Whip Antennas

[S.Moore]

I have a whip antenna for one of my body packs that is of the floppy wire variety (not the remote audio one). Should these antennas be taped to the body in a vertical position? It just seems like every time I try to use it regardless of range I get RF drop out. Has anyone used these antennas with success?

[bishopthomas]

What condition is it in? I have found that the wire in those type antennas break very easily. I suspect that you're just getting stepped on. Do you use this unit in a variety of places or is it in a fixed location? Can you adjust the frequency?

[S.Moore]

Originally Posted by bishopthomas

What condition is it in? I have found that the wire in those type antennas break very easily. I suspect that you're just getting stepped on. Do you use this unit in a variety of places or is it in a fixed location? Can you adjust the frequency?

The cable might be old, but it had a new sma connector put on it recently. I should clarify its not a straight drop, but psht, and ssht sound. Its on a body pack, and happens regardless of frequency. Should I tape them straight up the spine?

[bishopthomas]

You could try that. Or turn it over so that the antenna is straight down and let gravity do the work for you. I guess I'm not familiar with SMA connectors. What brand/model bodypack do you have? The antenna has a connector on it so that it is swappable?

[John Willett]

Originally Posted by S.Moore

Should these antennas be taped to the body in a vertical position?

NO - NO - NO - NO - NO !

If you tape the antenna to the body you will have at least 60-70dB of signal attenuation due to body absorption.

You need to keep the antenna at least 1cm away from the body if at all possible.

Best is to turn the transmitter upside down and let the antenna hang loose.

Also check clothing that there are no metal fibers there which will affect transmission.