COM-425 location

[ernstrm]

I could use some direction in determining the best place to mount the COM-425 in my RV-6A. I will mount the antenna under the left seat (I've already drilled for that), and mounting the COM-425 behind the instrument panel looks like a good place, with convenient wiring to everything--except the antenna. Running the antenna cable down the side of fuselage, aft to the wing, inboard to the centerline and through the wing spar, then outboard to the antenna looks tortuous and long (about 100"). Any suggestions? When we say "avoid tight bends," what is the minimum bend radius?

 

[jnmeade]

Each cable has the minimum bend posted in their spec sheet.

 

[Raymo]

Does the -6 not have holes in the spar for wires to pass through? I have the same setup in m -7A using RG-400 down the side, past the gear mount weldment, through the spar and some small snap bushings to pass through the seat supports. Also added a doubler in the second bay inboard to help stiffen the mount.

RG-400 allows a tighter bend radius than RG-142 (solid core).

 

[ernstrm]

Thanks for the info! So assuming I bend my RG-400 gently, is there anything wrong with an antenna cable 100" or so long? It sounds like your -7A has a cable about that long. Any radio problems?

 

[Raymo]

That will be fine. Just be sure to properly crimp the BNC connectors and have no stray wires poking out of the base of the pin. Also be sure the connector snaps onto the pin, which should be close to the end of the white plastic in the BNC.

No radio problems in my plane. It transmits and receives for as far as I've ever needed.

 

[ernstrm]

I'm feeling better about this now, thanks. I might just buy a ready-made cable assembly (so I'll need feed-through holes big enough for the BNC connector, which is not a big problem) so I don't need to crimp the connector myself.