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Old April 1st 08, 09:34 PM posted to rec.aviation.homebuilt
Morgans[_2_]
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Default Metallic paint's effects on internal antennas


"Sliker" wrote in message
...
On the older Glasair kits like mine, it's covered with the dark gray
gelcoat that contains 2% carbon black for UV resistance. I wonder if
the carbon interferes with radio reception? I've read that cabon fiber
structures block signals, but how much carbon it takes to do that I
don't know. But for the Glasair folks to say the radios worked so much
better when the moved the antennas outside, makes me think some part
of the structure was blocking radio signals..


I could be wrong, but I recall that Jim Weir has done extensive testing on
airplanes, and what structures block radio signals, and carbon fiber has
been found to not be a problem. I hope I remembered right, and Jim will
probably jump in here and clarify the situation.

When it comes to antenna mounting and performance, I think we are lucky to
have a resource such as Jim to help us get on the right path. He is an
expert on the subject, IMHO.
--
Jim in NC