Results 1 to 5 of 5

Thread: ELT Antenna grounding on non-extended baggage

  1. #1
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2016
    Location
    Idaho
    Posts
    386

    Default ELT Antenna grounding on non-extended baggage

    How have you installed a ground plane for the ELT antenna on kits without extended baggage? Also, I have read were people have cut inspection ports into the baggage so that the antenna can be serviced if needed. Any other ideas?

    Dan
    Dan Arnold
    KEUL

  2. #2
    Administrator Pete D's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2010
    Location
    Yakima, WA
    Posts
    1,158

    Default Re: ELT Antenna grounding on non-extended baggage

    Strips of foil tape can be used to make a ground plane. I don't recall the exact layout but something like a + and a x on top of each other with the antenna in the center.
    Pete Dougherty
    Customer Support Manager
    Cub Crafters Inc

  3. #3
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2016
    Location
    Idaho
    Posts
    386

    Default Re: ELT Antenna grounding on non-extended baggage

    Thanks Pete. I understand your comments but does the 'ground plane' have to actually be grounded to the airframe?
    Dan Arnold
    KEUL

  4. #4
    Senior Member cityrancher's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    Walla Walla
    Posts
    168

    Default Re: ELT Antenna grounding on non-extended baggage

    I did a lot of research on this when installing a HF radio in a fiberglass boat. The purpose of the "ground plane" or counterpoise is to give the frequency being generated a surface beam from. The surface area is the metal tape and a frame ground point is not necessary. The ELT antenna should be well grounded to the metal tape.

  5. #5
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2016
    Location
    Idaho
    Posts
    386

    Default Re: ELT Antenna grounding on non-extended baggage

    Ah, I get it, the grounding plane is more like a reflective dish for the antenna. Thanks
    Dan Arnold
    KEUL

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •