Base loaded aerial...

[Dedcalm]

Does anyone use / recommend a base loaded aerial for use on heli's ? I am considering using a Quick UK base loaded aerial on my new Raptor. I guess the range is decreased a little although I doubt it is a great problem with heli use.

These always seem much tidier and less prone to damage than the long wire aerial draped out the back of the heli.

Rob

[G-DAVE]

No problem using Base Loaded Aerials - I wouldn't use them - the best solution to flapping aerials I have seen is the NHP carbon aerial. Comes with it's own fixings for the skids and your rx aerial is cropped by an amount equal to the original aerial and soldered onto the carbon aerial.
Dave D

[mike557]

I got a quick uk one on my raptor 50 mounted on lower right side of frame it points into the canopy, clean installation. Approx 5 in use at our field no probs reported. Mine has been flown daily(weather permitting) for over 3 years. everything else around it has failed but not the aerial.

some love em some hate em the choice my freind is yours

[Dedcalm]

I now have one on back order (due in a week or so) from QuickUK. Did look at the NHP offering but decided that this was a bit of an unknown.

Will thoroughly test it once I have it (after measuring the length of the standard aerial on the Rx in case of reversion) for range and glitches before risking the Rappy though.

[Raptorite]

Hi Rob,

The optimum aerial length for the 35Mhz band is 1 meter, this is measured from the outside of the receiver casing to the end of the wire.

Base loaded aerials are just that, they have a coil which makes up the difference between the length of the whip minus the overall requirement of 1 meter. If therefore the whip is 20cm long, then the base will have an 80cm coil in it.

As they are all normally pre tuned, the whip will be at a fixed length, so there is no adjustment, therefore, nothing to worry about in terms of range or performance. Obviously if you were to mount the aerial such that it runs inside the canopy, you would not be able to use a carbon fibre canopy, as they play havoc with radio signals.

Cheers,

Pete.

[Dedcalm]

Very useful info, thanks Raptorite 8)

I believ with the Quick aerial you need to cut down the standard wire to a specific length and solder the base loaded aerial (guess its just an inductor) to the wire stub.

Been a few years since I did waveguides and aerials at uni...

Rob

[Raptorite]

Hi Rob,

No problem, I hope you get on OK with the Quick UK aerial when you get it.

I am very fond of their products, they are always of very high quality.

Cheers,

Pete.

[Stuart]

I too had a quick uk one on my rappy and it went inside the canopy another good one is the deans version.....never had one bit of trouble with the quick uk one or hear of anyone having any trouble with a dean one.

[reboot]

re whip ariel

i too should think about getting 1 for my rappy but i keep crashing and rebuilding.maybe i should change hobbies to knitting or something.last time i crashed only the other was straight after a rebuild and i had checked all my servo arms and 2 my horror only after heli had crashed 10 mins after flight disaster my elevator arm i hadnt screwed it back on.that will teach me a few lessons.

[Dedcalm]

ouch, I try to remember to give the heli a once over before leaving for the field checking ball links for slop etc...

Only problem that caught me out was the gyro reversing itself once a while back on my Nexus leading to a fast piroette on take off. No damage and easily fixed luckily.

Rob

[antsis]

I've got one on each of my long rangers and haven't had any problems as yet. Unfortunately, can't tell you who the manufacturer is. Any aerial should work provided you get the length right.

Ant

[Dedcalm]

wahey, got home from work today to see that QuickUK have sent me the base loaded aerial as promised (was out of stock when I originally ordered it). Am waiting on delivery of another Rx currently so will fully test this out with that Rx before risking the Rappy.

Will certainly look a whole lot better than the wire aerial that I have at the mo... might have to get one for the Nexus as well (if I end up keeping it...)

Rob

[CaLviNx]

base loded aerial

Hi

I have All my R/C equpiment fitted with base loaded units but as im a tight scot, i baulked a bit at the 20 or more for one so i make my own, and have done for years.

its very simple to do at a cost of approx a grand total of 74pence

x1 10 microhenry RF choke ( A maplin part at 29p)

and I use 0.8mm piano wire at 45p for approx 21"

Some balls & confidence are required too....

cut a 7" length of piano wire and make a bend in the end so you dont stab yourself

solder one end of your RF choke to the piano wire and then cut your receiver wire leaving approx 4" and solder this end to the free end of your RF choke cover in heatshrink to protect and your done

You can even build all this on a very small pcb and back it with double sided tape to make them even more professional looking




that one i knocked up with a screw link for those afraid of soldering for my friends at cost price of 79p so bugger paying 20.00

and i have had no loss of distance in signal ever and on my micro heli i think the range has actually been increased

Regards[/img]

[mo]

Hi Guys.
If that arrangement in the previous post for a base loaded aerial stands up to the over the counter type, then that is one hell of a tip.
I now wait with interest to see if any of you more learned guys out there can knock any holes in this self manufactured one.
Perhaps this will show to be another instance of something that is vastly overpriced in the model shops, and the profits that are being squeezed out of us all.
Thanks for that one caLviNx', I will most certainly be giving one a try in the near future.
GOOD FLYING.
Mo.

[CaLviNx]

Will it stand up

Hi

I have been using them for years but if anyone wants one to test out (NO NOT EVERYONE NOW !!!!!)

I will send them a sample to test out, I only make them to charge at cost not a commercial gain. PM me if anyone wants to test one Out.

Regards