Re-installed the IFR GPS antenna in a new location
20 Jun 2017 6 hours

Today I relocated the GPS antenna to the top of the aircraft, just aft of the rear window. I planned on installing it on the canopy glareshield, however right before i drilled the holes in the glareshield I tested out the GPS and it wasn’t working. Turns out there is a minimum antenna cable length of 6.5ft. The coax cable length was only 3ft to install it on the glareshield. I also didn’t like the idea of having a big white antenna obstructing the nice view out the windscreen. Unfortunately it was an expensive mistake. The crimp on connectors on each end are $27 a piece, plus $2.75 a foot for the cable…ouch!

Antenna aligned with the airstream

I fabricated a doubler plate with nutplates riveted in. I designed this so that the antenna can be installed or replaced without having to climb into the aft tailcone.

New connector crimped on

Plate riveted in.

Antenna temporarily installed

Design pdevty