Help - Getting better radio transmissions - What can I do?
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- čas přidán 6. 09. 2024
- It has taken me a long time to work out how to improve my radio communications and after quite a few questions I thought it time to share my experience. I hope this view will help others that are struggling. It's not a perfect solution but some of the hints and tips might improve the quality of your communications.
I frequently get asked about the kit I use, all links or names are below.
My PeaBee radio and communications set up is:
ICARO SCARAB Helmet with MicroAvionics PM100 Bluetooth (Vlog modified by MicroAvionics)
www.microavion...
My Airband radio ( I have the appropriate Licence) is :
www.microavion... Yaesu FT450 FTA .
Engine instruments:
Trailtech TTO Tech and CHT
Fuel gauge - Tiggy Aviation
Tiggy fuel flow and quantity device - Soon to be an upgrade coming out.
GPS
NAVITER OUDIE 5 PRO with FLARM
Electronic Conspicuity device
SkyEcho 2
Camera and Microphones:
Flight Briefing room
Video Camera 4K Camcorder ORDRO WiFi Ultra HD Vlog Camera and a ICE BLUE microphone
Flying cameras
GoPro 3+, GP6 and 7 with audio adaptor.
Camera Mounts/ cases
flybubble.com/...
www.flypureair...
Flying Clothing:
FlyKandy Jacket and trousers
OZEE flying suit EXEAT and 30seven gloves
Sealskinz mittens
Editing software
Adobe Premier elements
Music - Epidemic Sounds - Subscription.
#flylight
#flylightpeabee ADAM
#BMAA
#FlylightPeaBee
#PeaBee
#whywefly
#SSDR
#sub70
#Ultralight
#Microlight
#Flexwing
#Microavionics
#AviatorPPG
#Paramotorheadset
#Microlighthelmet
#Microlightheadset
#lukeharnesses
#micromaintenance
#darleymoorairfield
10-4 Clipboard, five by five. I'm southbound and hammer down, heaters glowin' and manners showin'. Can't chat as there's a bear rolling disco's on my back door but I'm cool on the stool. Keep the shiny side up and the rubber side down driver, catch you on the flip-flop. 👍📻
Haha, that's epic.
😆😆
Hopefully clipboard will be back with the Paranoob soon ;)
You can drive my rig!
Some handy tips there, Giles. I'll be adding them to the melting pot in readiness for my Peabee. 👍😁
No secrets, just helping everyone. 💯Roll on March.
@@GolfFoxtrot22 Amen to that. I'm booked in with Shelley according to the auto response mail.
@@clearprop enjoy the journey.
Good tips Giles, thanks.
HI Gerry, I hope you are recovering well. Looking forward to more fun and games when you are back.
@@GolfFoxtrot22 Hi Giles, my knee is almost mended thanks. Unfortunately we went on holiday and we have both contracted the dreaded. Hopefully within a week or so should be back up to speed. Thanks for asking. I hope all well with you.
@@gedstokes4832 all is well, been busy but can't wait to get you back skyward, as I'm sure you are.
If using an Icom Airband be sure to set the ANL on, it make quite a difference. Using Microavionics headsets you have adjustment of microphone gain which is very useful.
In my experience handheld radios have too much microphone gain so if using a simple headset/helmet mounted microphone the gain is such that the speech becomes distorted and wind and motor noise is picked up.
As a techie I have reduced the internal gain and this gives a much better result.
I did think about going into all the fine settings but I didn't want the video to be too techie. Additionally I think I've covered this in another video. The ANL is good. But won't always cut out the source of the issue. I never new you were a secret techie Scott😜.
Hi Giles. I should have asked this question a long time ago. I was having so much trouble last year. Transmissions in and out were unreliable, the engine interfered hugely and I couldn't find a position for the radio that enabled me to use the buttons (without letting go the CB!!). But it's all solved now. I bought a whip aerial that's fixed high up on the front strut (Gary made the bracket for me) and using a RAM mount I found a way of fixing the radio to the front strut directly in front of me. I've still been using the PTT on the CB, but as my WUHO (wheels up hands off) confidence grows, I'll dispense with that too - one less cable to deal with. Sorry I haven't put my last video up yet - have had Covid!!! Better now though. Cheers John
Hi John, I'm glad you've managed to get a good set up. I don't think there is the definitive perfect setup with a hand held. I hope you have a year of wheels up and enjoying the confidence in your machine. Looking forward to the video.
Great video, thanks Giles for the tips!
HI Doug, do you have a radio on your flex?
@@GolfFoxtrot22 I'm working on a setup every similar to yours. I have all of the bits just need to mount & wire it.
Hi Doug, have you managed to mount your radio?
@@GolfFoxtrot22 no, have not touched my trike since last year. Probably get back to it in July. Work is consuming my life lately.
@@DougBow96 Ok crikey, keep safe though when you get back to flying. I appreciate bills need to be paid.
Think you mean squelch down, Guy? Low squelch allows you to receive weaker signals, and high squelch means you can only receive stronger ones
Hi Landor, not sure who Guy is. If the Squelch is all the way to the right, up full I can receive weaker signals and also it could start to pick up engine RF. If I turn it down, I will only receive strong signals. I think I know what you mean, I might have misunderstood.
Ah the dark art of RF interference! Love Mark's copper faraday cage idea on the HT lead, what a great idea 😁 We also use ferrite core rings on any power cables, one at each end, to help avoid interference.
Hi Mike, I'm lucky that I don't have any power systems, but those little Ferrite clips are very good.
Great advice buddy, we know how frustrating RF interference can be! Some good tips here
I'm sure you'll find a way of making a 3D printed "something" to help this problem. ;)
I have struggled with my skyflar strobe interference the most on my Icom but will definitely try your heatshrink recommendation, cheers Giles your the best! 😊
Hi Alan, strobe systems kick out loads of RF as they are high energy emissions. Have you confirmed it is the Skyflar, ie flown with it turned off?
@@GolfFoxtrot22 definitely the strobes as interference is exactly when the strobe flashes. Squawk to max to get rid of it. Shame but will have to put up with it or turn off strobes when in conversation. Just will probably need both on when I’m flying with others which may cause issues. Might try new location for the radio
Not bloody squawk! Been revising🤣 I meant to say squelch 🤫 nobody noticed. Move on. 🫶🏻
I knew what you meant, you were speaking Cornish again Alan.. Haha
Thanks for the reminder. My licence need renewing too.
My pleasure Chris. 😊, I'm glad I'm providing a full service
I would have thought that the arial by your leg would have an issure with SWR and range to Port with that big lump of water next to it. I would expect a better transmit range if you had a wipe out the top.
Hi Algy, yes, you'd think that but I have no real issues. I'd have to change my installation if I put a whip aerial on but all of my transmissions have been fine.
A few centimetres is better than nothing, particularly compared to having the radio in a chest pocket as some do.
Having the antenna out in the clear is definitely the best. Having a 1/4 wave whip out front isn't necessarily the best as depending on how the ground plane is provided the angle of radiation can be somewhat upwards.
@@Paramoteurpilot there is no ground plane, as there is absolutely no where to put one. I hope you are well bud?
@@Paramoteurpilot I was thinking out the top of the king post, good ground plane but if there is no issue keeping, I would go along with the old saying "If it is not brocken don't fix it!"
I'm a big fan of "if it isn't broken, don't fix it".
Why don’t radios work… because they don’t LOL… dark art this, some great advice!
Hi Neil, and that's coming from a comms guy.. Haha
@@GolfFoxtrot22 LOL the one that always gets me is day 1 all works perfectly… day 2 same parameters and it’s like a bag of nails scraping your ear drums… sigh 😔 to many hour I’ll never get back messing with radio in aircraft
Lets just accept that wave guide theory just works. :)
Great info. Radio has always been an issue with me. Not so much the interference but the range. I have the FTA-450 and as soon as I get away from the ground 1000ft I loose contact with folks on the ground or vice versa if I am trying to listen to the comms of other pilots from the ground.
Did you ever do Marks shielding mod?
Cheers
Hi Patrick, I didn't as I never needed it and always seemed to have good interference free radio reception. Have you tried different aerial locations?
@@GolfFoxtrot22
So far I haven't tried anything. Looking for a working solution proven by someone already so as to not waste time and money.
Good tips, I need to get my comms sorted and a visor would be ideal for 5+ hour flights
A good visor and wind dam is a game changer.
Great info 👍
@@GolfFoxtrot22
Was talking to some of the local PPG Trikers about trying to add wind deflectors as well.
Cheers
The PeaBee wind deflector is very effective.
Giles you have to modify that microphone on that camera struggle to hear with that wind noise.😜
Hi Rod, what microphone do you use on your Vlog set-up to combat high wind noise?
@@GolfFoxtrot22 I don’t vlog Giles but I understand that the Dji with what they seem to call a dead cat wind cover microphone seem to be used for a lot of CZcams videos.
You often see a larger version on media outside broadcast.
I've found my dead cat ;)
Helpful informative video Giles, just one question, if you got caught in a rain shower is the radio waterproof?
Hi Terry, I believe the radio is semi waterproof, the aerial even had a rubber collar to keep it sealed. Good question though.
Hello Giles I am flying sub70 with third party insurance don't want ppl what is the most basic if such a thing for this sub70 for a radio licence so I can start to go to some local private flying sites/Aerodromes
Is the unregistered sub70 allowed a radio
Please let me know if you can give me any information on this matter
Many thanks
Chris
Hi Chris, to use an airband radio you need 2 things, you need your FRTOL (radio licence) which you'll have to complete a course and examination. The second part is your OFCOM registration (£15 for 3 years). You will technically be the radio holder, not the aircraft. Call sign wise and in accordance with CAP 413, you can use anything appropriate, which is where my "GF22" came from. I hope that helps and sorry for the delay in getting back to you.
Thank you very much Giles very helpful hope you stay safe love the videos
Many thanks
Chris casey
What licence is needed to transmit ? I know ham licence is not used as this is ground only.
Also I heard there is a licence free frequency for paragliding so I'm guessing ppg would also be covered ?
You sound like you have a cold. If so hope its cleared up now as I'm always at least a week behind lol 😆
Hi Harry, for Airband you need to pass a training course to hold a FRTOL, Flight Radio Telephony Operators Licence, it used to be £25k fine if you were found operating an Airband radio without one. I'm not sure on the other radios. You also needan OFCOM licence for the radio itself. I don't recall having a cold but thank you for asking.
I have an icom a25ce (without vor and gps) before spending a lot of money in a helmet or headset that I won't use, i wanna try with a pneumatic earplug but i'm struggling finding the proper pin.. any suggestions?
Hi concainet, I'm not quite sure what a pneumatic ear plug is. The 2 pin sizes on mine are 2.5mm and 3.5mm. I hope that helps a little.
@@GolfFoxtrot22 that kind of transparent earplug used by security. It works just with air like an acoustic tube
@@cocainet thank you for clarifying.
Hi Giles, is it possible you might show the radio mount in detail (photo) and how it's fixed to the peabee frame. Many thanks, Jay
HI Jay, I'll try for the next video, just for you, so keep an eye out👌👍.
Did you ever find a fix for the Moster midrange issues?
Hi Adrian, I have and it's a video I've been contemplating making but if incorrectly used could damage an engine, ie run too lean. I've basically modified my carb in 3 areas and my throttle will hold at any setting between 54 and 6200 which is perfect for hands off flight. If the throttle does rise it comes back down again automatically. I'm happy just nervous about showing how I've done it.
Sounds like you have had some success then. I'll let you ponder over it and keep my fingers crossed. Failing that I'll try and catch you up at Airways some time 👍
I'm not trying to be secretive, I just don't want to be the cause of engines failing... If you know what I mean.
I completely understand fella 👍
Adrian, I'm releasing my midrange video this week if you are interested. I hope there isn't too much backlash. :(
Here is a good video showing how to shield spark plug wire
czcams.com/video/JeEo54Rau2Y/video.html
Hi Peter, I watched that one a long time ago, I think he used to make kits as well. There seems to be a conflict between using resistor caps with resistor plugs. I was advised not to combine them as it cancels each other out, but if you go in the NGK website it says to combine them. Thanks for sharing that one.