C150L

Sorry guys, can't believe it's been this long since I posted on our Avid here. Not that anything has happened on it, but still. I don't use my puter as much as I used to since I went to smartphone, so a quite bit less goes into all the message boards I frequented.
Anyway, I'll try and put a couple pics up here. Not showing much, but last fall we had to move it again (closer to a shop where some work can start again) to make room for my electric motorcycle project. .
I will have to check back soon now and I suspect a couple questions will pop up due to these pictures.
Anyone else do BasicMed yet? Did mine on Monday. Good to go for 4 years now.

Another mental image to open my yap on. Looking at photo Ron posted gave me an idea. Experiment with a fabric mounted version and eliminate the wood supports. Tape (Poly-Fiber) it to the inside of the fabric? Will take some R&D with our Avid project, buried in my shed along with some fabric and my analyzer to get it right, if it's possible to work it out that way.. I never worked with fabric on a plane. Wonder it would show up terribly and if that would be of concern to some/most. 

Hi Ron,
Sorry, been awhile since I've had my puter on. Recently stepped up to a smart phone and do some/most of my internet stuff on that and not firing PC up as often. My tabs and frequent sites used not as friendly on a "phone".
Anyway, I don't see issue with it sideways and might imagine possible benefits. One concern, the antenna is not spread open as far as I would prefer. Short weekend this week (1 day), but if I get the chance, I'll pull one out, set it up like this and see that the antenna analyzer says about it. 
I understand concern about objects hitting it, but don't think it would hurt it short of knocking it loose and falling out of place. Just had a strange mental image of one of those mattress, automotive, etc induced motion/forces testing commercials to determine how much it will take to make this antenna fail, but then that mental image changed to a flaming mental rage after seeing Hillary on TV and wondering why she is not in jail yet.
(Sorry guys, if that offended anyone, but can't forget how easily and quick Petreaus (sp?) was taken down.) .
(Note to self: Don't hijack once own posts on message boards.)

Good evening,
Ron, Check your email.
I attached a couple pics of an installation in a Champ. Kind of interesting how this guy used rib stitching cord to suspend the connection end of the antenna. Said he always does that. Guess it's a way to connect to something, when something is not already there.
Edit: I have to mention, in this Champ install, the one element is almost perfectly vertical. It does not have to be this way, but as for omni directional performance, this is perfect. When an antenna leans forward or rearward, (anybodies antenna), you loose some signal straight ahead and behind you. A leaning antenna does not mean you will not be able to talk to someone ahead or behind, they just might need to be a little closer than off to the sides.
Dale

My first and I enjoyed the heck out of it. It was quite breeze and a bit on the bumpy side, but I'll do it again in a heart beat. My one hand was a flop though. New strategy next time.

I have one of these portables, in the most basic 2 place design. Had it 10 years or so and it's been rock solid. Due to it's always open mic and noise filtering/reduction design, it's about the easiest intercom I've used/seen to make normal conversation in relatively noisy environment. No missed 1st syllables due to the normal squelch system of others. Mines a bit older model and has no aux, cell phone inputs or other frills.
 
I currently have it loaned out, but if someone near by wanted to take me up in his Avid or Kitfox (benefits me) and check it out for 2nd opinion (benefits others), I can have it available in a heart beat. Just meet me at 38WI or 68C.
 
Through the use of a unique circuit, quiet communications can be enjoyed without the missed syllables, audio popping and background noise associated with voice activated intercoms.
Unlike automatic vox intercoms with manual or automatic squelch controls, the ENRI technology keeps the microphones active or open all the time, monitoring the background noise level and canceling ambient noise, even while talking. 
With a full line of Portable ENRI intercoms, ranging from the basic ITC-401-ENRI portable two place intercom to the full featured ITC-2001 and ITC-2004 ENRI portable intercom's,  there is a model to fill the communication needs of almost every pilot.
For an explanation of how ENRI works, go the FAQ page.
New, ITC-401SJ 

Ultralight Pilots using the Single Plug Headphones, can now enjoy the true quite communications that pilots with GA headsets have been proven for the past ten years.  Through the use of our exclusive audio processing technology, wind and engine noise is greatly reduced or eliminated, while still maintaining clear communication.
ITC-401SJ Features Include
Exclusive Background Noise Reduction Technology Continues Audio, No Missed Syllables or Words Up to 110db of Noise Reduction Single Volume Control Built-In Cell Phone/Aux Audio Interface 9 Volt Battery Operation External DC Power Jack and Power Cord PTT for keying Comm Radio Small Size 4" x 2.5" x 1.5' Works with headsets with Electret Microphones Three Year Warranty   

ITC-401 Two Place Series
 
The ITC-401-ENRI Features
Enhanced Noise Reduction Technology Continues Audio, No missed Syllables or Words Up to 110db of Noise Reduction Single Volume Control No Squelch Circuits Built-In Cell Phone Interface 9 Volt Battery Operation Pilot/All Switch Push-to-Talk Button for Keying the Comm Radio Small Size,  4"L x 2.5"W x 1.5" D Available with cable and standard plugs or Cable and plugs for the ICOM A22, A3, A4, A24/A6 and the New A-14 series. Three Year Warranty

Models ITC-401,  Standard headphone plugs, 1/4" headphone plug, .206" Mic plug. ITC-401-I, Cable and plugs for the ICOM A22, A3, A4, A24/A6 and the New A-14 series. ITC-401-23, With cable and plug for direct connection to the ICOM A23 and A5
Optional External DC power cord available to allow the intercom powered from the aircraft power.
 
 

ITC-401TC Series
The ITC-401TC is designed with the Sport Pilot in mind and is a slight departure from our standard intercom design. The Noise Reduction control is a one time "Set and Forget" adjustment, but in aircraft such as Ultralight's, Trike's and Power Parachutes, because of changing flight conditions the Noise Reduction Control is located on the front panel rather then an internal adjustment.
Trike pilots from across the country who are using the ITC-401TC along with GA headsets, are reporting far better communications between the pilot and passenger when compared to open microphone, push-to-talk, and voice operated intercoms. 
For in flight communications, the ITC-401TC is the ideal choice.
The ITC-401-ENRI Features
Enhanced Noise Reduction Technology Continues Audio, No missed Syllables or Words Up to 110db of Noise Reduction Single Volume Control Adjustable Noise Reduction Control 9 Volt Battery Operation Push-to-Talk Jack for keying Comm Radio Small Size,  4"L x 2.5"W x 1.5" D Available with cable and standard plugs or ICOM A-22, A3, A4, A24,A6 and the New A-14 Cable & Plug  Three Year Warranty

Models ITC-401TC,  Standard headphone plugs,1/4" headphone plug, .206" Mic plug. ITC-401TC-23,  Cable, plugs for ICOM A23 and A5 ITC-401TC-I, Cable and plugs for the ICOM A22, A3, A4, A24/A6 and the New A-14 series.
Optional External DC power cord available to allow the intercom powered from the aircraft power.

One arm should be mounted as near vertical as possible for polarization and getting best omni-directional function. I have tried one stretched out straight and hanging horizontally and it worked ok, but I would not do such in any installation. At this 39" V configuration, the antenna analyser gives the best performance across the entire VHF band width, best % of match and resonates at about 125mhz.
 
(Starting to feel like a salesman here,,,,  but like answering questions best I can.)
Dale

That is correct. The tips of the wood arms could be trimmed a little if needed and bring that down a little as well. The wood arms are basically window screen molding, if one wanted to make a mock up piece to check out in their plane/project. The antenna itself is mounted to that wooden structure.

AAHH, Ed. I'll have to get a close up look at the driver on my encased 20 Mule Team wagon train model and see if it looks like you.

Each arm measures 23", short limb 5". You can subtract 1/2" off each if measuring to the bolted, folding point where all pieces come together. Opens up to 39" overall width, which can vary some when installed. My good friend  Paul designed this antenna specifically to be installed in tube and fabric aircraft. Certain composites and wood aircraft also fit the design as well.
 
I just held one in place in our slightly buried Avid project, between the next 2 stations behind the mixer area and appears to stand up nicely there. Could be a challenge if fuse is already covered, but I'm inclined to think anything is possible.
 
Still want to pull our project and install one for pictures, but can't happen this one day week end. (What's left of it.)

One ringie dingie, two ringie dingies,,,,,    (Chiming in.)
 
I will get some measurements when I get home and after family get together/cook out.  A friend of minne has installed many of these, but not sure in Avids or Kitfoxes. I know he just did some work on an Avid around the time I sold him one. I'll see what he knows and if he has any pictures. Aircraft rebuilds is his business and he takes a lot of pictures.
 
If nothing else, I'll wheel out our Avid project and put one in for some pictures. (Sometime when not out flying the oldest 150 you will ever see.) I will have to keep in mind, the mixer and push rods in most as ours (if ever finished) has the mixer under the seat and will be using cables.
 
I did install one through a narrow crawl hole space in the back of a flying KR2S a few years back. Not a big plane and was room to spare when done, although it looked like it was going to be tight. Guy in the FBO/terminal building did not believe that we were across the field in the steel quanset hut hanger, using a handheld in his KR when I did the radio check. When installed properly, the performance should be there.
 
Thanks Doug for the performance info.
 
Dale

Quick FYI,
 
It is a "no ground plane required" antenna.
 
There is NO balun used in this design. A balun (BALances the UNbalanced) can rob up to 50% of the energy the radio puts out. All of the energy the radio puts out, goes directly into the antenna with this design and out to the radiating elements.
 
This antenna can be used in composites, but not with in carbon fiber. CF is about as disruptive as steel to the RF signals.
 
I could not picture this antenna working in a metal framed tail. Just no way to keep it away from the metal framework. It could work great in a fiberglass/composite tail.
 
When installed in the fuselage, this antenna is suspended off it's three points, in a V (actually a Y) formation and is positioned away from the metal framework as much as possible, with one arm as near vertical as possible.
 
I know of many Cubs, Champs, Stinsons, T-crafts, a Hats and custom configuration in a Hiller.
 
One guy with a Champ complained to Paul, saying he just wants to talk at our local airport, not the entire state. Another Champ guy complained his did not work. Guess he was right. It was later mentioned (by someone else) that he had zip tied it directly to the fuse tubing. That certainly will not work. I had one in my Koala (wooden FP-202) and did a radio check to another plane in the pattern an airport 100nm away using my antique STS handheld. He said he heard me just fine but a little static was coming through. I asked if it might have been the 277 I was flying behind in an ultralight. He says that would explain it.
 
I don't know what else I can say about Paul Johns antenna, other than Paul no longer builds these. I do. One at a time. (Well, maybe 6 at a time), then test and tweak each one with a rather expensive antenna analyzer for best % match and to resonate at about 125mhz, which is just below the center freq of our radios bandwidth. We mostly use 122.8 anyway, that's why I brought them down a couple mhz. These are a very broadband antenna to begin with and had no issues/complaints when built up around 127mhz.
 
No expert, no salesman. Just pointing out an alternative for OP.
 
Dale
 
 
 
I'd certainly answer any question(s) I can.  

OOPs, I'm not Paul.
 
Dale

Here's one to consider. Mounts inside the fuselage.
 
http://personalpages.tds.net/~pajohns/antenna.html
 
(Yup, it's me.)

 
Wished I had some great suggestion, but if not installed, find a recommended inline filter on the DC supply to the radio. Radio user manual might have a recommendation. Also, there might be some filter/suppressor suggested by your engine mfg to instal across the charging system, etc. Noise or other interference can be a pain to get rid of.

Do do believe the horizontal radials (ground plane) is nearly the same length as the vertical length of the antenna for a given frequency. Actually, about 5% longer than the vertical/radiating element.
 
That ground plane should also be electrically connected to the shield of the feed line (coax) from the radio and is to be connect at the base of the vertical element. I'm not exactly sure how this works out with some sort of metallized plastic film. The gorund plane is actully the second half of the antenna system. With out a properly connected ground plane, in a sense, you only have 1/2 an antenna, which might not be good for the transmitter in the radio.
 
I added 4 radial wires under the antenna inside my FP202 Koala when a good friend of mine told me I had "a nice 1/2 an antenna" in it. (old ham radio guy from way back, I mean way back. He just turned 101 2 weeks ago.) I didn't have it when I had my Koala FP202, but It would have been nice to test that home brew antenna with my antenna analyzer. This analyzer checks impedance, resonance frequency, SWR, % of match and a whole lot more.
 
I was later using a "no ground plane required antenna" in my Koala which I made during a training session with Paul. (That old friend of mine.) With that antenna, I was talking with someone in the pattern at an airport 100nm away. That radio check was done with my old STS handheld radio using it's attached battery, not the12 volt battery in the plane. Not bad, huh?
 
FYI: Transmission is a totally different animal than receiving. If only receiving others transmissions, that ground plane makes little difference. In transmission, the antenna system is everything. If your SWR, % of match, etc is not at or close to that which it should be, much of that energy your radio is putting out will be radiated back into the radio and can cause damage to the transmitter/outputs of the radio. My friend Paul told me I was lucky I didn't burn out my handhelds transmitter, not having the ground plane radials under that antenna.
 
Again, I'm not sure how the metalized poly is electrically connected to the antenna/coax. As for reducing engine or IFA prop system interference, I know this. RF interference travels in mostly straight lines. I'm picturing this metalized film ground plane material mentioned by OP or what ever it is, might be large enough and of size adequate to block RF emissions (noise) radiating off the engine ingition, charging system or off the motor(?) of the IFA prop system. Another form of noise a radio might pick up on is noise from wires/electrical system itself. That's often reduced or eliminated with filters and such across wires, components, etc.
 
Now, perhaps I've confused the topic enough. If I can clarify or answer anything, please ask. D

Still sitting in committee.
 
https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/113/hr3708#overview

I'm about tired of hearing all those scenarios and speculations put out in the media, but I do have a gut feeling this plane may be seen again. Something planned and deliberate happened here.
 
I suspect a strong possibility that the pilot is involved. Still wondering about the story of those 2 Iranians with stolen passports in the back. Did they play a part?
 
Why no cell phone calls or messages from passengers? Too far away from cell towers maybe? What if 2 Iranians stood up and/or the pilot came over the PA and announced to passengers that they would be alright unless they tried to call or message from their comm devices, then they'd be shot between the eyes. (If weapons were possible on the plane of course.) Any one trying to get a message out could be easily detected by readily available cell phone detectors, if they could be smuggled onboard. Would you dial your phone?
 
The plane flew for hours. My gut feeling is that it was going somewhere and likely made it there. The US might be inclined to look closely to a blip on their radars in the wee hours of the morning but what about some other less cautious personnel in other countries in the region?
 
I think there's a lot more known as to where this plane is at or likely to have gone. I think between Boeing, Rolls and likely our govt know a lot more than they are letting out and maybe for good/just reasons. Sounds that Israel is on the alert. Have to wonder if we are. Just minutes ago, King O was on TV in an interview or giving a statement (I couldn't watch) and it came to me, now I know there's lies or cover ups coming from our govt. (Again, maybe some for good reasons, this time. (If I hear it was some video, I might explode.)
 
A guy at work today was talking about locking your keys in your car. He said they can unlock your car for you. They can tell where your car is at, how fast it's going, shut it off, what ever. We have no idea what happened with a 777? Well, maybe not but if those engines can talk all the time they are running, why is it nothing else is talking or known in real time? (Question to self, why are the black boxes even needed to HOPEFULLY found after something like this happens? Some or most of hat stuff should also be sent out real time, like Rolls has happening with their engines.)
 
Way too much speculation on my part, which annoys me seeing it 24/7 on TV. Why did I do this?
 
Maybe it was an alien abduction or Godzilla came up out of the ocean and grabbed it.

My brother has been back and fourth, to and from SanFran numerous times and he always goes ATW>MSP>SanFran (don't recall ID) ATW is about 20 minutes to the north of Oshkosh.
 
I'll get there at least 2 days, as per normal. Right foot has been bothering me for some time now and EAA 2013 was a most painful Airventure. Have to take it a day at a time this year.
 
Dale

Scary!
 
Pilot and chutist both in the wrong place at the wrong time. Some things happen so fast, don't they. Both lucky.
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVdDOonvhcU

Anyone know of a Narco ID-824 (or maybe 825) laying around real cheap or trade for the Cessna/ARC indicator? The old ARC VOR indicator will not hook up to the Narco 12D radio.

Headliner from Aircraft Spruce. About $110 but would have thought it would have cost much more than that.
 
The original headliner started ripping under it's own weight as we were removing it. Very brittle even though there was not a single tear in it when we started takine it out.
 
The plasic was all in good shape, just faded and stained. They cleaned and painted up nice and will look great when all are put back in.
 
Plane had not been annualed since 2001. Unsure when it ran last. After cleaning carb, lines, gascolator and hooking up a gas can to fuel lines, we tied it off to a pole in my shed, I had my boy strap in the left seat, give 2 shots of prime and give about 1/8" on the throttle. (First gave him shut down procedures if something went wrong.) 2nd flip of prop gave a caugh. 3rd flip, it started right up and purred. Idled down to about 650. Later with plane out side, found out you can not get much over 1100 rpm by feeding in gas from a gallon can sitting on the roof through a piece of 1/4" OD aquarium hose.
 
You didn't comment on that engine I uploaded PIC of which I was thinking we should put in the 150. (Just kidding.)
 
For 4.5 years I had a 72 C150 which I got my license in. After getting this one, I started reading on 150s. Sounds like the older straight tails perform considerably better than the later ones.
 
Always wishing I had more time/stuff to post on this site. Also wished I had more progress to post on our Avid project.
 
The pictures did not upload because if file size. There was a message about max file size. I think the camera is 10mp or so. The one or 2 pix that did upload I took with my old V3m razr. I resized the pics and they came right up. Wasn't paying attention to the size message or what I resized them to.