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
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
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
Thanks Pete. I understand your comments but does the 'ground plane' have to actually be grounded to the airframe?
Dan Arnold
KEUL
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.
Ah, I get it, the grounding plane is more like a reflective dish for the antenna. Thanks
Dan Arnold
KEUL