Not an EFIS question but how to mount my portable Stratux ADS-B and two small rubber duck antennas in a RV-7 Slider. The antenna mounting is the tricky part really.
I have a GRT Horizon EFIS (Horz 10.1). This is a RV-7 Slider. The dual band Stratus ADS-B receiver (not to be confused with the Stratus Foreflight one) is hardwired to EFIS and works GREAT on the bench. Stratux is portable, has two SMA (mini) RF connectors. The two rubber duckie antennas one for 970 and one for 1090 Mhz screw onto those direct. You can get a patch cable to extend the antenna, have the antennas remote mounted for a more permanent installation (I think?). Seems reasonable, as long as the cable is not a mile long. I am talking 1 to 2 feet max FYI I have a 5 volt power supply wired into panel to power it.
Stratux and Antenna locations (I am not external mounting the antennas) wild ideas.... (opine as you like but real world examples appreciated)
Items 1, 2 and 3, there is plenty of room behind panel to mount the Stratux with great access (I have an access panel on right side of instrument panel). The issue is how to mount the antennas.
Item 4 seems straight forward. Cons longer power line and serial data wire runs, unit will be visible in baggage area, could be bumped into. Pros, less intrusive to vison through windscreen, easy access, less parts and good antenna placement. Note I have two Stratux, I still use one portable in planes I teach in suction cupped to windscreen or side window. Performance (TIS traffic, NEXTRAD weather) is very good. I already plan on the ELT, on baggage floor and antenna in baggage area. Exposing some of my equipment is the theme.
Writing all this helps. Leaning towards item 4 at this moment. If I can get a clever way to mount antennas forward that performs well I would be inclined to go with Startux behind panel. I think I can tolerate the two small rubber duckie antennas somewhere in my field of view, as long as they are not directly in line of sight. The baggage area would be out of sight (in flight normally) out of mind.
Any examples appreciated. Feel free to give me your opinions and ideas.... I love the traffic and weather on the EFIS, just sitting on bench. It works well, just sitting on kitchen table near a window. Than again I less than 14 miles as the crow flies from a primary Class B airport. Lots of traffic to see. BTW my Stratux has WiFi as well and it connects to my iPad as well even when hardwired to EFIS. So that is also nice.
I have a GRT Horizon EFIS (Horz 10.1). This is a RV-7 Slider. The dual band Stratus ADS-B receiver (not to be confused with the Stratus Foreflight one) is hardwired to EFIS and works GREAT on the bench. Stratux is portable, has two SMA (mini) RF connectors. The two rubber duckie antennas one for 970 and one for 1090 Mhz screw onto those direct. You can get a patch cable to extend the antenna, have the antennas remote mounted for a more permanent installation (I think?). Seems reasonable, as long as the cable is not a mile long. I am talking 1 to 2 feet max FYI I have a 5 volt power supply wired into panel to power it.
Stratux and Antenna locations (I am not external mounting the antennas) wild ideas.... (opine as you like but real world examples appreciated)
- Stratux behind Panel and Antennas off center roll bar strut
- Stratux behind panel and Antennas mounted in glare shield along the side of windscreen
- Stratux behind panel and Antennas under the engine cowl off bracket hanging on firewall (not a fan but throw out there)..
- Stratux in baggage compartment on side and Antennas directly mounted on Stratux and poking up above fuselage along Plexi.
Items 1, 2 and 3, there is plenty of room behind panel to mount the Stratux with great access (I have an access panel on right side of instrument panel). The issue is how to mount the antennas.
Item 4 seems straight forward. Cons longer power line and serial data wire runs, unit will be visible in baggage area, could be bumped into. Pros, less intrusive to vison through windscreen, easy access, less parts and good antenna placement. Note I have two Stratux, I still use one portable in planes I teach in suction cupped to windscreen or side window. Performance (TIS traffic, NEXTRAD weather) is very good. I already plan on the ELT, on baggage floor and antenna in baggage area. Exposing some of my equipment is the theme.
Writing all this helps. Leaning towards item 4 at this moment. If I can get a clever way to mount antennas forward that performs well I would be inclined to go with Startux behind panel. I think I can tolerate the two small rubber duckie antennas somewhere in my field of view, as long as they are not directly in line of sight. The baggage area would be out of sight (in flight normally) out of mind.
Any examples appreciated. Feel free to give me your opinions and ideas.... I love the traffic and weather on the EFIS, just sitting on bench. It works well, just sitting on kitchen table near a window. Than again I less than 14 miles as the crow flies from a primary Class B airport. Lots of traffic to see. BTW my Stratux has WiFi as well and it connects to my iPad as well even when hardwired to EFIS. So that is also nice.
Investing too much time trying to be different or non standard, at some point might just not be worth it.
