Eternal antenna location

[rdwater]

I've read several threads here that suggest placing an external antenna on the top of the fuselage behind the aileron cables, which seems to be to get more distance from the engine/mags. Our '46 BC12D has a steel tab in the top rear of the cabin (just above a zipper in the headliner) welded to the structure ahead of the aileron cables that looks like it is for mounting the antenna and ground plane. Is this a good location for mounting the antenna? If so, should the paint on top be removed to ground the ground plane to the rest of the fuselage frame or should it stay isolated? Thanks, Bob

[Robert Lees]

Re: Eternal antenna location

Yes and yes.

That is a good location, and yes, do make sure it has good continuity to ground.

(the tab to which you refer (the one in the middle of the X-brace?) was originally for a red instrument light...I think...and I also think one was ever was never fitted, as standard)

[M Towsley]

Re: Eternal antenna location

Robert, I remember my first Taylorcraft having the antenna somewhere on top, but with a good-sized ground plane. Is that light mount large enough for a decent ground plane?

[Carrieve]

Re: Eternal antenna location

Yes that tab makes for a great antenna mount. Like everyone said, make sure you have a good ground.

[Robert Lees]

Re: Eternal antenna location

I'm sorry if I've confused the issue.....if your aerial is outside (like a whip aerial), then the ground of your aerial should be the fuselage frame...be it the bracket in the centre of the X or anywhere else...even the wing attach brackets (where mine is).

The important thing is to use all the steel of the fuselage (which we are dragging around at vast expense ) to do something more than rest our posteriors upon..

One of those things is to use it as a ground plane for the radio. And anything else that needs a ground plane like a VOR or ADF or whatever.

As an aside, if you have a friend that flies an aeroplane that has no steel or aluminium structure, ask them how they ground their radio....they will probably have a huge piece of lightweight mesh or something similar to act as a groundplane for their radio.