I've braided/roped wire like that plenty of times before. But I never knew that's a way to straighten solid core and get the insulation off. That's a beautiful braid though. I'd be tempted to see if it would soak up some solder in the cracks and encase it in clear shrink wrap.
Nice work for sure. I figured you were an electrician too by the way you knew how to manage the wire. Excellent. I'll be showing the guys at work this video. I just got my Technicians last week and you put my 2 meter hand built antenna to shame.
+Jason Wilcox Thank you. I received my Tech last Feb. then my General in March, while I was in a layoff between jobs. Now that I am working back full time I had to stop studying for the Extra exam. Extra class will take a lot more time for studying.
Wow, you're a genius at using a screw gun. I'd never have thought of this to straighten wire. That worked great! This past Saturday, I passed my Technician license test and the local Ham club gave me an HT Yaesu FT-4VR, a mono band 2 meter HT. Now I need to make an antenna for the 2 meter band. You sure made a very nice 1/4 wave ground plane. I really like it. I thought you had to bend the ground radials down at about 45 degrees to decrease the feed point impedance.
@W. Rusty Lane Every home made antenna like this I've seen they bend the ground radials down. Two reasons I didn't do it. Keeping them straight for ease of packing it into backpack. Plus I don't have an antenna analyzer or swr meter to check it. Take your General exam soon after the Technician because many of the questions are nearly identical.
I made one similar to this for a club. They loved it! They thought I was an amateur radio operator because it was so well made. They also use it for 70 centimeters, GMRS, and their own private business channel they call silver star.
+ghg ghghg Thank you, glad you like it. I'm an Electrician and the copper wire was free. You can use other types of metal but copper is a better in conductivity and the only price was for the SO-239, Four Bolts, Nuts and Time. No loss if I have to leave it somewhere.
One of the best iterations I've seen of that design. Good tips to ease the process and to make it stronger / better. TNX. K4KID. Two thumbs up. i only have two or I'd give you three thumbs up! 73
@Terry Ketron...Many Thanks. That's what this is all about, showing each others ideas. I made the elements strong for my extreme outdoor lifestyle. You should see my Fox Hunt hand held Beam antenna. Main tube is PVC. Elements are copper, same as this one but I used female threaded studs for the main beam and male threaded studs for the elements. This way I can unscrew the elements and store them in the PVC main shaft for storage when carrying it. I never liked the Tape Measure elements that most people use, looks trashy to me.
The Baofeng GT3-TP can be converted to function on the 1.25 meter band configuring the band limits. I have done it several times. Then you wind up with a triple band handheld transceiver! However, you need another antenna for 222Mhz to 225Mhz. But, that would not be a problem for you because you know how to make the antenna. Cut the antenna to 223Mhz.
@Indrid Cold there isn't any activity in the 1.25 meter portion around me. 2 meters is about all other than HF. there are a few 70 cm repeaters but not used very often and Zero GMRS repeaters or activity
@@TwoFeatherChannel Here, there are a few 1.25 meter repeaters around, though not many. The unpopular band is a heaven sent for the paintball teams, hunters, and other outdoor people. Nobody is there so they can communicate almost privately. GMRS here is a giant linked network with coverage from coast to coast. By far, GMRS is the most popular band here, above any amateur or non-licensed band. 2meters is the second favourite. Then there is 10 meters.
@@indridcold8433 I'm in a rural area of Louisiana where the majority of people have more things to do than talk on radios. that's why not many repeaters here. just the ones put up by local ham club and mostly used by them while driving.
@@TwoFeatherChannel I am not an not an amateur radio operator. I am a listener. I do not have a license. There is a Citizen's Band radio in my old vehicle, which I installed back in 1996, when I bought it new. But, it is nearly empty. I would remove it but I cut very artistic cubby holes in the dashboard to install the radio when it was popular, back then. I had poor foresight. Now, I can not uninstall it without buying new dashboard panels, which are a tall order for a 26 year old vehicle. So, I just let it stay in its place. It still looks great. Everything still works. But the band is dead. I listen to many bands. Unfortunately, CB just happens to be almost dead here.
@@indridcold8433 I have a ham license but I'm not one of those Sour Hams that think you have to have a license to talk on Open Air communications frequencies. it's Free Speech, as long as you don't interfere with other people communications, I think anyone should be able to use any frequency. a license is a government thing and the government says: No One can Own a Frequency. well if No One can Own it, No One can tell You that You can't Use it.
I like the straightening technique. Ya need a wind screen for the mic. on the camera. I like how you wound the strands together using a drill. I'm gonna have to try that. You did a fine job on that, Two Feathers. Are ya using a HT? I see that you are. Very good reception with the height of that antenna.
@Uncle JD anytime. You can also use a Round Shaft Screwdriver, just pull it tight and run the screwdriver shaft along the bare wire. Straightens by friction but takes a little longer.
Ah, my chuck is prob 3/8”. That explains since I was doing as you indicated. I want to use this as an antenna for traveling. Thus, I am hoping it will work to squish or open longer for various frequencies. Thanks. It worked great when I took it in my front yard. I hit a repeater I never have before! Not even sure where it was. Looking it up now.
That's great. You can also use just one wire folded over, that will make two strands. Should be ridged enough and still fit a smaller drill chuck. I made mine for traveling, so I could carry it in a backpack while hiking through the forest.
nice job, looks great too! they say you can get closer to 50 ohms if you angle the radials downward to approx 45 degrees +/- to achieve a 1:1 swr. I’ll build one and check it out on the antenna analyzer and let you know. I can’t believe you have 41 dislikes... what’s not to like about this?
That’s a clean build. Have you hooked it up to a VNA or SWR antenna analyzer? You might also consider drilling some holes into the bulkhead and adding 4 more radials - which would make it crazy good.
@aerostar No I haven't bought an antenna analyzer yet I need to get one soon since I have an HF/VHF/UHF rig for my Jeep and will be mounting antennas on the front bumper bar
@Inconsequential Yes most people don't know how electricity travels Electrons flow along the outer surface of the Antenna called (Skin Effect) So the larger the Diameter, the more electron flow. More pathways or Lanes of travel And Copper is a great Conductor
Hey Squid, thanks for that twist idea that was pure genius. What was the link for the antenna and just a little more info on the construction. Thanks from an O/S. KJ7HWV Spokane Valley WA
Not sure if you intended to do it, but twisting those two wires together should make that a pretty broad banded antenna. I am guessing you should be able to get close to the entire 2m band with that at pretty low reflected energy. Nice build.
+Bruce Lawrence I tuned the length to our most used repeater at 147.330 mhz. but have not tested it beyond that. Some day I will get a much needed MFJ antenna analyzer. I have some 3 element yagis made from same copper wire and PVC tubing that I mainly need to check before using.
How did you remove an isolation from cables? It must be horrible...I´m going to built this antenne too, so I´m little affraid of the removing of cable isolation.
@Rob Jord Wrapped one end around a tree limb, then used Wire Strippers to skin insulation off at 6" inches at a time. Easier to skin off smaller sections, that way the insulation doesn't ball up and bind.
@Pete Ables it's for 2 meter ham radio at 147.000 Mhz. CB radio in the u.s. is at 27.000 Mhz. You can still use the same design but it will need to be Much Longer for the lower Mhz frequency.
+Glock My ground plane measurements were 20". The local repeater in my area that is mostly used is on 147.330. So I used that frequency in my measurement. Ground plane formula is 2948/frequency of your choice. You can choose the center of the 2-meter band as your frequency but people in my area don't use the other repeaters much.
New ham here and this looked like a fun, straightforward first project. I purchased copper on the coil since I could not find the right size. I am having real trouble keeping the four strands in the clamp end of the drill at once without pulling out. I have finally twisted each half of the radiator (like the ground plane reflectors) and THEN twisted the two of them together as much as I can. Even that will only hold for a few turns. Any hints?
I have a 1/2" chuck, that holds all of them together. Make sure each strand is straight. Turn drill slowly, while pulling the wire tight towards the drill, that's away from the stationary end. That should hold them together.
@Tim Miller....I do not know anything about the 3 meter band but if it uses a Vertical Radial to transmit/receive and Horizontal Radial ground plane, then this formula I used to figure the length to a specific frequency will work for you. Just use the frequency you will be using in the equation to find your length.
So you basically folded the wire pieces in half and then twisted them? does the distance between the end of the twist and the contact to the center pin/connector holes matter? And how did you fit the doubled wire in the center pin?
+N3ssaya Yes, I had 2 long straight pieces of wire, fold them in half which gave me 4 wires bundled together, twisted. Yes, distance in length does matter, I gave the formula to use as the multiplier for the frequency you will use. I had 1 strand of wire a little longer than the other 3 to place in the center pin hole connector, and the other 3 were touching the outer side of the main center pin. Solder all 4 ends to the main center pin. This is how electrons and electricity works, electrons travel on the outer skin of the wire, not in the wire center itself. It is called Skin Effect. So by folding the 2 wires over, you are creating a 4 lane highway for the radio signal to travel on.
+56thSPSk970 Okay I will cut the length for that to be center. It will have a much broader range but that should be the best spot, where it will be most used. Send me a PM on my channel page with your shipping information.
question: how did they calculated the radiator: 2808 and the radial: 2948 am trying to build one for the air traffic 122mhz. if i use this calculation then my radiator comes at 23 inch and my radial will be 24 inch am trying to build a same model for my scanner vhf/uhf question: do i realy need the radiator? in my case? awsome straightening on the wire m8 it worked perfect here :)
@Dredlocks For receiving a signal you don't need to be exact on length and you don't need the reflecting radials. You can use a metal fence around your house as an antenna. When receiving there is No RF power going out of your radio into the antenna and back into the radio to cause any damage. Only when Transmitting out of your radio do you need to be exact or near in length for optimum SWR so your radio doesn't get damaged by returned RF power. The reflecting radial aids in bouncing the transmitting upward and out, also called Ground Plane acts like the surface of the earth.
@@TwoFeatherChannel since i aint got no metal fence i need to build an receiving antenna with copper wire which should work perfect. i have seen discone antennas for scanner use, but its nice to make one by myself, do you have video,s or manuals on how to build one? best regards
@@kloteful No I don't have videos or manuals on building those. A single run of copper wire works. People talk all over the world with just a single run of copper wire. You can tie a non conductive line on one end and toss it up a tree to pull one end up in the air or tie the line in the middle and pull it up making a inverted V=^ shape. Search ARRL for more ideas.
Great tip on build technique and materials! I was considering this style antenna to replace my AIS collinear. Will the variable in the formula change if other materials is used (for instance aluminium or stainless steel) or can i use it with all styles 1/4 wave monopoles?
+Formula400Pontiac RF travels the same as electricity, so yes the material type will make a difference in performance only, not in the formula. Copper and Stainless Steel are better conductors but weigh more and is more expensive than Aluminum. One reason why Aluminum elements are used in the radio industry. Also the Larger the diameter of the Tube or Conductor being used will be an improvement. But all in all, using Aluminum is good enough.
At approx. 4:05 mark in video, on the printed page you are holding that shows diagram for ant., in the lower-right corner the picture seems to be indicating the radials are to be passing under or over the adjacent corners of the connector as does the picture in the lower-left corner...can anyone explain that? Would it be a way to provide strain-relief and/or more stability to the radials? Thank you for your time and assistance. Raymond - WF7BSR
+Raymond L. Placing them on top is more stable but is not necessary in performance. I made mine to be taken apart for transport. You probably will need to angle them down slightly, depending on your SWR readings.
+100msw The center element is connected to the center main conductor of coaxial cable, which is where the the transmitting power runs through. The other 4 elements are reflectors, which create an artificial ground plane to bounce the signal to and from the center element and they are connected to the outer shielded conductor of the coaxial cable. You can think of it as a Positive and Negative of automobile dc power, they are separate but need each other to work.
@Troy Carpenter....Not sure but I think it is meant for a larger deflection area. It is the same for a Beam style antenna. The rear Reflector/Deflector Element is larger to keep the energy directed towards the Driver Element, which is smaller.
I'd like to see how you soldered that center pin to the 4 strand vertical. If the radials get to rocking around in the wind, the vertical might break off..
@Steve Tomlinson I kept one strand long enough to go through the connector. The other three were soldered to the outside of the center pin and all four were soldered together. Then I applied epoxy glue around where all four were soldered. Then I applied shrink tubbing around that area.
@Norvin Sakiral....No. Almost the same but not exactly. Center pole length: is 2808 divided by the frequency you are using. Four Ground radials length: is 2948 divided by the frequency you are using. The measurements will be calculated in inches.
@John Ossi.......The Center or Vertical radial is used for Transmit and Receive the signal. The four Horizontal radials is what the signal bounces off or reflects off of, which makes it a ground plane. Similar to a Satellite Dish reflecting a signal to the center, where the receiving device is. It's a mathematical formula used on frequencies to achieve the correct lengths.
+CheckmateGamer I found center of the wire length and wrapped it around a small diameter tree limb. Then placed the free ends into the chuck of a cordless drill. Turn drill slowly while pull slight pressure away from center loop. You can use the round shaft of a screwdriver or a round rod to achieve the same results.
@Jhaz1914 I use ordinary wire strippers. I secure one end of wire tight, then begin on the free end by stripping about 8 inches of insulation off at a time. Stripping it in smaller amounts keeps the insulation from balling up.
@yeoj joey No. This length is for vhf, around 144mhz range in frequency. uhf is 446mhz range in frequency. So uhf antenna needs to be around 6 inches in length.
+Eric C 70 miles away. The frequency I'm using is 147 MHz, that is near the frequency of those Two Way radios you see in Sporting Goods Stores GMRS/FRS that boast "35 Miles" but they don't, you are lucky to get 5 miles with them.
@NICOLA LA MOTTA....rg58 will work for both bands. But LMR200 is better. Same diameter OD but thicker center conductor which gives less line loss. Plus if you use Type N connectors they work better for these higher frequencies. PL 259 is rated for HF 11 meter, 10 meters on up. Lower the meters like 2 meters, 70 cm not so much.
@@TwoFeatherChannel yeah yeah ok thank u no problem..... I done an error writing the question....that had to be "is rg58 good for the vhf uhf frequencies?.....however thank you for the answer...
+56thSPSk970 Good, you will probably need it to tune the antenna to your radio. Usually bending the 4 ground plane down slightly is all it takes. Do you have a specific frequency you would like it to made for?
@@robjord328 Using 172.500 MHz: Length is 16.27" One Transmit Vertical Radial (Center). 17.08" Four Reflector Horizontal Radials (Sides). 448.000 MHz: Length is 6.26" One Transmit Vertical Radial (Center). 6.58" Four Reflector Horizontal Radials (Sides). Measurements are in Inches.
Man the tip for straightening the wire was awesome1
I know Im kind of randomly asking but does anybody know a good website to watch new movies online ?
@Rylan Raylan flixportal :)
@Immanuel Forest thank you, I went there and it seems like they got a lot of movies there =) Appreciate it !!
@Rylan Raylan you are welcome :D
I've braided/roped wire like that plenty of times before. But I never knew that's a way to straighten solid core and get the insulation off. That's a beautiful braid though. I'd be tempted to see if it would soak up some solder in the cracks and encase it in clear shrink wrap.
It soaked up the solder on the tip before I placed it on the SO-239.
The straitening trick will be with me forever. Thanks.
Great job. Attention to detail in construction is some of the best I have seen.
@Flybaby W
Thank you, I like things to be neat. When I see people using those tape measure yagis, I think they look so trashy
You are the MAN, MAN! Last night made the same one, it's amazing how good it works. Also it works very nice on UHF(420MHz was used).
@Dejan Besina Great! Good to see you made one, that's what this is all about, sharing.
this antenna is aplicale also for UHF in 450 mhz or not? and if we used the formula the antenna became smaller .. thanks you
your drill idea for straightening wire will be good for lots of projects, not just this one, im gonna have to remember that trick.
+PARADOXICLES
When you pull the wire tight and start to turn the drill, be sure not to turn it too much or it will twist the wire.
good to know, thanks.
Nice work for sure. I figured you were an electrician too by the way you knew how to manage the wire. Excellent. I'll be showing the guys at work this video. I just got my Technicians last week and you put my 2 meter hand built antenna to shame.
+Jason Wilcox
Thank you. I received my Tech last Feb. then my General in March, while I was in a layoff between jobs. Now that I am working back full time I had to stop studying for the Extra exam. Extra class will take a lot more time for studying.
That drill technique is something I leaned in the first minute.....thanks
@krazytrinisteve You're welcome.
Nice way to straighten the wire. Thank you for this info. Have a blessed day.
@Richard Parker...You're welcome.
Nicely done! I like the straightening out trick using the cordless drill!
Wow, you're a genius at using a screw gun. I'd never have thought of this to straighten wire. That worked great! This past Saturday, I passed my Technician license test and the local Ham club gave me an HT Yaesu FT-4VR, a mono band 2 meter HT. Now I need to make an antenna for the 2 meter band. You sure made a very nice 1/4 wave ground plane. I really like it. I thought you had to bend the ground radials down at about 45 degrees to decrease the feed point impedance.
@W. Rusty Lane Every home made antenna like this I've seen they bend the ground radials down. Two reasons I didn't do it. Keeping them straight for ease of packing it into backpack. Plus I don't have an antenna analyzer or swr meter to check it.
Take your General exam soon after the Technician because many of the questions are nearly identical.
I made one similar to this for a club. They loved it! They thought I was an amateur radio operator because it was so well made. They also use it for 70 centimeters, GMRS, and their own private business channel they call silver star.
Nice video good construction technique if you bend the radials down 45° you'll get a great SWR match and wider band with
@Don D...Yes, I didn't bend them at the time I made it because I didn't have an SWR Meter.
The wire straightening, the elasticated rope the pulls the aerial up like magic, great ideas
@Free Saxon...Thank you, I keep it simple and easy.
That is beautiful!!! I love using the drill to straighten - I used to hang a weight on and heat with a blow torch - this is so much better.
The best looking antenna ever yet it works impressively!! Very well done
+ghg ghghg
Thank you, glad you like it. I'm an Electrician and the copper wire was free. You can use other types of metal but copper is a better in conductivity and the only price was for the SO-239, Four Bolts, Nuts and Time. No loss if I have to leave it somewhere.
What a cool idea for hoisting it! I would not have thought of that. Now it is not necessary to haul a mast around. 👍
@Double 5...Perfect for my lifestyle, Backbacking, Hiking or camping.
You are genius, clean and nice antenna💯
@Ismail Co Thank you. I like to make things look good and work efficiently.
One of the best iterations I've seen of that design. Good tips to ease the process and to make it stronger / better. TNX. K4KID. Two thumbs up. i only have two or I'd give you three thumbs up! 73
@Terry Ketron...Many Thanks. That's what this is all about, showing each others ideas. I made the elements strong for my extreme outdoor lifestyle. You should see my Fox Hunt hand held Beam antenna. Main tube is PVC. Elements are copper, same as this one but I used female threaded studs for the main beam and male threaded studs for the elements. This way I can unscrew the elements and store them in the PVC main shaft for storage when carrying it. I never liked the Tape Measure elements that most people use, looks trashy to me.
I was radio man in Slovkian army. Used to know all the stuff , morse code...40 meters V antennas .... Don't remember any of it. Lol
Very very good,congratulations!!!good job...like
@JC Felipe thank you
The Baofeng GT3-TP can be converted to function on the 1.25 meter band configuring the band limits. I have done it several times. Then you wind up with a triple band handheld transceiver! However, you need another antenna for 222Mhz to 225Mhz. But, that would not be a problem for you because you know how to make the antenna. Cut the antenna to 223Mhz.
@Indrid Cold
there isn't any activity in the 1.25 meter portion around me. 2 meters is about all other than HF.
there are a few 70 cm repeaters but not used very often and Zero GMRS repeaters or activity
@@TwoFeatherChannel Here, there are a few 1.25 meter repeaters around, though not many. The unpopular band is a heaven sent for the paintball teams, hunters, and other outdoor people. Nobody is there so they can communicate almost privately. GMRS here is a giant linked network with coverage from coast to coast. By far, GMRS is the most popular band here, above any amateur or non-licensed band. 2meters is the second favourite. Then there is 10 meters.
@@indridcold8433 I'm in a rural area of Louisiana where the majority of people have more things to do than talk on radios. that's why not many repeaters here. just the ones put up by local ham club and mostly used by them while driving.
@@TwoFeatherChannel I am not an not an amateur radio operator. I am a listener. I do not have a license. There is a Citizen's Band radio in my old vehicle, which I installed back in 1996, when I bought it new. But, it is nearly empty. I would remove it but I cut very artistic cubby holes in the dashboard to install the radio when it was popular, back then. I had poor foresight. Now, I can not uninstall it without buying new dashboard panels, which are a tall order for a 26 year old vehicle. So, I just let it stay in its place. It still looks great. Everything still works. But the band is dead. I listen to many bands. Unfortunately, CB just happens to be almost dead here.
@@indridcold8433 I have a ham license but I'm not one of those Sour Hams that think you have to have a license to talk on Open Air communications frequencies. it's Free Speech, as long as you don't interfere with other people communications, I think anyone should be able to use any frequency. a license is a government thing and the government says: No One can Own a Frequency. well if No One can Own it, No One can tell You that You can't Use it.
this guy is the man
I like the straightening technique. Ya need a wind screen for the mic. on the camera. I like how you wound the strands together using a drill. I'm gonna have to try that. You did a fine job on that, Two Feathers. Are ya using a HT? I see that you are. Very good reception with the height of that antenna.
Great trick for straightening that wire. Thanks for sharing.
@Uncle JD anytime. You can also use a Round Shaft Screwdriver, just pull it tight and run the screwdriver shaft along the bare wire. Straightens by friction but takes a little longer.
Very good information. Thank you.
@Ron Baker You're welcome
Ah, my chuck is prob 3/8”. That explains since I was doing as you indicated. I want to use this as an antenna for traveling. Thus, I am hoping it will work to squish or open longer for various frequencies. Thanks. It worked great when I took it in my front yard. I hit a repeater I never have before! Not even sure where it was. Looking it up now.
That's great. You can also use just one wire folded over, that will make two strands. Should be ridged enough and still fit a smaller drill chuck.
I made mine for traveling, so I could carry it in a backpack while hiking through the forest.
That is some really nice work. 73
@Mike Thank you Mike.
nice job, looks great too! they say you can get closer to 50 ohms if you angle the radials downward to approx 45 degrees +/- to achieve a 1:1 swr. I’ll build one and check it out on the antenna analyzer and let you know.
I can’t believe you have 41 dislikes... what’s not to like about this?
@inma truckyo I didn't have an SWR meter or an Analyzer at the time I built it, so I kept them straight then.
Using the drill to straighten out the wire is truly genius!!👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
de WB9DBD
Thank you. Excellent video. I will set one up just like this at the little ranch.
Wow. I like your build much better than mine.
+Bernarr Coletta
Thank you. They are easy to make.
Man that is 110 % quality. When I make money it will be like yours. Thanks for sharing.
Mine* :)
@ES..... Glad you like it. That's why I'm here on youbiee tubiee. To learn from others and show others, what can be done.
@@TwoFeatherChannel I just noticed all of your other videos. Nice! Time to binge watch your videos!
@@THESPORTINGCAMP... Cool! Watch and learn.
not only working but very pretty
@Marek Kaszewski
Thank you. I put a little art and style into things I do.
That is a thing of beauty man...
+KillBoxFilms
Thank you, I try to make things look good.
In case you don't know, you can "close" the heatshrink end cap by clamping it with pliers while it's hot
Yes. Thanks for the input.
That’s a clean build. Have you hooked it up to a VNA or SWR antenna analyzer? You might also consider drilling some holes into the bulkhead and adding 4 more radials - which would make it crazy good.
@aerostar No I haven't bought an antenna analyzer yet
I need to get one soon since I have an HF/VHF/UHF rig for my Jeep and will be mounting antennas on the front bumper bar
A lot of people don't know you can do that. In fact, I just made this with 4 gauge stranded ground wire, 7 strand.
@Inconsequential Yes most people don't know how electricity travels
Electrons flow along the outer surface of the Antenna called (Skin Effect)
So the larger the Diameter, the more electron flow. More pathways or Lanes of travel
And Copper is a great Conductor
Brilliant!
Awesome, I learned some stuff here, thanks!
+Rich4150
Learning is good.
very cool, I will tuck this vid away for later use, I got too many projects goin on lol !
This antenna looks very nice! Is all of the wire solid?
@Blade Yes all solid single strand #12 gauge copper wire.
Just twisted them together for rigidity.
Great video! Thank you!!
@Jason Ferguson You're welcome.
Looks nice there
Hey Squid, thanks for that twist idea that was pure genius. What was the link for the antenna and just a little more info on the construction. Thanks from an O/S.
KJ7HWV Spokane Valley WA
@William Gallant I do not understand what (Link for Antenna) you are asking about.
Also what part of (the Construction) are you needing more info on.
Not sure if you intended to do it, but twisting those two wires together should make that a pretty broad banded antenna. I am guessing you should be able to get close to the entire 2m band with that at pretty low reflected energy. Nice build.
+Bruce Lawrence
I tuned the length to our most used repeater at 147.330 mhz. but have not tested it beyond that. Some day I will get a much needed MFJ antenna analyzer. I have some 3 element yagis made from same copper wire and PVC tubing that I mainly need to check before using.
Nice job, looks really good!
+The Bohemian Hunting Club
Works well getting through the tree forest.
How did you remove an isolation from cables? It must be horrible...I´m going to built this antenne too, so I´m little affraid of the removing of cable isolation.
@Rob Jord Wrapped one end around a tree limb, then used Wire Strippers to skin insulation off at 6" inches at a time. Easier to skin off smaller sections, that way the insulation doesn't ball up and bind.
That is really cool.
I sorry I just found your videos on RUclips and was wondering if that antenna was for a ham radio or a cb radio
@Pete Ables it's for 2 meter ham radio at 147.000 Mhz. CB radio in the u.s. is at 27.000 Mhz. You can still use the same design but it will need to be Much Longer for the lower Mhz frequency.
Ok thanks
A lot of work, but worth it.Nice
@MacGyver 2 ...Like most things, gotta spend a little time in to do it right.
Awesome Info Bro! Share it with our Team
+Bluetunder40
More ammo for your arsenal.
Big time Bro!
Great idea for the twist. How long were the ground plane wires? 19" as well? How high did you take it up in the tree
+Glock
My ground plane measurements were 20".
The local repeater in my area that is mostly used is on 147.330. So I used that frequency in my measurement.
Ground plane formula is 2948/frequency of your choice. You can choose the center of the 2-meter band as your frequency but people in my area don't use the other repeaters much.
New ham here and this looked like a fun, straightforward first project. I purchased copper on the coil since I could not find the right size. I am having real trouble keeping the four strands in the clamp end of the drill at once without pulling out. I have finally twisted each half of the radiator (like the ground plane reflectors) and THEN twisted the two of them together as much as I can. Even that will only hold for a few turns. Any hints?
Redid it with new wire and worked better. To tune the antenna, can you squeeze the end loop of the radiator to lengthen or shorten?
I have a 1/2" chuck, that holds all of them together. Make sure each strand is straight. Turn drill slowly, while pulling the wire tight towards the drill, that's away from the stationary end. That should hold them together.
Squeezing may help some. It is better to cut the length to the frequency you will be using.
Will this work if I make it for the 3 meter FCC part 15 AM? Very informative, easy to understand way of teaching!
@Tim Miller....I do not know anything about the 3 meter band but if it uses a Vertical Radial to transmit/receive and Horizontal Radial ground plane, then this formula I used to figure the length to a specific frequency will work for you. Just use the frequency you will be using in the equation to find your length.
That is very good I like it
+Paul H Ford
Thank you.
Nice trick! Thank you for sharing!
@Nathaniel Galimba....You're welcome.
Is not the center pin of the PL259 supporting the weight of the antenna plus the RG58 cable when hanged?
yes it is
Nice work! thanks for sharing
+MIKE KN4EMY
You're welcome Mike, thank you for watching.
So you basically folded the wire pieces in half and then twisted them? does the distance between the end of the twist and the contact to the center pin/connector holes matter? And how did you fit the doubled wire in the center pin?
+N3ssaya
Yes, I had 2 long straight pieces of wire, fold them in half which gave me 4 wires bundled together, twisted.
Yes, distance in length does matter, I gave the formula to use as the multiplier for the frequency you will use.
I had 1 strand of wire a little longer than the other 3 to place in the center pin hole connector, and the other 3 were touching the outer side of the main center pin. Solder all 4 ends to the main center pin.
This is how electrons and electricity works, electrons travel on the outer skin of the wire, not in the wire center itself. It is called Skin Effect. So by folding the 2 wires over, you are creating a 4 lane highway for the radio signal to travel on.
Thank you for the quick answer. I'm a total dumbass when it comes to antennas. 73 de E73HAK
I want one, no two!!!!
Great video thanks.!!!!
+56thSPSk970
Thank you. It is a handy and convenient design and inexpensive enough to have several.
TwoFeatherChannel
I don't have the means to build, apartment. no tools.
Can I buy.?
+56thSPSk970
Do you have an SWR meter that covers the 2 meter band?
TwoFeatherChannel
146.680 (local repeater)
And nat'l. Call freq. 146.
KG7LPH
+56thSPSk970
Okay I will cut the length for that to be center. It will have a much broader range but that should be the best spot, where it will be most used.
Send me a PM on my channel page with your shipping information.
question: how did they calculated the radiator: 2808 and the radial: 2948
am trying to build one for the air traffic 122mhz.
if i use this calculation then my radiator comes at 23 inch
and my radial will be 24 inch
am trying to build a same model for my scanner vhf/uhf
question: do i realy need the radiator? in my case?
awsome straightening on the wire m8 it worked perfect here :)
@Dredlocks For receiving a signal you don't need to be exact on length and you don't need the reflecting radials.
You can use a metal fence around your house as an antenna. When receiving there is No RF power going out of your radio into the antenna and back into the radio to cause any damage. Only when Transmitting out of your radio do you need to be exact or near in length for optimum SWR so your radio doesn't get damaged by returned RF power. The reflecting radial aids in bouncing the transmitting upward and out, also called Ground Plane acts like the surface of the earth.
@@TwoFeatherChannel since i aint got no metal fence i need to build an receiving antenna with copper wire which should work perfect.
i have seen discone antennas for scanner use, but its nice to make one by myself, do you have video,s or manuals on how to build one?
best regards
@@kloteful No I don't have videos or manuals on building those.
A single run of copper wire works. People talk all over the world with just a single run of copper wire.
You can tie a non conductive line on one end and toss it up a tree to pull one end up in the air
or tie the line in the middle and pull it up making a inverted V=^ shape. Search ARRL for more ideas.
@@TwoFeatherChannel ty will check on it :)
Great tip on build technique and materials! I was considering this style antenna to replace my AIS collinear. Will the variable in the formula change if other materials is used (for instance aluminium or stainless steel) or can i use it with all styles 1/4 wave monopoles?
+Formula400Pontiac
RF travels the same as electricity, so yes the material type will make a difference in performance only, not in the formula. Copper and Stainless Steel are better conductors but weigh more and is more expensive than Aluminum. One reason why Aluminum elements are used in the radio industry. Also the Larger the diameter of the Tube or Conductor being used will be an improvement.
But all in all, using Aluminum is good enough.
What is the transmission range you got?
@Electronics Curiosities about 60 miles through heavily forested Louisiana terrain
@@TwoFeatherChannel ok that's great I'll build one thanks 👍
Really nice! How high is the antenna?
About 20 feet.
At approx. 4:05 mark in video, on the printed page you are holding that shows diagram for ant., in the lower-right corner the picture seems to be indicating the radials are to be passing under or over the adjacent corners of the connector as does the picture in the lower-left corner...can anyone explain that? Would it be a way to provide strain-relief and/or more stability to the radials?
Thank you for your time and assistance.
Raymond - WF7BSR
+Raymond L.
Placing them on top is more stable but is not necessary in performance. I made mine to be taken apart for transport. You probably will need to angle them down slightly, depending on your SWR readings.
Thank you.
Can you leave the covering on the wire with no signal loss?
Might be some loss but how much I don’t know. Probably not enough to worry about. Wire dipole antenna, Vertical stick antennas are covered.
Sweet antenna ki5fwj waving a hand from LC
@ubergeek318 Thanks, it is perfect for hiking, camping or just outdoors.
@@TwoFeatherChannel I'm gonna build one to let hang out side until I can get my tower up
Why do you only have the center element connected to the so238 socket ?
+100msw
The center element is connected to the center main conductor of coaxial cable, which is where the the transmitting power runs through. The other 4 elements are reflectors, which create an artificial ground plane to bounce the signal to and from the center element and they are connected to the outer shielded conductor of the coaxial cable. You can think of it as a Positive and Negative of automobile dc power, they are separate but need each other to work.
nice !! how long of wire do you use before twisting together?
@mikeuva2273 about 5 feet.
@@TwoFeatherChannel thank you
Can somebody please clarify why the radials are calculated at a different length than the radiator?
@Troy Carpenter....Not sure but I think it is meant for a larger deflection area. It is the same for a Beam style antenna. The rear Reflector/Deflector Element is larger to keep the energy directed towards the Driver Element, which is smaller.
I'd like to see how you soldered that center pin to the 4 strand vertical. If the radials get to rocking around in the wind, the vertical might break off..
@Steve Tomlinson I kept one strand long enough to go through the connector. The other three were soldered to the outside of the center pin and all four were soldered together. Then I applied epoxy glue around where all four were soldered. Then I applied shrink tubbing around that area.
I have made hundreds of those and I never got that precise about it. Just cut 5 equal length wires and attach them to the SO-239 chassis mount.
Yes that will work but where is the learning experience in that. It is great that we have freedom of choice where you can be you and me be me.
Can you list the cables you used to connect the antenna?
Thank you.
Gostaria de saber quantos centímetros medem cada aste, porfavor.
@Carlos De paula (uno@49.0cm), (cuatro@54.8cm).
Obrigado
The center poll is same length with legs?
@Norvin Sakiral....No. Almost the same but not exactly.
Center pole length: is 2808 divided by the frequency you are using.
Four Ground radials length: is 2948 divided by the frequency you are using.
The measurements will be calculated in inches.
why is there a different formula for the radials?
@John Ossi.......The Center or Vertical radial is used for Transmit and Receive the signal. The four Horizontal radials is what the signal bounces off or reflects off of, which makes it a ground plane. Similar to a Satellite Dish reflecting a signal to the center, where the receiving device is. It's a mathematical formula used on frequencies to achieve the correct lengths.
Sir what is the exact length of coaxial cable you use for this project
+Jeng Fernandez
50 feet coaxial cable from radio to antenna.
I'm gonna build one of these. How did you get the loops on the ends so nice and uniform?
+CheckmateGamer
I found center of the wire length and wrapped it around a small diameter tree limb. Then placed the free ends into the chuck of a cordless drill. Turn drill slowly while pull slight pressure away from center loop.
You can use the round shaft of a screwdriver or a round rod to achieve the same results.
I'll give it a try, thanks.
im using 462.725 mhz, can u help me with the measurements sir?
@yeoj joey....6 inches Main Radiator. 6.37 inches Radial (Reflector Radials)
You making it into a shape of a cross?
@Ba Whatever....More of an X shape. Maybe a cross but all 4 are the same length.
What is the best coax cable to use? Great video b.t.w.
rg58
do you have to remove the insulation on the wire?
@Corey Stover...No you do not have to remove the insulation off the wire.
Excellent
How do you strip that long gauge wire lol
@Jhaz1914 I use ordinary wire strippers. I secure one end of wire tight, then begin on the free end by stripping about 8 inches of insulation off at a time. Stripping it in smaller amounts keeps the insulation from balling up.
does it work on uhf radio sir?
@yeoj joey No. This length is for vhf, around 144mhz range in frequency. uhf is 446mhz range in frequency.
So uhf antenna needs to be around 6 inches in length.
Well done
+Nikko Gutierrez
Thank you.
Impressive
+Nikko Gutierrez
Thank you Nikko. I made it collapsible, to be easy to put into backpack when out hiking, camping or hunting.
HI,
what is the name of the conector?
+Kepi2004 lp
SO-239, it's a female UHF connector.
what is the link that you got that from
@Andrew Murphy Link for what?
that was interesting
how far were they from you?
+Eric C 70 miles away. The frequency I'm using is 147 MHz, that is near the frequency of those Two Way radios you see in Sporting Goods Stores GMRS/FRS that boast "35 Miles" but they don't, you are lucky to get 5 miles with them.
GMRS/FRS freq. and those radios from walmart and sporting good stores are up around the 70cm (460mhz).
Is a rg58 on vhf uhf
?
@NICOLA LA MOTTA....rg58 will work for both bands. But LMR200 is better. Same diameter OD but thicker center conductor which gives less line loss. Plus if you use Type N connectors they work better for these higher frequencies. PL 259 is rated for HF 11 meter, 10 meters on up. Lower the meters like 2 meters, 70 cm not so much.
@@TwoFeatherChannel yeah yeah ok thank u no problem..... I done an error writing the question....that had to be "is rg58 good for the vhf uhf frequencies?.....however thank you for the answer...
So cool for going mobile ...
+celebmrk9
Yes, I made it foldable and packable for hiking and camping.
Yes I do
+56thSPSk970
Good, you will probably need it to tune the antenna to your radio. Usually bending the 4 ground plane down slightly is all it takes.
Do you have a specific frequency you would like it to made for?
146.520 natl calling freq
Ok, can not make contact.
Email me at nkpk970@fortbenton.com
Do worry about my security.
It's set up for this.
Still trying to make contact
dimensions please ?
Hi, where I can get measurements for this antenna? Can you advise me or send me to my e-mail?
@Rob Jord The formula for getting the measurement is in the video @3:50.
Or tell me the Frequency you will be using it on.
@@TwoFeatherChannel 172-173 MHz or 448 MHz
@@robjord328 Using 172.500 MHz: Length is 16.27" One Transmit Vertical Radial (Center). 17.08" Four Reflector Horizontal Radials (Sides).
448.000 MHz: Length is 6.26" One Transmit Vertical Radial (Center). 6.58" Four Reflector Horizontal Radials (Sides). Measurements are in Inches.
@@TwoFeatherChannel And in centimetres? I need Europe measurments :-) I use our shared frequencies.
@@TwoFeatherChannel And radials have to be horizontal or have to be (as shown on the picture) sloping?
Nice! de KC6ZTM,,73