ELT Mounting for an ASW20-C

I think SWR is the least of one's problems after a crash....

In my ship the ground plane is a metal tab a bit smaller than a
matchbook and the antenna curls around the inside of the baggage
compartment. In either case, I'm just hoping things don't get torn up
too much and the thing works after a crash.

So, I'm not really worried about how well it works, as long as it stays
reasonably intact.

-Tom

"5Z" wrote in message
oups.com...
I think SWR is the least of one's problems after a crash....

In my ship the ground plane is a metal tab a bit smaller than a
matchbook and the antenna curls around the inside of the baggage
compartment. In either case, I'm just hoping things don't get torn up
too much and the thing works after a crash.

So, I'm not really worried about how well it works, as long as it stays
reasonably intact.

-Tom


121.5 MHz ELTs don't have so great a track record when it comes to working
properly after a crash. Assuming the thing survives, gets triggered by the
crash G-forces (or manually, pre-impact) and remains attached to its
antenna, the signal still needs to reach an overhead satellite. It's
reasonable to assume that the antenna may not be oriented optimally post
crash, nor may it be ideally situated at least a wavelength away from
conductive material, nor will it always have a nice clear view of the sky.
Getting that signal through won't always be easy.

Since reflected RF energy is wasted, I'd think minimizing SWR is important.
To help insure the signal gets through, why not go for best installation
practicable, given the constraints imposed by the typical modern glider? An
adequate ground plane isn't usually too difficult and may make the
difference.

bumper