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[BreezyB]

I noticed recently that a local model club insists that sailors should display a frequency flag (Quite Right) but also a "protective bobble" on the aerial, could someone explain what this is for please ??. Many thanks.

[Circlip]

Foam ball on top of aerial, stops you from having somebody's eye out.

[BreezyB]

Ahhhhh!! That makes complete sense, although I was hoping it was going to be something more technical !!!. Anyway,many thanks for taking the time to supply the information, its all part of the learning curve and that is why this forum is such an asset. Kind Regards B.

[Circlip]

OK. It's a visual aid for the anticipated position of the radiation extremity of the point of transmission of a ground based hand held control unit,-- an it stops yer from having someones eye out.

[malcolmfrary]

Years ago, ae one of the Marblehead World Championships held at Fleetwood, the man from the telly was interviewing one of the Fleetwood luminaries about the whys and wherefores of racing model yachts.  What turned out to be the final question was "Why is there a practice golf ball on the end of the aerial?"  to which the reply was "It's better than someone's bl**dy eyeball". 

[tolnedra]

I think you will find it's also a requirement of your club's/personal insurance policy, to have a preventive device on the end of your aerial. Nothing there? Then no cover, you know how good insurance companies are at wriggling out of paying for anything!

Danny

[BreezyB]

Thanks for your detailed explanation Circlip but why didn't you say so in the first place (lol) !!!!!, as a retired development engineer that is just the sort of detail that I was expected to write in reports. Technicians just wouldn't have understood "Stops having someones eye out".
I really just don't know what I thought the "Bobble" did, perhaps it indicated a frequency clash? or perhaps it played God Save The Queen when your boat sank? or did it light up to indicate where sailors were standing at night. Just shows what I know. But thanks to all for your light hearted and informative comments, its all usefull stuff. Have a great Christmas. Regards Barrie.

[malcolmfrary]

or did it light up to indicate where sailors were standing at night.

Now theres a thought.