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Linda, You should ABSOLUTELY have better signal with the tower under the circumstances you describe than "your transmission is very weak". It should have sounded loud and clear to the tower at that range or even a much longer range. For the ICOM, my prime suspicion is the rubber ducky antenna. If it works fine with the aircraft antenna (or another borrowed antenna [in someone else's plane, maybe?], then the radio is fine and you can just replace the rubber ducky antenna - cheap. Also, I'll agree with Al and Tommy - it's good to find a HAM radio person - one who plays with the equipment rather than one of those new ones who just get a license so they can use an amateur handheld. I've known hams who would have had up fixed the first day with their knowledge and debugging skills. In hunting for a mechanic, I'd urge you to look for someone who loves other old planes like a Cub or Luscome or Cessna 120 or 140 or any other old plane, preferably one with a Continental C-series engine or an O-200. Ideally, it'd be someone who owns a vintage airplane because he loves them but just finding a person who loves them is enough. Most things are common from them to the Coupe. When I bought my Coupe, I knew very little about engines. My needs spurred my interest and made me read some. When the mechanic was working on the plane, I'd hang around when I could. I'd tell the mechanic that I knew I was slowing things down some with my presence and questions but I was happy to pay for his time as I needed to understand things to be a good and safe pilot. Mechanics have responded well to this and it hasn't cost all that much for the extra on-the-clock time for my on-site education. I'm certainly no expert on engines or their parts, but I have learned a lot over the years and am much better off for it. Over the years, I've changed out two or three instruments and contorted myself under the panel to debug problems a few times. But, while I still don't do much more than change the oil, fill the tires and wash the plane myself, I do know a lot more of what to watch for. Well, now I'm puttering at building a kit-built ELSA but I'm so timid it's not going fast. I've learned to pop rivet and cut aluminum and a few other things and it's amazing the feeling of power that gives me. I even fixed metal problems on my popup camper on a lawn chair! And, I understand my car better, too. Basic slogan: The more you know, the better off you are. (And we all start off ignorant.) Ed Burkhead http://edburkhead.com <http://edburkhead.com/> ed -at- edburkhead???.com (change -at- to @ and remove "???") ============================================================================== To leave this forum go to: http://ercoupers.com/lists.htm
