REFLECTOR: Radio weak and scratchy

[Tom]

I tried the Advanced Antenna also. I was careful to wrap it around the 
hull trying to keep it as vertical as possible but it still was far from 
90 degrees with a good portion of the top and bottom bending around the 
upper and lower part of the fuselage. It was OK  both receiving and 
xmiting with average range. I also tested a miracle antenna which is 
shorter and the wire is easier to get in a more vertical position. The 
miracle ant works VERY well and greatly outperforms the winglet ant as 
well as the Advanced. ( If anyone is interested in an Advanced antenna 
I'll be glad to sell it reasonably). IMO, the advanced would be optimal 
glassed into the winglet. Tom

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.