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R.A. Miller Industries, Inc.

Ground Plane
Most radio antennas require a ground plane.  The AV-534 is a good example of an antenna that performs best with a ground plane.  A ground plane is a metal surface that is connected to the antennas ground (common).  There is no need for a ground plane when mounting an antenna on a metal aircraft, but it can be tough to accommodate in a fiberglass aircraft such as a sailplane. 

Note: Radio antennas can be mounted inside a fiberglass aircraft, but they would not work well if mounted inside a carbon fiber aircraft. 

Below is a note from RAMI about ground planes.

A proper ground plane is one that extends 1/4 wavelength (at the operating frequency) outward in all directions from the feed point or base of the antenna. 1/4 wavelength at aircraft com frequencies is approximately 24 inches. So the ground plane would be approximately 4 ft. X 4 ft. (or 4 ft. diameter) conductive surface with the antenna mounted in the center. You can also accomplish this with (2) four foot ( 1.22 m) long conductive wires running perpendicular to each other and electrically connected to the shield of the transmission line at the base of the antenna at their mid points. Similar to a base station antenna seen at an airport terminal building. The wires can be run inside the fuselage forward and aft and down the inside wall.

Sincerely,

Ben Ennenga
Engineering Manager / GAA Product Line Manager
RAMI


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AV-534 Antenna, Bent Rod Style, 1/4 Wave
118 to 136 MHz (Aircraft Radio Band)
The AV-534 is a heavy-duty stainless steel quarterwave VHF communications antenna. It is manufactured with a durable type stainless steel whip and large stress-relieved ferrule and comes complete with porcelain insulators and mounting hardware. The antenna is designed to operate at speeds of up to 350 mph and altitudes of 50,000 ft. It has a drag force of 0.56 lb @ 250 mph.
 
Specifications 
Application:  Airborne Communications
Frequency: 118 to 137 MHz
Impedance:  50 Ohms Nominal
VSWR:  3.0 to 1 Maximum
Polarization:  Vertical
Pattern:  Omni-Directional
Connector:  N/A
Max Weight:  8 oz
Max Height:  19.5"
Mounting Hole Diameter:  0.531"
RF Power Capacity:  50 Watts
$79 In Stock


Paul E. Remde

8661 Connelly Place
Savage, Minnesota 55378
USA


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