So, I was washing all the High Sierra Fly-in dust off the plane a couple of weeks ago when I noticed a bolt with two nuts on it sticking out of the bottom of the plane. Seems I caught it on something on one of my landings and the plastic sheath that was around the bolt is now gone.

I don't have a clue what kind of antenna this is. Anyone on here have an idea? I have one just like it on top of the cabin. This next week's task is going to be pulling part of the interior to trace the wire to figure out what it goes to and whether or not it is something functional or leftovers. That will determine if it needs replaced or just dike the wire and plug the hole.

Thanks,
Cory

Looks like an insulator for an old ADF wire.

Gump

GumpAir wrote:Looks like an insulator for an old ADF wire.

Gump

I would have to concur.

Marty

I see some dirt....you missed a spot! haha Just think you might lose some dead weight when you open that up. I used to have a weird antenna cap thingy but I removed it and put on a plate. Removed drag and made cleaning easier. Anyway, that dirt really required a lot of cleaning! I can only image what it's going to look like when I take my belly off and clean it.

I would start with maintenance logs, STCs, manufacture original equipment list, and form 337s.

Wiring on inside of either antenna(s) and where does it go? Has aircraft been ferried to any strange places like Hawaii?

Can you Name this Antenna?

Let's call it Steve.

That's funny! Well, Steve won't be with us for much longer.

Brian, in my defense, this pic was from before I bought it, but I do have a spot or two that needs a little more elbow grease.

I finally heard back from the previous owner. Here is what he said:

That stub is the remains of the ADF Sense Antenna. It was a stiff wire, about 0.100" diameter that went down and aft. The ADF long wire antenna ran from the little stub that is still on top of the cabin roof to the tail. Both came off when the ADF was removed from the panel.

So Gump and 180jocky get the Gold stars.

So next question, what's the best way to cover the hole? It should be very small in diameter.

Thanks guys!

screw, bolt, STC'd radio shack plastic panel plug....

RIP Steve.
I think everybody should raise their glass in recognition of all the good work Steve once did.

My LF mount looked like that too....

If I were you I would remove the stub, you should then have a #8 hole left though the skin. Take a #5 solid rivet of the correct length, put it into the hole from underneath, and with a competent partner buck the rivet and you are done.

Marty

Cool, thanks! I think I have just the guy to help me with that. My good friend built an RV-9A and has all the tools and know how.

Speaking of adf's, I have one in a Maule I am restoring, and since the panel is IFR and all intact I am considering leaving it in. Not having been a pilot when they were popular, what uses could this adf be valuable for? Listening to the radio stations?

That's about it. For our flying club, we've yanked them realizing they are boat anchors.

JLB wrote:Speaking of adf's, I have one in a Maule I am restoring, and since the panel is IFR and all intact I am considering leaving it in. Not having been a pilot when they were popular, what uses could this adf be valuable for? Listening to the radio stations?

If you have another reason to go into the panel, then may as well pull it. Otherwise, fly to KWYS and it will help you identify which of the similar looking passes has an airport on the other side.

http://skyvector.com/?ll=44.58401216222598,-111.19564819586502&chart=301&zoom=2&plan=A.K5.KDPA:A.K4.KIAH:A.MM.MMCY

I think some of of us old farts still have a soft spot for ADF's.

I grew up with NDB approaches, flew almost nothing but NDB approaches in the pre-GPS days in Arctic Alaska, and made it home many, many times because KOTZ AM 780 was on the air, and that needle was telling me how to find my way in the snow and fog.

Gump

There is a guy here in Hawaii who used to import shoes from Taiwan in a Coney. 22 hour flight on 2000 mile ADF airways. I did not ask if he used a bubble sextant too. Probably. I would of.

Marty, I believe an additional description for the repair should be a competent MIDGET partner.

macktruckfarm wrote:Marty, I believe an additional description for the repair should be a competent MIDGET partner.

With hearing protection, there's a reason they call that area the hell hole.

Marty

Was wishing the ADF was still in when flying MN to AK in 2010. Missed getting local weather at many points - back up for nav as well.

Mark J