" wrote in message
news:PnTSc.246149$%_6.109745@attbi_s01...
Jerry, in the Midwest we have a lot of flat lands with corn and soya beens
so it is very easy to find a place to test after the harvest. Watched
somebody operate one of these and I wopuld expect that you would take an
average of say 5 flights each before the battery die.
One may see reflections off of a corn cob that has not been gleaned. 27
Mhz
was not my frequency of choice but this was available. Planes are two
engine
type and are controlled by turning the motors on or off for turns.....
no flap movements....very simple I would think that doing a distance
comparison is more believable when seen than any manufacturers specs and
would give me sufficient
guidance when an improvement occurs. I certainly think it would add
crededance when observed at a club meeting
even tho gurus with a little bit of knoweledge will require more
sophisticated equipment. If I was comparing one
manufacturer to another with respect to
R/C controlled equipment it sure would satisfy me as seeing is believing .
When I asked for comment I had already put in place all the good things
and it was my expectations that the group would focus on the negatives
which is how it came out with a balancing list of negatives to compare
Appreciate the comments
Art
"Jerry Martes" wrote in message
...

"Art Unwin KB9MZ" wrote in message
m...
Invariably when antenna gain is mentioned
questions arise as to gain measurement and accuracy there of.
I do a lot of antenna experiments and declarations of gain never get
any where.
Ihave now purchased a 27 Mhz electric model airoplane and am now in
the process of making a new design antenna and I intend to measure an
antennas
relative gain my comparing the distance travelled by the model by
usind a standard whip antenna and then by using newly designed
antenna.
I visualise keeping a record of distance travelled of my various
experiment antennas.
Does any body see any negatives about this aproach which will always
be done under zero wind conditions? I am looking for a real world
guide to gain to escape from the gain arguments of today.
Thanks in advance
Art


Art

If I'd be allowed to change my mind after I got more
thought/information
on this project, I really like the idea. It will be somewhat of an
instrument complex project ?wont it?.
A GPS could record alot of data if the plan includes things like that.
I would have thought that small variations in distance to the aircraft
wouldnt be excessively critical. But, it would be important to keep
records of the angle to the aircraft from the antenna.
I see Excel and some clocks somewhere in there.

This sure would be a fun project. If you do get it working, I'd go
to
where you are just to see it in action.

Jerry

Art

If the goal is to compare the signal strength of an antenna under test,
with the signal strength from a standard antenna, like a quarter wave
vertical, I'd think this aircraft method would provide decent information.
I do think there is no way to determine the performance of the 'antenna
under test' so the antenna design community could accept the data. But, it
would be a valid comparison of any antenna with a standard antenna. That
would be a "specific antenna gain".
How would you sense the variation in signal strength received at the
aircraft?

Jerry