Spektrum Module Antenna

[dibble34]

I have very poor range with a Spektrum module i am using. The plastic antenna is not there just the wire. May be a stupid question, but would this be the issue? Does the plastic antenna actually do something other than house the wire?

[lordnikon]

If its a 2.4G module then the antenna wire should be up at 90degrees for maximum reception value. However thats not to say it wont work anyway else, it just wont give max range.

I know john abbott @ Torch runs his spektrum gear just with the wire in the shell flapping around and its fine, i am planning to do the same with mine and the test range seems to be more than enough.

Is the receiver next to the ESC and could this be causing interference ??

[dibble34]

Sorry this is the module that goes in the back of the handset, not the receiver if that makes sense

[mikeyscott]

Dave what RX's are you using? Micro?

Antenna's are cheap, get it replaced!

[dibble34]

Tried to 3100 pro receivers so not that. Only just got it so didn't want to open it up and change the antenna without being sure that was the problem. Seller did say it was broken but didn't mention a lack of range. He may of assumed i would realise that however

Pretty sure this is the part http://www.wheelspinmodels.co.uk/i/53337/

[Dazzler]

Futaba recommend the antenna is vertical to the ground for best performance. So if it's just a wire waggling around, it's unlikely you are getting the best out of your radio.

Ref the antenna you are looking for, if I remember correctly, the colour of the wire is significant, as it relates to it's fitment. So of the wire you have waggling about is black, then the one you found is probably correct.

[dibble34]

It is pointing up ish, but 15 feet seemed silly. The wire is about 8cm long as well, which doesn't seem much

[Dazzler]

8cm is about all it can be, given the length of the original antenna.

Has it come un-plugged internally? Worth a check. It's only like a very small press stud type connection.

[dibble34]

feels ok, i shall have a look....

[dibble34]

Just tried the Antenna from my Futaba pro module and it worked fine, so antenna is broken. Would never of known they just pop off, assumed they were soldered in place. Many thanks to Daz for the top tip