Antenna tubes

[Jurriaan]

Hi guys,

I'm sorry I have to ask this, or maybe not. You can read a lot on Internet about antenna positioning. But lets say I buy this antenna mount:

https://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=95586

As I said, I can find enough information about the antenna position. But maybe a stupid question, how about the antenna wire in the antenna tube. Is it necessary to leave the wire a little longer than the antenna tube? Better would be when I have the same length for the tube and wire (cleaner design). Or does this affects the signal very badly?

 

[RENOV8R]

Funny, in in 30 years of being in the hobby I've never given this a thought. I've always left the exposed wire portion hanging out of the end of the tube. I have however wrapped the wire back down the tube and covered it with shrink tube for a cleaner look. I guess the only way to really find out is to have a friend walk away and see where the signal is lost in both scenarios and see if there's any difference

 

[Jurriaan]

haha.. nice to hear!

I read that the wire should be stretched into a straight line. No curls.

But thanks for your advice, I think I will start with your option and scenarios.

Am I the first person in the world.....

 

[Jackson]

Is it necessary to leave the wire a little longer than the antenna tube?

No, some thin plastic straw will have ZERO effect on the signal. Metal and CF though do.

 

[tylorwashere]

I saw someone using zip ties, leaving them long and running the wire up the length of it, then using heat shrink to hold the antenna to the length of the zip tie. I thought that was pretty neat

 

[Jurriaan]

I saw someone using zip ties, leaving them long and running the wire up the length of it, then using heat shrink to hold the antenna to the length of the zip tie. I thought that was pretty neat

Great tip!

I talked with someone and asked him the topic question. He said: put it in the microwave (2.4 GHz) for 10 seconds. If it stays cold, the material is suitable. But like some of you already mentioned, the plastic will have zero effect on the signal. But I like the tip.

 

[RGJameson]

Cocktail straws from the local bar.

 

[RENOV8R]

Cocktail straws from the local bar.

With a little umbrella on top!