My Antenna Projects

From M6FCT

So, this entry is going to be about the 2 antennas I have made.

As mentioned in the last entry I already have a 2m/70cm mag mount antenna. I currently use this, not only on my vehicle, but also sat on top of my cameras tripod in the garden. It allows me excellent access to two local repeaters GB3WR in Wells and GB3WB in Weston-Super--Mare. I did used to use GB3FI in Axbridge as well, but that has now gone digital.

I also have the Baofeng UV5Re's Stock antenna, but I have used it once, I think. I prefer to use a telescopic antenna I have had from my ATC radio days.

So recently I have built 2 antennas and one extension for my telescopic;

The first of the antennas was a dipole for both the 2 meter and 70 centimeter bands... or so the instruction I followed said. Made from copper tube, an old drawer front and a LOT of cable ties, it produced a 1:1 on the SWR meter for both bands, happy days.

The second and more recent antenna was again a dipole but it was using two telescopic arms secured by a piece of baton. Bot antennas had a choke about an inch away from the feed point.

The third item I made was to allow my telescopic antenna to stick out of the side of my rucksack, so I was not waving antennas around whilst walking. It was made from an old loose leaf tea tin. With a female BNC plug in the top, a choke wound around an old solder drum placed inside the tin and a male BNC on the tail end.

I tested the item on GB3WRthe Mendip repeater. I had placed the item on the floor, put out a call and immediately got a reply. RST was about 3/6 but I put that down to it being on the floor inside. Half way through the exchange my little one woke up and began to scream. I had to cut short, but once she was in bed; I loaded the system into my rucksack and went outside. I tried GB3WB and once again got a reply this was a 5/9 and the gentleman I was talking to, I believe was the repeater keeper. He asked my QTH and my power output. (4Watts). I explained I was testing my new antenna system.

Not a bad little QSO.

My next plan is to make a little antenna to mount on the side of the house. It needs to be light and discrete, so I’m thinking of using something like old wire coat hangers, but we will see. I want to do some more research into antennas before I work on that project. I will keep you all informed.

73's

M6FCT.