Posted for "ckohler1@cfl.rr.com" <ckohler1@cfl.rr.com>:

 Maybe we are too eager to condemn our equipment ---when the problem is
 theirs. If you make a reception test (How far out can you receive low
 powered ATIS at a given altitude per each receiver and compare them. Then
 get a shop to measure the output on transmit. Then make some calls to known
 unicoms--turn the plane to different headings---- ALL this to verify that
 it's YOUR equiptment!!!!
 Charlie K.
 

"""
  My communcation improved when I purchased an external antenna from Pacific
 Coast Avionics. It extends down and aft for six inches or so and then bends
 straight aft. You will have to fashion some  sort of ground plane for it. I
 mad a spider of 12ga copper wire with about six radials. It works much
 better.
"""