To avoid noise, hum, and other undesirable signals, always use shielded cable for any low-level audio
signals such as microphone inputs, and connect the shield of the cable as directed.
Antenna Installation
AFS does not supply COM antennas, radio coaxial cable, or antenna TNC connectors. The antenna
(including coaxial cable and connector) should be installed according to the manufacturer’s
instructions.
The following considerations should be taken into account when siting the antenna:
• The antenna should be well removed from any projections, the engine(s) and propeller(s). It
should also be well removed from landing gear doors, access doors or others openings which
will break the ground plane for the antenna.
• Separation of COM antenna(s) from transponder(s) and GPS receivers / antennas: 1 foot (12
inches).
• Separation of COM antenna(s) from Automatic Direction Finder (ADF) or 121.5 MHz Emergency
Locator Transmitter (ELT): 4 feet (48 inches)
• Separation of COM antenna from another COM or NAV antenna: Recommended separation
between COM antenna(s), NAV antenna(s), and ELT antennas is 6 feet (72 inches). Minimum
required separation between antennas is 4 feet (48 inches). Ideally, install the primary COM
antenna on the lower fuselage, and install the secondary / standby COM antenna on the upper
fuselage.
• The COM antenna(s) should not be installed in close proximity to AF-5000 displays, modules, or
servos to avoid RF interference.
• Where practical, plan the antenna location to keep the cable lengths as short as possible and
avoid sharp bends in the cable to minimize the VSWR (voltage standing wave ratio).
• Double-shielded coaxial cable is superior to single shield coax – more of the transmit power will
be coupled to the antenna, and less received signal will be lost.
• Electrical connection to the antenna should be protected to avoid loss of efficiency as a result
of the presence of liquids or moisture. All antenna feeders shall be installed in such a way that
a minimum of RF energy is radiated inside the aircraft.