Hi all.
I have an RV-6. I have put the PAW with the P3I antenna on the coaming as suggested to get it as high as possible with as clear a view as possible. However I get screening from the rear fuselage so my flying chums, also with PAW units, cannot see me and I cannot see them when we are all on the same track. This is precisely the sort of scenario when we need to be able to see each other (1-5 miles apart, not close formation, all heading to the same destination).
An external antenna would seem to be the solution.
The offered one is this
http://pilotawarehardware.com/product/tuned-monopole-whip/.
However the info on it is a tad scant, aside from it needing a ground plane (not an issue on an aly airframe).
Is it definitely weatherproof?
Does it include all mounting hardware?
Will it put up with high airspeeds (210mph for the RV-6's VNE, more for RV7s, 8s and 10s).
How long can the lead be?
What is the end connector?
Next question is whether to mount the above monopole on the topside or underside of the aircraft?
Has anyone tried either, and with what results?
Is both, diplexed, an option?
Anybody have experience/solutions for any of this?
I am reluctant to drill holes in the plane without any kind of idea as to whether it is a good position or not.
Presumably other RV's, Sport Cruisers, Zenairs and other low wing, highish turtledeck metal aircraft have similar issues.