to what my next steps will be to correct this issue. Perhaps some
"surgery" on the winglets to create fiberglass windows. Maybe glassing in an
aluminum or stell mesh in the floor of the aircraft and mounting an external
antenna.
 
I would be interested in your fix if you find one. I would also be
interested in other aircraft owners (with Shaw wings) radio experience.
 
Cheers
 
Kirk 

N360TV, 1996 Velocity SERG
TO-360-E1A6D


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From: dugasd at bellsouth.net
To: reflector at tvbf.org
Date: Thu, 3 Sep 2009 18:08:57 -0500
Subject: REFLECTOR: Radio weak and scratchy

Dear Radio Wave Gurus,

I have a number one radio that is weak and scratchy per ATC. I have dual
Garmin 430s with Shaw wings and embedded ant.  I cleaned all my connections
in the radio stack and the BNC connectors to the wing ant connection.  I
confirmed continuity of the shielding and central conductor.  I had made no
changes in over 300 hour of flying without problem.  So I sent it in to
Garmin who "realigned something" and charged me $1,000.00 through my
avionics shop.  It is no better.  Can only partially be heard by atc on the
taxiways.  I suspect and antenna or wiring problem but I am unsure what to
do next.  I have run a new coax outside of the plane to the wing BNC and no
difference.  If it is the antennae what can it be and how do I check it?  If
it is the rack - ideas?  My next thought was to replace the BNC connector on
the antenna itself but I was reluctant to if I was just missing something.
I now have upgraded both 430s and can swap them in the rack and it seems to
be slot one problem.  I don't think it is a Garmin problem.

Any help would be appreciated.  Is there a Radio Shack fix? 

Rene'



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