Is my antenna length to short?

[cyba888]

MY antenna is sticking out of the body about 7cm long. As you can see that I wrapped the antenna on the top so most of it is above the body. I dont think it would make that much difference the way I did it? Would wrapping it around make a significant difference? I have pcm fail safe so I guess it would be ok to try it out first to see how well the reception is? I should be safe with the fail safe option turned on correct? Need some opinions! Well incase you want to know why I did this is I dont like the antenna long.

 

[StrechM]

I wrap mine aroud the tube without problems, although not as tightly as you have.

 

[El Pirata]

It shouldn't create too many problems as long as you remember line of sight.

 

[Reptile]

line of sight meaning that u can go as far as u can see the car? errr.....

 

[El Pirata]

No meaning if you put something between your car and you you could lose signal.

 

[olds97_lss]

That's more FM specific isn't it. AM radios follow the ground. FM has issues with line of site if i'm not mistaken.

 

[El Pirata]

I'm not 100% sure but I thought it had to do with all radio waves.

 

[olds97_lss]

It does to some extent. But FM is more susceptible to interferance with line of sight than AM. AM may not be as clear, but it travels better.

 

[HumboldtBlazer]

Originally posted by cyba888
Is my antenna length to short?

I ask myself that same question every morning...............sorry couldn't resist

 

[SkyMaxx]

All radio signals in the HF spectrum will travel well with respect to ground wave (that would be the 27Mhz types where most AM radios run). Those in the lower VHF spectrum (the 75Mhz and typically FM radios) will have more line of site issues.

In reality, the issue comes into play with wave propogation in general. Line of site is a major factor, but the underlying issues are antenna height and transmitter power coupled with receiver threshhold. If the antennae are too short or blocked in any way and the power out is sufficiently small, your range will be severely decreased.

There is more, but I figured I got your attention with the science lesson. The way you have your antenna wrapped should be fine. Do be wary of range and check it before you let the car get too far away (failsafe or not...out of range means out of control).

 

[HumboldtBlazer]

Like your comments say, test it before even asking It is easy. Turn on the radio and have a friend walk with it why you test the controls, until you have radio problems, and that is your range.

 

[cyba888]

Thanks guys, will definatley check the range first before I run the car. :hamster: