Handheld comm question

[N546RV]

You know, I've been planning for some time to have a single radio and a handheld for backup, with that ICOM switch box...but the more I read and think about it, the more I'm leaning towards just having a second antenna and a normally-disconnected coax cable tucked away somewhere.

[Paul 5r4]

Philip.... I agree with you. The switch box and a single antenna are fine too but I was interested in redundancy. A second radio, handheld with it's own electrical power, battery, and it's own coax to a separate antenna. Yes, I like that. I lost an alternator 100 miles from home last fall and flew home with the master switch off. For the trip home I used my stratux with a battery pack for situational/weather/traffic awareness AND my iPhone was providing the same information. Now... if I'd had my handheld with me hooked to external antenna the event would have been pretty much a non-event.

[Dean Pichon]

Originally Posted by jim etcheverry

I https://www.ameradio.com/product/811...ml#accessories I have used this in three planes. Works great . No need for another antenna.

Originally Posted by jim etcheverry

Here it is. Cheap approx $76. http://www.tagpilotsupply.com/browse...-ANT-SB).HTML;)

Has any found a source for this device? Neither of the links above have stock.

Thanks,

Dean

[Rainier Lamers]

Originally Posted by Carl Froehlich

Handheld rubber ducky antennas are one step up from a dummy load.

Carl

Thanks for providing me with a laugh this morning
Not quite - but not that great either (They make a bad antenna and a bad dummy load). About the same performance as a wet string.

Rainier
CEO MGL Avionics

[Paul 5r4]

Hey Everyone. Finally got a chance to get the new external antenna installed. New RG 400 coax run that ends just to left of the left seat. Easy inflight reach to hook up handheld if needed. The yaesu FTA-550 has a peak 5.0 Watt transmission signal. (As a comparison, The Garmin SL 40 in the panel has 8 Watts. So the handheld has 37% less transmit power).

I've done a couple of flight tests with my Yaesu FTA-550 hooked to the external antenna and here are my thoughts. I was most interested in the range and quality of my transmissions using the underbelly mounted antenna. I didn't attempt any transmissions with the rubber duck antenna.

First test flight: I'm testing with my headset plugged into the handheld and using external mic setting so i can talk into my headset. Only thing is to remember to use the PTT on the handheld. At about 2500 feet, The longest range I got was 42 miles. The Mobile airport tower said my transmissions were about 4 out of 5. I wondered if Mobile tower had some kind of remote communication antenna. Pensacola tower was 28 miles and I never could raise them.

Second test flight: I was able to raise Pensacola tower this time. Distance was 22 miles with altitude of 2500. She said I was weak but readable. I spoke with another airborne aircraft which was about 20 miles away and he said I was loud and clear.

Random calls didn't get me lots of responses so I plan to do a few more tests with someone at my FBO stationed at the radio! Should yield more consistent and accurate conclusions. With the experience I have now, I feel the radio will work well as long as I'm under 20 miles with sufficient altitude. I don't think it will help much in the middle of nowhere using flight following. Within 15 miles of a terminal area I'm feeling it will perform well. Overall I'm feeling like the external antenna was a good move. More test to follow.