Yes, that question directly applies to flying RC planes!

When we fly our aircraft,  we have a transmitter sending a low energy signal to a moving receiver that’s changing its attitude and position rapidly. All this in a high noise environment. Frankly, it’s amazing it works at all!

I won’t get into why it generally does so well, but our modern radios are still subject to basic laws of physics that if not followed could spell disaster. When it does fail, we are found saying, what the heck just happened, it worked so well up to now!

Lets Stack the Deck to Improve Our Odds

Virtually all radios today are 2.4 GHz. That’s relatively high frequency, but those nasty laws of physics just don’t care. They apply.

The point, or end of the antenna has a dead spot, (called the null), doesn’t matter whether it’s the receiver or transmitter.  Big dead spot. Both the  transmitter and receiver have a null.

All antennas also need to be away from anything conductive. That’s why a car’s radio is vertical and outside the car.  Again, the same physics applies to us.

In the plane:

• Install the antennas so they are at 90 degrees as shown in photo. 
• Keep the antenna away from anything conducive. That includes batteries, any wires and especially metal pushrods and any electronics such as ESC, servos, gyro etc.
• Gas engines generate a huge amount of noise. Ensure all shielding is well grounded and isolated.

This shows the antennas away from anything conductive and 90 degrees to each other. In this photo the model is upside down. The antenna is sticking out, but that is not necessary, it happened to be more convenient.

The Transmitter

This shows the transmitter antenna facing forward, NOT to the side or upwards. Always downwards ensuring the end is NEVER pointing at the plane.

Remember, always range check!

These basics make a fundamental difference. Don’t ask me how I know! Worthy of the effort.

Blue skies,

Dave

Author: Dave Patrick.
Learn more about Dave – click here.