Kolb-List Digest Archive

Fri 11/06/15


Total Messages Posted: 5



Today's Message Index:
----------------------
 
     1. 03:42 AM - Re: Handheld Radio Performance Issue (gliderx5@comcast.net)
     2. 07:03 AM - Re: Handheld Radio Performance Issue (Dee LeBlanc)
     3. 07:39 AM - Re: Handheld Radio Performance Issue (Rex Rodebush)
     4. 08:21 AM - Re: Handheld Radio Performance Issue (Richard Girard)
     5. 01:54 PM - Re: Handheld Radio Performance Issue (Charlie England)
 
 
 


Message 1


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    Time: 03:42:19 AM PST US
    From: gliderx5@comcast.net
    Subject: Re: Handheld Radio Performance Issue
    Dee I had a similar problem with my Icom A6. After some research I found that t he A6 (or at least some of them) have a bug in how the transmit works that is not obvious. It turns out that keying the mic using the button on the si de of the radio activates the mic on the radio, not the mic on the headset. To use the mic on the headset you must hook up a remote mic PTT through th e headset adapter. The symptoms that we noticed were that the radio appeare d to transmit fine with the engine off, but with the engine on the transmis sion was mostly static because your mouth was too far from the mic and the engine noise was louder than your voice. We found that if you spoke directl y into the radio mic the transmission was fine. Adding the remote PTT solve d this issue. Sometimes an intercom can mask this problem. I'm not sure if this is your issue but it sounds similar. Malcolm Morrison http://www.wienerdogaero.com ----- Original Message ----- From: "Dee One" <leblancds@cox.net> Sent: Wednesday, November 4, 2015 2:51:16 PM Subject: Kolb-List: Handheld Radio Performance Issue Well, after six months of totally rebuilding my Mark 3, I completed the ann ual inspection, Test flight, I now have a couple hours on the new engine an d rebuild airframe. My airport(L 38) is fairly busy=C3=A2=82=AC=C2 so I purchased two hea dsets, Intercom, and a ICOM A6 handheld. The problem is that my transmissio ns are weak and barely readable. I have no experience with handheld radios. How can I remedy this problem? Your experience and recommendations are app reciated. I am thinking that I will need a remote antenna of some sort. I also unders tand that it is best to install a remote antenna as for away from the engin e (Rotax582)as possible. Thanks for your recommendations, Dee -------- The Past is History The Future is a Mystery Today is a Gift That=C3=A2=82=AC=84=A2s Why They Call it the Present Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=448719#448719 =========== =========== =========== =========== ===========


    Message 2


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    Time: 07:03:25 AM PST US
    From: Dee LeBlanc <leblancds@cox.net>
    Subject: Re: Handheld Radio Performance Issue
    Thanks for your input; but my issue occurred utilizing a push to talk. I'm currently installing an external antenna per suggestions from Boyd Young and others. Thanks, Dee LeBlanc leblancds@cox.net cell 225-802-1038 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The Past is History The Future is a Mystery Today is a Gift That=99s Why They Call it the Present > On Nov 6, 2015, at 5:26 AM, gliderx5@comcast.net wrote: > > Dee > > I had a similar problem with my Icom A6. After some research I found that the A6 (or at least some of them) have a bug in how the transmit works that is not obvious. It turns out that keying the mic using the button on the side of the radio activates the mic on the radio, not the mic on the headset. To use the mic on the headset you must hook up a remote mic PTT through the headset adapter. The symptoms that we noticed were that the radio appeared to transmit fine with the engine off, but with the engine on the transmission was mostly static because your mouth was too far from the mic and the engine noise was louder than your voice. We found that if you spoke directly into the radio mic the transmission was fine. Adding the remote PTT solved this issue. Sometimes an intercom can mask this problem. I'm not sure if this is your issue but it sounds similar. > > Malcolm Morrison > http://www.wienerdogaero.com > > From: "Dee One" <leblancds@cox.net> > To: "kolb-list" <kolb-list@matronics.com> > Sent: Wednesday, November 4, 2015 2:51:16 PM > Subject: Kolb-List: Handheld Radio Performance Issue > > > Well, after six months of totally rebuilding my Mark 3, I completed the annual inspection, Test flight, I now have a couple hours on the new engine and rebuild airframe. > > My airport(L 38) is fairly busy=C3=A2=82=AC=C2 so I purchased two headsets, Intercom, and a ICOM A6 handheld. The problem is that my transmissions are weak and barely readable. I have no experience with handheld radios. How can I remedy this problem? Your experience and recommendations are appreciated. > > I am thinking that I will need a remote antenna of some sort. I also understand that it is best to install a remote antenna as for away from the engine (Rotax582)as possible. > > Thanks for your recommendations, > Dee > > -------- > The Past is History > The Future is a Mystery > Today is a Gift > That=C3=A2=82=AC=84=A2s Why They Call it the Present > > > > > Read this topic online here: > > http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=448719#448719 > > > > > > >


    Message 3


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    Time: 07:39:49 AM PST US
    Subject: Re: Handheld Radio Performance Issue
    From: "Rex Rodebush" <jrrodebush@gmail.com>
    Yes, the "chokes" I bought at Radio Shack do look like little transformers. They come in various sizes to accommodate various cable diameters. You run the cable through the center. I think they also recommend you loop the cable several times through the choke if you can. Don't remember the cost but it wasn't much. Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=448884#448884


    Message 4


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    Time: 08:21:26 AM PST US
    Subject: Re: Handheld Radio Performance Issue
    From: Richard Girard <aslsa.rng@gmail.com>
    Dee, Everything you need to know. *http://www.experimentalaircraft.info/articles/aircraft-antenna-2.php <http://www.experimentalaircraft.info/articles/aircraft-antenna-2.php>* *Rick* On Thu, Nov 5, 2015 at 8:26 PM, Dee LeBlanc <leblancds@cox.net> wrote: > I am currently installing an external antenna at the end of the wing > (underneath). I did try the radio with the rubber duck antenna that came > with the Icom A6 while on the ground and that provided a strong clear > signal. I'm not running on ship=99s power yet; using ICOM A6 batter y and a 9 > V battery in my intercom. Question: what is the function of a ground plan e > at the base of an antenna? I do have room to add a ground plane if that > will be beneficial. Also, is the orientation of an external antenna > important? RSVP > > Thanks for all the advice, > Dee LeBlanc > leblancds@cox.net > cell 225-802-1038 > ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ > The Past is History > The Future is a Mystery > Today is a Gift > That=99s Why They Call it the Present > > > On Nov 5, 2015, at 10:44 AM, Richard Girard <aslsa.rng@gmail.com> wrote: > > Dee, One thing to remember about antennae. Electrical ground and radio > ground plane are not the same thing. I mounted my homemade antenna on the > top of the nose cone with a six inch diameter piece of .025 aluminum insi de > the cone as the ground plane. ICT tower could hear me loud and clear as > soon as I had line of sight from 28 miles and I could hear planes in the > pattern at McPherson over 60 miles. > When I flew the "plane from hell" home I had the same radio but with the > rubber duck attached. Salina tower could not hear me at 6 miles. > The best place to get antenna advice is a local ham radio operator or > club. Someone is almost sure to have an antenna analyzer that will help y ou > tune your antenna for optimum performance. > Another good source is the Aeroelectric Connection right here on the > Matronics Forums. > > Rick Girard > > On Wed, Nov 4, 2015 at 8:15 PM, Herb <Herbgh@nctc.com> wrote: > >> >> and do not forget to ground the engine to the airframe..I use braided >> cable..Herb >> >> >> On 11/04/2015 07:56 PM, John Hauck wrote: >> >>> >>> I have had an ICOM A6 in my MKIII for some time now. It is a really >>> good little radio. I use a 24" stainless steel ELT antenna mounted und er >>> the nose cone attached through a sheet aluminum ground plane. I also u se a >>> 20,000 to 25,000 uf installed to the positive and negative output wires on >>> the voltage reg/rec. >>> >>> I frequently carry on conversations with Larry Cottrell's ICOM base >>> station VHF at 75 to 80 sm. >>> >>> I have used handheld radios, STS, Bendix/King KX-99, ICOM A-24 and A-6, >>> in all three of my Kolbs. That is all I need to make the flights over the >>> years from here to the Arctic Ocean. >>> >>> Another item I use to reduce noise picked up in the cockpit is a leathe r >>> mike muff with a small hole on each side. I can't remember where I got >>> mine, but here is one very similar and a little less expensive: >>> >>> http://www.mypilotstore.com/mypilotstore/sep/10492 >>> >>> A good ground is absolutely essential for good performance. >>> >>> john h >>> mkIII >>> hauck's holler, Alabama >>> >>> -----Original Message----- >>> From: owner-kolb-list-server@matronics.com [mailto: >>> owner-kolb-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of Dee One >>> Sent: Wednesday, November 04, 2015 1:51 PM >>> To: kolb-list@matronics.com >>> Subject: Kolb-List: Handheld Radio Performance Issue >>> >>> >>> Well, after six months of totally rebuilding my Mark 3, I completed the >>> annual inspection, Test flight, I now have a couple hours on the new en gine >>> and rebuild airframe. >>> >>> My airport(L 38) is fairly busy=C3=A2=82=AC=C2 so I purchased two headsets, >>> Intercom, and a ICOM A6 handheld. The problem is that my transmissions are >>> weak and barely readable. I have no experience with handheld radios. Ho w >>> can I remedy this problem? Your experience and recommendations are >>> appreciated. >>> >>> I am thinking that I will need a remote antenna of some sort. I also >>> understand that it is best to install a remote antenna as for away from the >>> engine (Rotax582)as possible. >>> >>> Thanks for your recommendations, >>> Dee >>> >>> -------- >>> The Past is History >>> The Future is a Mystery >>> Today is a Gift >>> That=C3=A2=82=AC=84=A2s Why They Call it the Present >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> Read this topic online here: >>> >>> http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=448719#448719 >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >> -- >> Signature text; Add catchy phrase here.. >> >> >> ========== >> br> fts!) >> r> > href="http://www.buildersbooks.com" rel="noreferrer" >> target="_blank">www.buildersbooks.com >> rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/contributi on >> -Matt Dralle, List Admin. >> ========== >> -List" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank"> >> http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kolb-List >> ========== >> FORUMS - >> eferrer" target="_blank">http://forums.matronics.com >> ========== >> b Site - >> -Matt Dralle, List Admin. >> rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/contributi on >> ========== >> >> >> >> > > > -- > =9CBlessed are the cracked, for they shall let in the light. =9D Groucho Marx > <http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/43244.Groucho_Marx> > > -- =9CBlessed are the cracked, for they shall let in the light.=9D Groucho Marx <http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/43244.Groucho_Marx>


    Message 5


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    Time: 01:54:26 PM PST US
    Subject: Re: Handheld Radio Performance Issue
    From: Charlie England <ceengland7@gmail.com>
    Welll... I'd have to question the 'everything' part of that statement. :-) Dee, The external antenna may well solve all your problems, but it's doubtful, based on the limited info presented. If the icom works ok with the stock antenna & engine off, that tells you the radio 'system' is working ok, at least when it comes to the antenna issue. You still need to know what your transmissions actually sound like when you're fully operational. If it's noise masking your voice, you next need to know whether it's simple audio noise, or if it's electrical noise being generated by, 1: a/c ignition, 2: engine's alternator, 3: something else. You mention an intercom in the mix. That suggests another test: with/without the intercom in the mix. On the antenna/ground plane subject: Your test with engine off & stock rubber ducky proves that you don't 'need' a ground plane. But, (big but), a quarter-wave antenna, the ~22" length you're talking about using, will work a lot better with a ground plane. The ground plane (we're wading off into 'black magic' territory for us mere mortals) helps control the impedance of the antenna (affecting SWR, standing wave ratio) and just as or more important, the 'pattern' of the antenna and its gain. Here's a link to 'whip' antennas (quarter wave without ground plane): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whip_antenna But I suspect that your wing mount antenna won't fix your problem, with or without a ground plane, unless your problem is radiated ignition noise, and moving out on the wing gets it far enough away from the engine to minimize effects. Charlie On 11/6/2015 10:21 AM, Richard Girard wrote: > Dee, Everything you need to know. > > *http://www.experimentalaircraft.info/articles/aircraft-antenna-2.php* > * > * > *Rick* > * > * > > On Thu, Nov 5, 2015 at 8:26 PM, Dee LeBlanc <leblancds@cox.net > <mailto:leblancds@cox.net>> wrote: > > I am currently installing an external antenna at the end of the > wing (underneath). I did try the radio with the rubber duck > antenna that came with the Icom A6 while on the ground and that > provided a strong clear signal. I'm not running on ships power > yet; using ICOM A6 battery and a 9 V battery in my intercom. > Question: what is the function of a ground plane at the base of an > antenna? I do have room to add a ground plane if that will be > beneficial. Also, is the orientation of an external antenna > important? RSVP > > Thanks for all the advice, > Dee LeBlanc > leblancds@cox.net <mailto:leblancds@cox.net> > cell 225-802-1038 <tel:225-802-1038> > ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ > The Past is History > The Future is a Mystery > Today is a Gift > Thats Why They Call it the Present > > >> On Nov 5, 2015, at 10:44 AM, Richard Girard <aslsa.rng@gmail.com >> <mailto:aslsa.rng@gmail.com>> wrote: >> >> Dee, One thing to remember about antennae. Electrical ground and >> radio ground plane are not the same thing. I mounted my homemade >> antenna on the top of the nose cone with a six inch diameter >> piece of .025 aluminum inside the cone as the ground plane. ICT >> tower could hear me loud and clear as soon as I had line of sight >> from 28 miles and I could hear planes in the pattern at McPherson >> over 60 miles. >> When I flew the "plane from hell" home I had the same radio but >> with the rubber duck attached. Salina tower could not hear me at >> 6 miles. >> The best place to get antenna advice is a local ham radio >> operator or club. Someone is almost sure to have an antenna >> analyzer that will help you tune your antenna for optimum >> performance. >> Another good source is the Aeroelectric Connection right here on >> the Matronics Forums. >> >> Rick Girard >> >> On Wed, Nov 4, 2015 at 8:15 PM, Herb<Herbgh@nctc.com >> <mailto:Herbgh@nctc.com>>wrote: >> >> <mailto:Herbgh@nctc.com>> >> >> and do not forget to ground the engine to the airframe..I use >> braided cable..Herb >> >> >> On 11/04/2015 07:56 PM, John Hauck wrote: >> >> <jhauck@elmore.rr.com <mailto:jhauck@elmore.rr.com>> >> >> I have had an ICOM A6 in my MKIII for some time now. It >> is a really good little radio. I use a 24" stainless >> steel ELT antenna mounted under the nose cone attached >> through a sheet aluminum ground plane. I also use a >> 20,000 to 25,000 uf installed to the positive and >> negative output wires on the voltage reg/rec. >> >> I frequently carry on conversations with Larry Cottrell's >> ICOM base station VHF at 75 to 80 sm. >> >> I have used handheld radios, STS, Bendix/King KX-99, ICOM >> A-24 and A-6, in all three of my Kolbs. That is all I >> need to make the flights over the years from here to the >> Arctic Ocean. >> >> Another item I use to reduce noise picked up in the >> cockpit is a leather mike muff with a small hole on each >> side. I can't remember where I got mine, but here is one >> very similar and a little less expensive: >> >> http://www.mypilotstore.com/mypilotstore/sep/10492 >> >> A good ground is absolutely essential for good performance. >> >> john h >> mkIII >> hauck's holler, Alabama >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From:owner-kolb-list-server@matronics.com >> <mailto:owner-kolb-list-server@matronics.com>[mailto:owner-kolb-list-server@matronics.com >> <mailto:owner-kolb-list-server@matronics.com>] On Behalf >> Of Dee One >> Sent: Wednesday, November 04, 2015 1:51 PM >> To:kolb-list@matronics.com <mailto:kolb-list@matronics.com> >> Subject: Kolb-List: Handheld Radio Performance Issue >> >> <leblancds@cox.net <mailto:leblancds@cox.net>> >> >> Well, after six months of totally rebuilding my Mark 3, I >> completed the annual inspection, Test flight, I now have >> a couple hours on the new engine and rebuild airframe. >> >> My airport(L 38) is fairly busy so I purchased two >> headsets, Intercom, and a ICOM A6 handheld. The problem >> is that my transmissions are weak and barely readable. I >> have no experience with handheld radios. How can I remedy >> this problem? Your experience and recommendations are >> appreciated. >> >> I am thinking that I will need a remote antenna of some >> sort. I also understand that it is best to install a >> remote antenna as for away from the engine (Rotax582)as >> possible. >> >> Thanks for your recommendations, >> Dee >> >> -------- >> The Past is History >> The Future is a Mystery >> Today is a Gift >> Thats Why They Call it the Present >> >> >> >> >> Read this topic online here: >> >> http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=448719#448719 >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> -- >> Signature text; Add catchy phrase here.. >> >> >> ========== >> br> fts!) >> r> > href="http://www.buildersbooks.com >> <http://www.buildersbooks.com/>" rel="noreferrer" >> target="_blank">www.buildersbooks.com >> <http://www.buildersbooks.com/> >> rel="noreferrer" >> target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/contribution >> -Matt Dralle, List Admin. >> ========== >> -List" rel="noreferrer" >> target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kolb-List >> ========== >> FORUMS - >> eferrer" target="_blank">http://forums.matronics.com >> <http://forums.matronics.com/> >> ========== >> b Site - >> -Matt Dralle, List Admin. >> rel="noreferrer" >> target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/contribution >> ========== >> >> >> >> >> >> >> -- >> >> >> Blessed are the cracked, for they shall let in the light. >> Groucho Marx >> <http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/43244.Groucho_Marx> >> > > > -- > > > Blessed are the cracked, for they shall let in the light. Groucho > Marx <http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/43244.Groucho_Marx> > >




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