COULD ANYBODY TELL ME IF YOU REALLY NEED TO MOUNT YOUR ANTENNA ON THE BOAT IN A RACING APPLICATION. THE BOAT DONT REALLY TRAVEL THAT FAR AWAY. I HAVE SEEN SOME BOAT HAVE THEM AND SOME DONT...THANKS!

Yes you do!

Those that do not have them are most likely using DSM radios.

the new 2.4 gig has changed the RC community. The antenna is small. no more AM or FM no more crystals. The antenna on my Futaba R603FS receiver is just 8"

I am running a DSM and extended my antenna just as a precaution mounted antenna tube

Hi Neil.

I think that someone once told me NOT to shorten the antenna cable, but just curl it up in the boat, as shortening the cable could decrease the signal to the receiver.
Is that true?

Cheers!

Woodie.

Yes that is true

Yes that is true. The length of the antenna from factory is generally a tuned length depending on frequency. The lower the frequency, the longer the antenna and vice versa. Which is why 2.4ghz antennas are so short and the old 27mhz am antennas are comparatively longer. Also depends if it is cut to be 1/4 wavelength, 1/8 wavelength and so on.

Thanks.

But my question was not about shortening the antenna itself. It's about shortening the antenna cable below the antenna - that is inside the boat.

Woodie.

I see what you mean. Same deal tho. The length of the antenna is from where it is soldered to the receiver to the end of the cable. If you need to "shorten " it inside the Hull, just wrap it around a piece of wood or cardboard or plastic even. Just don't cut it or bunch up the excess in a ball :-P you could lose range and maybe even your boat :-O

Thanks Bas.

Loosing the boat is what I really worry about. When mine is done, it will run in open saltwater, and I truely would hate so see all of my efforts in a 6.000 $ pack speeding away at 80 mph into the horizon!
Anyway I have heard of some gizmo, that will cut off the engine if radio signals fails. I think this is a must-have when you run in open waters.

Cheers!

Woodie.