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01-19-2018, 04:13 PM
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Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 434
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Archer Nav performance
Just started flying the 10 and as I notice things I?m looking into them. Currently noticing the archer Nav antenna on one Nav radio flags sometimes below 4000 ft. Wondering if that would be normal for vor range. It does pick up and lock into glideslope well. So don?t know if it?s a radio problem or not. Any comparisons?
__________________
Dave Ford
Cadillac, Mi
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01-19-2018, 04:43 PM
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Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Bellevue, NE
Posts: 524
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There are numerous threads on the subject of Archer antennas.
Short version is that when PROPERLY installed, it works great but has somewhat less range than external catwhiskers. Important aspects of the install are routing of the wingtip lighting along the leading edge of the antenna and it should be grounded either by installing to a piece of angle on the outboard rib or under the tip attach nutplates. It should also be installed as far forward in the tip as possible without touching heat shielding, strobes and Nav lights.
__________________
Bob
RV-10 builder x2
RV-7A under construction
EAA Tech Counselor
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01-19-2018, 04:48 PM
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Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: NC25
Posts: 3,508
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rvdave
Just started flying the 10 and as I notice things I?m looking into them. Currently noticing the archer Nav antenna on one Nav radio flags sometimes below 4000 ft. Wondering if that would be normal for vor range. It does pick up and lock into glideslope well. So don?t know if it?s a radio problem or not. Any comparisons?
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My Archer Nav antenna has worked flawlessly for 20-years. When installed according to directions, they work flawlessly.
Need to know the distance from VOR more than the altitude. Yes altitude can be an issue if you are too far from the VOR but typically distance is what is needed as well as the type of VOR you are using. (VOR types: Terminal = 25 NM, Low Altitude = 40 NM, High Altitude = 40 NM - 100 NM - 130 NM altitude dependent)
It is typical for my RV-6, Archer Nav Antenna, SL-30 setup to pickup VOR signal before I can hear the Morse Code at distances over 40 NM when more than 1,000 AGL over level terrain.
__________________
Gary A. Sobek
NC25 RV-6 Flying
3,400+ hours
Where is N157GS
Building RV-8 S/N: 80012
To most people, the sky is the limit.
To those who love aviation, the sky is home.
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01-19-2018, 04:52 PM
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Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: NC25
Posts: 3,508
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bcondrey
There are numerous threads on the subject of Archer antennas.
Short version is that when PROPERLY installed, it works great but has somewhat less range than external catwhiskers. Important aspects of the install are routing of the wingtip lighting along the leading edge of the antenna and it should be grounded either by installing to a piece of angle on the outboard rib or under the tip attach nutplates. It should also be installed as far forward in the tip as possible without touching heat shielding, strobes and Nav lights.
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I disagree with the external catwhiskers having more range. I always pickup VOR signals with on my SL-30 and Archer Nav Antenna before the RV flying with me that has catwhiskers.
__________________
Gary A. Sobek
NC25 RV-6 Flying
3,400+ hours
Where is N157GS
Building RV-8 S/N: 80012
To most people, the sky is the limit.
To those who love aviation, the sky is home.
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01-19-2018, 06:35 PM
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Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 434
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bcondrey
There are numerous threads on the subject of Archer antennas.
Short version is that when PROPERLY installed, it works great but has somewhat less range than external catwhiskers. Important aspects of the install are routing of the wingtip lighting along the leading edge of the antenna and it should be grounded either by installing to a piece of angle on the outboard rib or under the tip attach nutplates. It should also be installed as far forward in the tip as possible without touching heat shielding, strobes and Nav lights.
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I didn?t see anything about other grounding in the diagrams, the center conductor goes to one terminal and the grounded shield goes to the other terminal. What would be the purpose of another ground?
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Dave Ford
Cadillac, Mi
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01-19-2018, 06:49 PM
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Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Bellevue, NE
Posts: 524
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Section 3.3.5 & 3.5.1 and figure 1 where it shows “overlap” and “end of metal wing”
Here’s Bob Archer’s explanation for how this antenna operates. Scroll down or search for “gamma match”. https://sportcraftantennas.wordpress.com
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Bob
RV-10 builder x2
RV-7A under construction
EAA Tech Counselor
Last edited by bcondrey : 01-19-2018 at 06:55 PM.
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01-19-2018, 07:04 PM
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Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Twin Cities, MN
Posts: 1,565
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RV6_flyer
I disagree with the external catwhiskers having more range. I always pickup VOR signals with on my SL-30 and Archer Nav Antenna before the RV flying with me that has catwhiskers.
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I agree. I can pick up VORs at distances well beyond their service volume with the archer antenna on an Avidyne IFD. But it was installed according to directions, as I suspect your was.
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Brad Benson, Maplewood MN.
RV-6A N164BL, Flying since Nov 2012!
If you're not making mistakes, you're probably not making anything
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01-19-2018, 07:13 PM
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Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 434
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I will have to recheck that. The kit I bought the previous builder had already glassed in the antenna to the wingtips but vaguely recall it adjoining the line of screws for the wingtip. Have to wait for a no fly day to disassemble though.
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Dave Ford
Cadillac, Mi
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01-22-2018, 06:46 PM
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Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
Posts: 554
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I have both
I have both installed and have tried a few times to see the difference. The cat whiskers work twice the range of the bob archer. I'm not saying the bob archer doesn't work ok I'm saying my cat whiskers work double the range.
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A&P RV-10 Flying 1000+ hours
SuperSTOL Flying 170 hours
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01-22-2018, 08:22 PM
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Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: NC25
Posts: 3,508
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Strasnuts
I have both installed and have tried a few times to see the difference. The cat whiskers work twice the range of the bob archer. I'm not saying the bob archer doesn't work ok I'm saying my cat whiskers work double the range.
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The Archer Antenna is not installed correctly. When installed correctly, it will outperform the cat whisker.
__________________
Gary A. Sobek
NC25 RV-6 Flying
3,400+ hours
Where is N157GS
Building RV-8 S/N: 80012
To most people, the sky is the limit.
To those who love aviation, the sky is home.
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