Archer Antenna Orientation

[pvalovich]

I wired my RV-8A to accomodate an Archer VOR antenna in the left wingtip. I want to mount it o the bottom of the wingtip to avoid having the attachment screws visible on top. But in order to do so - because of the antenna fabrication rivit / connector orientation,I will have to reverse the orientation - i.e. - have the "point" acing aft, vice forward. Does it matter? Will it be better to suck it up and mount it to the top and say the **** with visible screws?

Even though I have a masters in Aero engineering, I'm one of those guys who will always consider antenna stuff to be black magic and witchcraft.

[Ironflight]

Well, I have played with the Archer antennas quite a bit, and must agree with the black magic part....

I exchanged some emails a year or so back with Bob Archer, and was quite impressed with the point nature of his design - it is extremely important, for instance, to run the wires for wingtip lights along the leading edge of the antenna as the instructions say. Because the design is specific about little details, I would be very cautious about varying the mounting. Not saying it won't work - but I would maybe check with Bob. He DOES make a left-hand version BTW.

Paul