I've noticed something that I wanted to mention. Some pilots who use Rubber Duck antennas allow them to get permanently bent or to sag. Often resulting in the tip of the antenna pointing straight at the ground.
This is bad. It directs the majority of the radio signal's energy at the ground. It distorts the coil spacing which can effect antenna efficiency. It can distort or damage the dielectric which can also effect antenna efficiency. Not desirable things. Even if it stays reasonably straight, repeated flexing is also damaging over time. In hot climates I realize it can be difficult to keep the soft rubber from sagging. I've always stiffened my Duckies by either rapping with multiple layers of electrical tape, adding a layer of heat shrink tubing or both. Bill Swingle [EMAIL PROTECTED] Janesville, CA RCSE-List facilities provided by Model Airplane News. Send "subscribe" and "unsubscribe" requests to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
