Is Antenna Standoff Necessary

[MBDiagMan]

Well, I'm really getting frustrated, worse yet, virtually grounded for almost the past two weeks.

I finished getting my used RAM AV-533 antenna installed, wired and ready to get someone underneath while I tighten everything up and arrange the coax connectors. I can get help when I get a warmer day, no problem.

The problem lies in that this is a long L shaped antenna of which most of the length parallels the bottom of the fuselage. Once I got it roughed into place and pretty much tight, I plucked the end of the antenna and it flies back and forth like a bass guitar string.

I bought the antenna salvage and expected to get everything, but I did not get a standoff. The RAM catalog shows a phenolic standoff. It's plenty cheap enough, but apparently not readily available even though it is still in the catalog. I have ordered from two online sources. One of them didn't reply and I did not receive it. Upon calling them they said they would have to drop ship it and would get back to me on Monday. It's now Tuesday and I haven't heard from them. I ordered from another source Friday evening and they returned my money with no explanation yesterday morning.

Two questions:

Does anyone know of a source for RA Millers entire product line besides J.A. Inc or Horizon Pilot Shop?

Would the antenna be okay without the standoff?


Update: The RAMiller number is 8-282-2

Also, I found phenolic standoffs that I think I could use to make one, but I hesitate to fabricate anything for an aircraft like I've done when building a hot rod. I don't think it would be legal.

Thanks for any help you can offer.

 

[SCCutler]

I'd make the sucker and never look back. It's a phenolic antenna standoff, not a wing spar.

 

[sferguson524]

 

[weirdjim]

Thanks for any help you can offer.

"Legal" is what your A mechanic (and IA on the annual) will buy.

Electrically, nothing is required. Mechanically it will sing like a bird and break the first time you put wind to it. The insulating rod is only there to keep the long antenna end rigid in space.

What to use? Phenolic rod, yes. Also a wooden dowel drilled and painted/sealed to make it look like phenolic. PVC water pipe. Styrene rod painted. ANYTHING that is nonconductive. The thing is only a few inches long. Don't make such a big deal out of it.

Jim
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.

 

[MBDiagMan]

Thanks a bunch guys!

 

[Henning]

Make the standoff. You now have two options, provide it to your mechanic as an "owner produced part" and have them install it legally. Most A&P/IAs will have no problem with this.

There is also the 'Maintenance Fairy' method where the part appears as a natural part of the assembly that suits the purpose perfectly and all involved will assume it is part of the salvage set you bought. Rub a bit of oil and dust on it and microwave it for 10 seconds, it will blend right in.

Either way, you will have a working, properly secured antenna.