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HomeHomeDiscussionsDiscussionsiFly General Di...iFly General Di...Which GPS source is used for what?Which GPS source is used for what?
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3/5/2015 5:43 PM
 

Hmmm, I didn't know that about the Glo - it's sitting about 12" from the iFly puck on the glare shield now. I haven't detected any issues yet, but will move them further apart now.

Are the side windows in your 172 under the wings? Mine are, so I discounted that option. If it works for you, and they are under the wings, I'll try it in mine.

Thanks -

 
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3/5/2015 8:49 PM
 

You might be ok with that GLO there, just keep that in mind if you see any signal issues.

As for the side windows on my 172, yes mine are under the wings for the most part. Keep in mind your GPS antenna needs upward visibility and the blue blade antennas need more lateral and downward visibility for maximum weather and traffic range. Your weather and most of the traffic will come from the ground stations. Mostly your 1090 high altitude traffic will come from above, but aircraft to aircraft traffic signals are not as temperamental as ground station signals.

You can try them there and move them around. Example Don at SkyguardTWX recommends vertical antenna placement, in my plane in the side windows, a horizontal placement is working better for me.


Shane Woodson
Vice President | Adventure Pilot LLC.
 
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3/5/2015 11:44 PM
 

Delete

 
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3/6/2015 5:08 AM
 

It would be worth a try, though it did not help in my plane. I confirmed this with Don, it's posible having the 978 antennas in the windows under the wing likely allows them to transmit/receive signals rebounded to/from the ground better.

I'm just saying I would not rule out horizontal antenna placement. I moved mine all throughout the plane trying to get the most consistent performance for my flying area. I may not be getting the best forward range, but I'm getting the best consistent signal around me.

In the long run, I'll be using the RAMI AV-74 or Delta Pop antenna as they will give much better range and a cleaner final installation.


Shane Woodson
Vice President | Adventure Pilot LLC.
 
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3/7/2015 12:57 AM
 

In terms of antenna placement, the transmitting and receiving antennas have the best signal strength when both are in the same "polarity", which is usually either verticle or horizontal, though circular (left or right hand) is also used, mostly by satellites.

I think the polarity is changed when the signal is reflected, and it's what reaches the receiving antenna that counts. I suspect that's what's happening with the horizontal antenna under the wing. I'll have to play with it and see once I get mine.

One last question - you need an app to set the squawk number you get from the controller in the Skyguard - I plan to use the Skyguard with both the iPad and the iFly. When I'm solo, I will need to set the number using the iFly. When I have a copilot, I'd like for them to set it using the iPad. Will there be a problem switching back and forth between the two to control/set the Skyguard, or is this a question for Don at Skyguard?

Thanks.

 
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HomeHomeDiscussionsDiscussionsiFly General Di...iFly General Di...Which GPS source is used for what?Which GPS source is used for what?