---------------------------------------------------------- Avionics-List Digest Archive --- Total Messages Posted Sun 10/17/04: 2 ---------------------------------------------------------- Today's Message Index: ---------------------- 1. 02:49 PM - Antenna testing (Clay Smith) 2. 10:45 PM - Re: Antenna testing (John Rippengal) ________________________________ Message 1 _____________________________________ Time: 02:49:23 PM PST US From: "Clay Smith" Subject: Avionics-List: Antenna testing --> Avionics-List message posted by: "Clay Smith" I just got my Icom IC-A200 (purchased new) radio hook-up in my homebuilt and tried testing it while the airplane was still on the ground. I live in a fairly remote area so I wasn't too surprised not to hear any audio chat So for a quick check I tried listening in on 121.5 while tripping the ELT for a couple of seconds and only received a low power signal. While trouble-shooting the problem I tried disconnecting the antenna wire connector from the radio antenna during the ELT test and to my surprise the signal became very strong with the antenna disconnected ...? Now I'm suspecting the antenna which was bought new, used once and removed and stored in my basement for 9 years. Is there an easy way to check an antenna? Thanks in advance for any help. Clay Smith ________________________________ Message 2 _____________________________________ Time: 10:45:51 PM PST US From: "John Rippengal" Subject: Re: Avionics-List: Antenna testing --> Avionics-List message posted by: "John Rippengal" Yes the easy way is to use an amateur radio 2 metre band VSWR meter Problem is almost certainly to be in coax terminations/connectors. You could check these out before getting the VSWR meter with a simple ohm meter but everone should have a VSWR meter available for trouble shooting their antennas. John Rippengal. > --> Avionics-List message posted by: "Clay Smith" > > ................................................. strong with the antenna disconnected ...? Now I'm suspecting the antenna which was bought new, used once and removed and stored in my basement for 9 years. Is there an easy way to check an antenna? > > Thanks in advance for any help. > > Clay Smith