I am new at this as many of you and purchased the 2.4 module along with the
AR9000 receiver to be used in the JR 9303 TX. I also purchased an additional
remote antenna and a Flight log. I know that my application is not the norm
and there have been a lot of problems associated with trying to get the 2.4
system to properly operate in a carbon-kevlar fuse.
I am flying an open class graphite 3.45 sailplane using the AR 9000 with 2
sattlelite antennas connected to the receiver. The fuse is carbon-kevlar. I
have one antenna positioned just behind the nosecone just aft of the leading
edge of the wing mounted on the floor of the fuse with the antenna wiskers
sticking out each side of the fuse. The other has one of the two wiskers
sticking straight above the top of the wing up located in the center of the
wing just behind the spar.
If all this makes since, my question is:
In an sailplane application where the plane can fly as far as a mile away, has
anyone checked and come close to what Specktrum is saying below? I am not
getting any holds but have been getting a lot more fades like 400 to 600 for
each remote antenna during a 10 to 15 minute flight and my frame loss is more
like 300 to 400. Both antennas A & B which are internally mounted in the AR
9000 receiver are null because of the carbon kevlar fuse. So when flying, I
relay completely on the external sattlelite antennas.
The plane seems to fly fine but I have concerns. I can do the 30 pace range
check and still not be totally glitch free even with all the radio gear taped
to a board. However I do not get more than 1 or 2 frame losses during the range
check when installed in the plane but get 25 to 45 fades on each external of
the antennas. I am tilting the plane in every direction and I am sure that my
hands may be getting in the way and that could be part of the cause.
Am I playing with disaster or considering the application am I exceeding the
safe threshold? I have had 5 successful flights or about 30 minutes of air
time during which I have been tweaking my setup. With no holds.
Using the “Spektrum Flight Log”, the web site Specktrum says:
Antenna fades – represent the loss of a bit of information on that specific
antenna. Typically it’s normal to have as many as 50 – 100 antenna fades on any
one of the antennas during a flight. If any single antenna experiences over 500
fades in a single flight, the antenna should be repositioned in the aircraft to
optimize the RF link.
Frame Loss – represents simultaneous antenna fades on all attached receivers.
If the RF link is performing optimally, frame losses per flight should be less
than 20.
Hold – a hold occurs when 45 contiguous (one right after the other) frame
losses occur. This takes about one second. If a hold occurs during flight, it’s
important to re-evaluate the system, moving the antennas to different locations
and/or checking to be sure the transmitter and receivers are working correctly.
Can anyone chime in with sound advice or direct me to any links that may help
ease my anxiety?
Thanks,
BradOccasionally/often frustrated;...never defeated...
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