"November Bravo" wrote in message
...
Has anyone
encountered this problem and know of a list of things to check before
sending the aircraft to an aviation radio specialist?


Off the top of my head, you are probably receiving interference via the power
system or your engine is radiating interference that being picked up by the
antenna and drowning out reception.

The first problem might be solved with some filtering and careful attention to
your aircraft's ground system, and the second problem might respond to an
antenna relocation and/or engine electrical shielding. Make sure that the
antenna coaxial cable is not accidentally serving as the power ground for the
radio (unplug antenna and make sure that radio still has power)

Two things you can easily check that would provide important troubleshooting
clues:

1) If you use a portable radio inside the cockpit with the engine running, do
you have the same problem? and...
2) If you power the Dittle from a temporary battery (not connected to the
glider's electrical system) does it make any difference in the transmission
and/or reception?

Vaughn