I am installing a Garmin GTR 200. The old radio had a ground plane about 2 inches by 3 inches tucked under the antennae. The Garmin says it needs a ground plane at least 18 x 18 with an antennae. What do you all use?
Thanks,
Steve Sands
I am installing a Garmin GTR 200. The old radio had a ground plane about 2 inches by 3 inches tucked under the antennae. The Garmin says it needs a ground plane at least 18 x 18 with an antennae. What do you all use?
Thanks,
Steve Sands
I very thin piece of aluminum is all you need.
Dave
KitFox 6 Taildragger
912 ULS
Whirlwind 70” Prop
Garmin G3x
All around nice guy
I use a ground plane of 4 copper wires, about 18" long, in a cross pattern under my antenna. The wires are easy to zip tie to the structural tubing, and exact 90 degree quadrants are not required.
Jim Ott
Portland, OR
Kitfox SS7 flying
Rotax 912ULS
I use the airframe and the airframe only. Tony Bingelis of Experimental Aircraft fame suggested it (when talking about steel tube airframe) so I followed. I have not had anyone complain and I haven't any complaint either. I use that same radio. I suppose you would need to know what antenna I was using to get the truth as to whether you would get the same mileage. But, apparently a ground plane is unnecessary. Possibly I could get more range maybe but in this slow airplane I always reach my contacts within plenty of time before I reach their airspace.
Eddie Forward
Flying
SS7, 912iS, Garmin G3X
18x18! Wow.
According to Garmin you'd have to locate your magnetometer about 50' from the aircraft for it to work properly. Yes joking, but they seem super conservative on their installation instructions.
Kitfox 5 (under construction)
Commercial SE/ME, CFII
I used aluminum discs for my plane and it has worked very well.
Here is another way using foil tape. There is a video on the EAA Hints for Homebuilders about this method at: https://www.eaa.org/Videos/Hints-for.../6264738687001
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Phil Nelson
A&P-IA, Maintenance Instructor
KF 5 Outback, Cont. IO-240
Flying since 2016
Eddie, I went for about 5 years without a ground plane in my SS7, and like you had no problems with range. However, 3 years ago I flew to Oshkosh and traveled side by side with a friend in an all metal airplane. We were tuned to the same frequencies and he seemed to be able to pick up ATIS information quite a while before it came thru on my radio (Garmin SL40). That's when I began to realize that my radio was plenty functional, but quite limited in range in comparison to others. After I got home I installed the ground plane and immediately noticed a increase in range. Your mileage may vary, but that was my experience.
Jim Ott
Portland, OR
Kitfox SS7 flying
Rotax 912ULS
Jim, I have an annual coming in February and I was going to do exactly as you have done just to see. I suspect I will gain distance as you have experienced. Just not sure I will ever look to pick up ATIS that far out. Having said that, it is ATIS that I have tried to receive from afar without success. I have to go through Ontario Intl airport airspace before they hand me off to Chino tower. I have tried to get ATIS from both facilities before making my first call but have not been able. So, I just wait and try to monitor Chino while up with ONT tower. Doesn't always work out, hence the reason I was anticipating taking your advice and was going to give it a whirl. I'll let you know.
Eddie Forward
Flying
SS7, 912iS, Garmin G3X