On Wednesday, May 14, 2014 8:55:14 PM UTC-7, Eric Bick (1DB) wrote:
I'm trying a portable FLARM unit for first day today. Two issues on fitting it into the cockpit arose (I fly a Pegase101A).

1. There is insufficient room between panel top and canopy for both antennas to stand up straight. If I put the unit so the taller antenna is on canopy centerline, then I can get both antennas up at about 15 - 20 degrees off vertical.

Question 1 is whether this off-angle is an issue or not for xmt/rcv. Articles I've read indicate it well might be.

2. I can't see the tow plane out the front over or around the unit. The panel top is pretty close to the canopy (hence the antenna issue), so adding the height of the unit obscures the view out front terribly.

Question #2 & 3: So has anyone else (flying a Pegase) found a way around this with a portable unit so that it is still usable? Or is my panel layout/height in cockpit unique? I don't think flying with the FLARM in my lap is the answer, nor is flying tow in a constant slip.

Eric Bick

The recommendation is to have the antennae as close to vertical as possible - at least not more than 15 degrees off - or the range can be affected. If I had to pick one to compromise on I'd pick the ADS-B antenna to put off-vertical because ADS-B systems and transponders put out a lot more power so you'll likely pick them up anyway. I'm also assuming you care more about picking up the Flarm traffic, but that may not be the case.

I've seen some Schleicher mounts that put the unit in front of the glare shield so you can have canopy clearance and not have it in front of your instruments. Not sure if this works for a Pegase. I think Rex Mayes at Williams Soaring developed it.

Hope that helps,

Andy
9B