Hi! Bryan /all
I have an ICOM A200 having no manual squelch control just an automatic
dump squelch test switch. The auto squelch facility has been works set
and proved to be exactly within their test ranges. It has been a source
of constant grief, although I have been recommended to make an
unauthorised adjustment through the back of it there is no improvement.
I haven't particularly noticed the problem in low or high frequency
contacts but if local Wickenby (122.45) based a/c hear me approaching
requesting join info. they manage to contact me and relay the info.
without the slightest problem. The Wickenby Base hear me "fives" on all
contacts but I don't hear them until almost over the field with the auto
squelch control dumped. The Wickenby base is more often than not a hand
held set probably with a lower wattage output.
I have recently done the revalidation test from 2000ft with Conningsby
on 120.80 at 30 miles over the North Sea without a problem but of course
with the auto squelch dumped! Yet to receive Humberside on 119.125 at 10
miles I must have the auto squelch dumped also.
I had for a long time put this down to the Jabiru alternator/reguator
and/or ignition systems and have tried a multitude of fixes including
grounding of various components such as throttle cables and carb, at
great expense painting out the whole of the engine compartment with
nickel based paint, Magnecore plug leads, resistor type plugs, an auto
type supressor in the radio power line, and my firewall has an aluminium
backing to it between the radio stack and the rest of the electronic
"aggravation"!
I have fitted an Air World belly mount antennae which probably
marginally improved the problems except to get the aircraft in the
trailer it has to be bent aftwards.
All this leads me to suggest, Bryan, that you ask any respondents to
your question that they include particulars of the type of Radio they
have installed?
Regards
Bob H G-PTAG Europa MKI/Jabiru 3300
Robt.C.Harrison
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com
[mailto:owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of Bryan
Allsop
Subject: Europa-List: Radio reception problems
<bryan@blackballclub.com>
I have been interested in the recent correspondence regarding radio
frequencies, and related performance characteristics. In particular, the
extreme ranges.
East Midlands Airport has a frequency of 134.175. A few weeks ago some
of us flew to an airfield close by which involved us in contacting them.
In subsequent conversation we had all noticed how their transmissions
had been unclear. After making test calls between our aircraft we came
to the conclusion that the East Mids transmitter must be out of sorts.
Last Thursday I went to Le Touquet via the Stanstead low level corridor.
This meant that I had to contact Essex Radar on 120.625. They were
receiving me strength five, but for much of the transit I could not hear
them at all.
Similarly, when I go to France using the Lille Info. frequency (
120.275) to complete the channel crossing, I can never seem to be able
to make contact with them. I have always put it down to my English
accent and their lunch breaks.
In both cases I have been able to hear other aircraft speaking to them
strength five, so my radio was working perfectly.
I can now see that I have a common problem at the lower frequencies,
viz, poor ground station reception. Could it be that other Europas have
a simarly poor reception quality at the higher frequency range. My
aerial was built to the manual, and has always served my well in most
respects.
Are these common experiences? If so, what can, and should we do about
it?
Regards to all.
Bryan Allsop. G BYSA Mono XS
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