Archer Antennas

[captain_john]

Anybody used 'em? Any commentary?

http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/a ... tennas.php

These antennas have been designed by Bob Archer from Torrance, CA utilizing concepts common to military aircraft and space vehicles. The antenna performance is superior to most in use today in private aircraft. The only requirement for max. performance is that the antennas must be installed in accordance with the installation instructions. These antennas are designed to be installed inside fiberglass or other non-conductive wing tips or tail caps of metal or other conductive material aircraft.

This VOR antenna is designed to fit inside larger fiberglass wing tips on metal (conductive that is) airplanes such as T-18's, RV's Bonanzas etc. The wing tips must have internal dimensions of at least 11"x24" and generally fit better on the bottom surface. The VSWR is normally less than 2.0:1 over a frequency band of 108 to 127 Mhz but could be higher due to installation factors.

Wing tip Com antenna. ... tuned for the Com band. Offered because of pressure from RV builders. Does not perform as well as Model 2 Com antenna but users report good communications at ranges greater than 50 miles. Should be installed so that the maximum height of the tip is utilized to get the most vertical polarization.



This doesn't mention any conflict with strobes. Any comments there?

CJ

[Cheathco@comcast.net]

I recently installed a wing tip archer comm to replace the SS whip builder had put in. no improvement. I installed the expensive blade underside. have not flown it yet due to weather, but send and rec to tower was exelent inside closed hanger. Charles

[captain_john]

Thanks for the reply. I am thinking, for all practical purposes... an antenna is an antenna. What I mean by that is, unless you have a problem with the installation or performance you can pretty much get along with anything.

I am sure that if you are traveling in parts of the world where the limits of communications will be stretched to their maximum, you would want a superior setup. I imagine that is where the higher end/parasitical drag styles become more of a necessity?

I am planning on using the Archer right now. One in each wingtip for each comm radio are my current plans.

Let me know how it compares one you have completed your testing of it.

CJ