Build Your Own Window Passthrough
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- Опубликовано: 31 июл 2024
- In this video we are building a custom window passthrough for our antennas. With a few basic tools and a little patience, you can not only save money and have a really nice passthrough window unit, but have a little fun in the process. All of the items used in the video are linked below:
-------------------------------Content Selection--------------------------------
0:00 - Intro
1:34 - Tools and supplies you will need
5:10 - Construction
11:16 - Assembly
29:01 - Installation
32:36 - Hooking it up and testing
35:33 - Conclusion
Supplies for Window Passthrough
3 Inch SO239 Connectors - amzn.to/3zeIk9K
PVC Board - low.es/3w9Su9M
Aluminum Strip - low.es/3gjJI25
Step Bit - bit.ly/3ggLUaG
5/8 Inch Forstner Bit: amzn.to/35idZJG
Other Hardware you will need:
10-24 All thread: low.es/3pNv4ol
10-24 machine screws 2 1/2 inch: low.es/3cEeaTP
10-24 nuts: low.es/3czAxcX
#10 Washers: low.es/3gufOZ1
#10 Lock Washers: low.es/3iCs8sS
Self adhesive Window foam sealer: low.es/3xlvDbA
1 1/4 inch SS wood screws: low.es/2TvA4l6
2 - 2 foot long pl259 cables: amzn.to/3cH7kN4
SO 239 Covers with connector chains: amzn.to/2RWgEWs
Facebook: / hr4nt
Website: hamradiofornontechies.com
HR4NT Merch Store:hamradiofornontechies.com/sho...
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My Current Shack Setup:
Yaesu FT-991A - www.hamradio.com/detail.cfm?p...
Chameleon MPAS 2.0 Antenna - bit.ly/394f3TO
Diamond X-30A Antenna - www.hamradio.com/detail.cfm?p...
Diamond GZV4000 Power Supply - www.hamradio.com/detail.cfm?p...
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#hr4nt
#ki5npl
#hamradiofornontechies
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Excellent!
Glad you liked it! Thanks for watching an for the comment. 73!
very good. thanks for showing.
Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!
That truly looks so much better than what MFJ is selling for a pass through. Definitely nice pass through.
Thanks you. It has been over a year now and it still looks as good as the day I built and installed it. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!
Cut foam long and trim it. Then it's always centered. You can put foam on the window frame too. Use a putty knife to shoehorn it in.
Rub bar soap on a bare window frame to lubricate putting the passthru in.
The Navy calls your coax tape, conformal tape.
Great video!!!
Glad you enjoyed it! The passthrough is working great to this day with zero issues. I appreciate the suggestions. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!
"You just pissed out $20..." I literally laughed out loud!!! Those are the moments that I watch this channel. You keep it supper real, brother!
I have a tendency to be rather blunt sometimes...I am glad you enjoyed the video! Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!
Thank you brother! This is what I needed because I knew I wanted to do this but needed to make certain what parts I need. I also like the Texas Mason badge! 👍😊
I know the video is about 1 year ago but today being the last hour of 2022 have a blessed 2023!
73.
Greg KT4RAM
Glad it helped! Happy New Year brother!! Everything in that video is still relevant today. The only thing that changed is the cost of materials due to inflation, but I still think it is a much better bang for the buck than the MFJ version made from cheap pine. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!
Great video. Love how you go into detail building your projects. I am on the other side of the Red river so I am with you on the heat.
Thank you! I want to make sure when i shoot a video that i am crystal clear on every aspect of the builds thereby eliminating any question of how it was done. Thank you for the comments and the support of the channel. Stay cool!!!!!! 73!
Nice work Scott. You're giving me good inspiration
Glad to hear it! Enjoy the videos! 73!
Way better than the two towels I got jammed into my window!
Great project man. keep on keeping on.
ROFL! This was really a fun build and I am surprised at how easy it was once I found my groove. I have more projects in the future. Stay tuned. 73!!!
I’m just happy to hear I’m not the only one with towels stuck in a window 😂
Great job and really well executed!! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Thank you so much!! 73!
Man Love your down to earth approach saving money and building! And Teaching us by showing how to!
I appreciate that! I figure if I can build something and possibly improve on it and then show others how easy it is to do, maybe more people would think about making their own and customize it to their needs. Thanks for the comment! 73!
Thank you! This is great!
You are so welcome!
Good work Scott. Thanks!
Thank you JP! I appreciate that! Thanks for watching. 73!
Thats a great idea. Well made, nice and sturdy! Appreciate the tutorial. 👍🤓
No problem 👍 It is an easy build and it will last forever due to the upgraded materials used in the build. If you build one, hope you enjoy it as much as I do mine. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!
Can't begin to tell you how much I appreciate this video. I'm going to need one of these in the not-too-distant future, and there's no way I'm paying the going rate. 😳 I'm a DIY kind of guy, but being new to this hobby, I don't know the names of all the different types of connectors - or that they even existed! (I'm looking at you 3 inch SO-239 Connectors!!) Thanks for the parts list and step by step instructions!
Glad I could help! Making this is easy and a lot of fun. With the options to customize it to your needs I think is an added plus. If you build one, post the pics in the FB group! I would like to see the end result! Stay safe and thank you for the support of the channel. 73!!
Just found this and subscribed. Good instruction from a traveling man
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!
Holy smokes! Lotta work...get some pine and a pvc pipe lol
By building it this way I guarantee that it will be rot proof and outlast anything made from wood. To this day since that video was made it works and looks great! Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!!!!
Great Vid, Scott!! Thanks for Sharing!!
Glad you enjoyed it. It was a fun build and still works perfectly to this day. Thanks for the comment an for watching. 73!
being a new Tech i really like your videos. your videos answer a lot of my questions.
Always glad to help. Ask as many questions as you can! There is a massive and helpful ham community online. I am just one of many. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!
Remember to seal the gap where the two windows overlap!
Absolutely! Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!
I was just about to buy the MFJ-4601N. Glad I saw this video. This actually looks better. Thanks!
This build has much higher quality materials and is not hard to do. I am so glad I made mine. To this day it is still in perfect condition and work perfectly. Good luck on the build! Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!
I have been working on a design to do a window box... this video allowed me to see it in process....thanks!!!
Glad I could help! It is fairly easy to do with minimal tools. Hope you get yours built! Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!
well done
Glad you enjoyed it!! Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!
Great build! Don't forget the sliding windows locks so nobody sneaks in your window! ;)
I have those AND we screwed the window into the frame for added security. Thanks for the suggestion and for watching. 73!
This is great!
Glad you enjoyed it. Hope it helps! 73!
This is an excellent video. I have a small off-grid solar system so adding the weather proof cable entry for that as well.
That's a great idea! I am glad you fond the video informative! I have had a lot of viewers build this with great success. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!!
I like it a lot! I've been wondering for a long time how to do something better and by Jove, I think you've got it mate! Thanx!!
Hi Ron, with just a few simple tools, this passthrough is fun to build and if you use the same materials I did, it will last forever!! Mine is still up and running to this day and no signs of deterioration even in the Texas sun. I am very happy with the build so I wish you the best of luck and hope you will enjoy yours as well! Thanks for the comment and for watching...73!!
This was a great video. I’m lacking the drills and saws but I won’t let that stop me. I now have a spring project, for sure. 😀
You can do it! It is a simple and fun build that you can customize to suit your needs. Post pics on the Ham Radio for Non Techies FB group when you get it done! Thanks for watching. 73!
@@HR4NT 👍🏾
Great video, I don’t have a window in shack but might make a version of this to go through wall. Thanks
That would work too and less materials to accomplish the build. They do make the SO239 plugs in lengths to go through a house wall. Thanks for watching. 73!!
Nice work
Glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!
I’ve been using pipe insulation for years, this is way, way better. I would not have thought to double up the boards. Good idea.
Glad to help. Yeah my two improvements over the MFJ are using the PVC board (rot proof, FOREVER) and doubling up so that is fits in the window more securely. After months of use it still works fine and looks brand new. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!
I’m loving your content, just subscribed and I look forward to learning more and. Networking
Welcome aboard! Glad to have you. If you have questions, let me know. I can be reached through my website and am always willing ot help where I can. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!
great video
Glad you enjoyed it! I hope you find it useful and build one for yourself! Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73
Thank you for the video, I was looking at the MFJ 4601. While it would have done the job, I like to make stuff for my self.
Glad I could help. You and your wallet will be happier building it out using those materials that will outlast the MFJ version by a longshot.. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73
Thanks for the great video...made a pass through this week using the parts list you provided and materials we had at home.
Our widow sill has a slight pitch doward (~12 degrees) so I ripped that angle on the bottom of the PVC so it would sit flush. I also use Frost King V28W self-stick weatherseal to keep out the rain (it is an EPDM cellular rubber foam) to avoid moisture retention. Looks great and work wells!
Now I need to paint it to match the inside and outside colors.
73's
Outstanding!!!! Glad that you built it and that it worked out for you! I hope that you enjoy it for years to come!! Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!
Hey Scott thanks for this video, just ran across it. I made one myself 3 years back but never thought about PVC planks, when i seen your set up i had a hand to head moment. Needless to say I'll be rebuilding mine this spring after the thaw. 73 W8MJL
Yeah using the PVC makes it last MUCH longer. Good luck on the rebuild! Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!
Great video. I made one once out of a leftover piece of VCT tile which was wide enough for the entire window and tall enough for the SO239s. . Drilled holes and put in the SO239s. It was just to get by until I bought the MFJ one. Don't have the tools to cut metal, sadly.
Very cool! Whatever works and makes your life easier is good! Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!
Great job! I see you’re active on APRS, I also find it very useful.
Yes I am! It's fun to play with from time to time. Thanks for watching. 73!
I could NEVER have expensive equipment next to a window on the first / ground floor like that. Way too easy for criminals to just walk up to the window and snatch & grab.
I just couldn't do that. I would lose my mind. -- Besides that, this is a very very cool idea. 😉👍
I do LOVE 💛 how your wife participates. She is a keeper...!! 😉👍
The two trained German Shepherds that protect the property seem to deter any chance of larceny. My wife helping me out with this stuff is truly awesome! Thanks for watching. 73!
That is a fantastic idea. American ingenuity at it's best! Thank you. I would pay 100.00 for one already made due to time constraints
Glad you liked it! Being that I have a full woodworking shop, this made more sense to me to just knock it out and make improvements in the process. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!
Great video. Great information. Missed the wingnut link in the description. But I replicated what you did with some customization and am sitting pretty now. Thanks! De AI5GU
Cool, thanks! I hope you enjoy the pass through. Mine still looks and works great years later. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!!!
This is an awesome video! Frankly this is much better than the stuff you can buy online, and the fact you did this with common parts makes it even better. I built mine as a sliding door pass through out of wood a couple years ago, but this video gives me a few ideas on how to upgrade it now as make it more functional. Keep up the great work!
Glad you enjoyed it! We are actually working on a vertical one for a sliding glass door for a fellow ham that is blind. We will be using this methods to build him a passthrough that will last for many many years. Thank you for watching. 73!!
Thanks for sharing. I don’t have any issues with drilling holes but by making one of these I can bring it through my window and it’s a much shorter run than running under the house and through the floor. I was considering a flat coax but I like this option better. It’s cheaper and a much better solution than the other. It was like $60 for it and only one connection. Now I can hook up all 4 of my antenna by just changing wherever I connect my radio.
Safe travels :)
Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!!
Late to view, but that was awesome. Someone already mentioned what I was going to ask about how you lock your window.
Glad you enjoyed it! Yeah a few screws into the window frame will secure it just fine. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!
Nice job. Love it. If you can get some lightning arrestors on the outside too, just for good measure.
Thank you for the comment. That is actually in my plans shortly. Still researching the best one for my setup. If you have a suggestion i am all ears! Thank you again, 73!
You could have put some RTV between the boards when you put it together and it would hold them together and keep water from getting between them. May not get water between them them but it will help hold things together. Maybe put the RTV in when you tape it together and it will help hold thing together. You can also put a very small amount of Teflon lube on the connector. Most put to much Teflon lube on things. The best way is to wipe off all you can, just want a very thin coat to stop corrosion over the years of use. I just found your videos, and think you are doing a great job of helping get out ideas! Keep up the good work. 73. W4DES,
I thank you very much for the comment! Welcome to the channel and I hope you continue to enjoy the content. Those are great ideas, so thank you for that as well. Thanks for supporting the channel! 73!!!
Thank you so much for your content. You have a easy to understand common sense way of presenting complex subjects. This video inspired me to create my own window passthrough. To think I was going to spend north of $100 on a MFJ product. Mine is much better quality with more connections. Thanks again for your work, keep it coming.
I'm glad you found my video first then!!! With a few simple tools and a little measuring you can completely customize a much nicer result for less $$$ than going with the premade one. Mine is still working without fail right now and I am glad I thought to document it and share that knowledge to help others out. Thank your for the comment and for watching. 73!
@@HR4NT Did you guys know that almost all MFJ products are actual copies of other products that are far cheaper.
They license a lot of stuff from other companies or manufacturers and then they slap their name on it and triple charge people for the same product people could have gotten for 25% of the cost.
There is a European ham radio operator that revealed this. Another European guy also showed a version of MFJ SWR meters and shown that
MFJ created their own version of it. The original cost $125 and the MFJ cost $475 and they look & operate exactly the same. THIS is why I will NEVER buy anything that is MFJ related.
There is no reason why anyone should buy a SWR Analyzer for $475. Its one of the main reasons why most new young people dont get into the hobby.
Everything is so overpriced. Newbies come in they get interested in the hobby, but once they start seeing the prices of different things, the newbies leave & never come back.
Almost everything in the hobby is so overpriced that its actually driving away people. In particular the new people. specially in this day in age when things are tight.
@@TwstedTV that is a good reason for channels like this one try to show you how to build your own stuff. You save money, learn a good skill and have complete control of the quality of parts used in the project.
Nice build, the only thing I added to mine was a security board on the top of the window so not just anyone could just walk up and open the window
Thank you for the comment! I didn't film it, but I also screwed the window down for the same reason for security. Thanks for the support. 73!
Just came across this site so maybe my comment is late for the party. I made one pretty much like this. After a year I discovered that I should have used stainless steel or brass hardware. The cold temp of winter would cause some moisture condensation on the inside hardware, leaving a rust discoloration around the inside hardware. I've since added a rotator. I couldn't see any easy way to pass the cable through so i just cut a slot in the bottom to lay the cable in and used some RTV to seal around it. Not the most elegant solution but it works.
Hey it is never too late! I answer every comment every morning from my channel viewers. That is awesome that you made one as well. I used all stainless on mine. Where ours differ is that for the coax I used a barrel connector and basically have two coax to make the connection form outside to inside and have had no issues with that setup since I built it. I appreciate you sharing your build! Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!
Another great video. I used a entrance panel for my coax made by KF7P Metalwerks to mount all my lightning arrestors and route the coax into the wall with a PVC conduit. I have 4 ‘N’ type adapters (2 for Cell Phone LTE/4G using LMR400 - yuck) and 2 for VHF/UHF radios. I also have 3 with SO239 for the HF world. I plan on having a HF Beam, HF vertical, and HF fan dipole with inverted V. NOTE: the vertical will be either a DX Commander Classic or Naboola. All the best! 73 de KI5HXM
WOW! Sounds like you took it to another level! Awesome! Thanks for sharing that and for watching. 73!
@@HR4NT they always quote Hannibal Smith from the A-Team. “Overkill is underrated “ haha. I did look at the pass through from MFJ but I was worried about the gap in the window above. But a hole in the wall was easier to get my head around. I’m a noob so overkill is probably my M.O. haha. All the best! 73 de KI5HXM
I love this, was about to get started, unfortunately today's prices (April 2022) make this project a little over $70 just for material, assuming one has all the tools. A new one costs about $79. But I have no doubt some of your other projects WILL save me money. Keep 'em coming!
Thanks for the comment. Even though the costs may have gone up, it is more about the quality of the materials used. The MFJ literally comes with a 1x4 ;pine board, not the composite I use which will literally last forever in this application. Ultimately it is up to you and your budget, but I think this is still a good deal. I hope you find a solution that is suitable to your needs. Thank you for watching and talk soon! 73!
Love the keychain BROTHER….
LOL...you caught that, huh....Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!!
Im retired 28 years Law Enforcement….i catch lots of little things….
I don’t have any choice but to build one of these. Putting a hole in the wall is not an option. But my windows slide side to side; not up and down. So the MFJ product just isn’t long enough. I had planned to run the coaxes through a soffit vent and close the window on some copper strap. But the copper strap to too thick for that - back to building this. Thanks for the detailed video. Great job!
Hey glad to hear that my video will help you solve a problem. It's super simple and will be a great solution. Best of luck on your build! Thanks for watching and for the comment!!! 73!!
I’ve found that you never tighten any screws or bolts until all of them are in place. That way you have some play to move things a little for clearance.
That is a technique I learned from woodworking years ago. It just helps to minimize issues later on. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!
Thanks Scott , Hoping to build one for myself someday soon ,looks very easy but not sure i have cutting tools for the Metal , 73's Hope you had a wonderful 4th of July 🌍🎆
I hope you give it a shot. To cut the aluminum, all you need is any tablesaw or chop saw because it is a soft metal. If you feel adventurous, you "could" use a hacksaw and do it by hand. It will take longer and require a bit of sanding to soften the edges, but still doable. Either way, I hope you find a solution and make one to enjoy. Let me know if you build one or if you need any other help. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!
Noticed that you have a security sensor on your window --- that will be disabled (and needs relocation) with the pass-thru installed.
Also, unless you are in one of those areas without wind, you will need to jam some (NON_STICKY) foam packing between the upper and lower window panes, else the banshee gales and any dirt in the air will strongly infiltrate the window when thar she blows.
Thank you for the suggestions. Those have all been implemented since we built that passthrough. Thank you for watching and for the comment. 73!
After seeing this video awhile back, I came back today to check the items list again so I could do this project. I guess it's inflation and what not but the cost now, for what I needed, came up to be more than the cost of the MFJ pass through. I get that it's Pine and not PVC but that's the main difference. But your project was a great idea and well executed!
Although the prices have increased, I still think using the PVC board over pine is a better option for long term. You'll never have to replace it that's for sure. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!
@@HR4NT Definitely. And I am going to keep that in mind and may replace the board in mine at some point with the PVC. I should have said, part of what was inflating the cost for me was I was going to have to purchase a couple of the bits in addition to the parts. Plus those SO-239 bulkheads are like over $16ea right now. I found cheaper options but wasn't sure of the quality. Anyway, I'll see how it goes with the MFJ and may modify it at some point.
27:00 you mentioned air leak. Man I was thinking it was to keep the bugs out. Lol. I’m up too late on you tube. And also glad to see you doing better even though this is an old video.
The air leak I have is between the two windows when one of them is open. It was resolved by having my wife knit me a window snake...basically a long thin thing that you stuff between the gap produced by the windows. Simple solution. LOL I appreciate you taking the time to watch the videos! Thanks for the comment! 73!!
@@HR4NT yea brother. I love to go through the old videos of my subs when I am winding down in the evening. I had been seeing the passthrough in some of the newer videos and then this came up. All good.
Good to see that you are on the level. 73 WA3WAT
Yes sir! Going on 9 years now. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!!!
You can use petroleum jelly as a water deterrent to keep your connectors clean and they won't corrode in any way .
That is some good information to know. Thank you! 73!
Working on this, but using a piece of 2x4 instead of the PVC. The PVC would increase my cost by $20 and I've got a crapton of scrap 2x4 hanging about. And I'm using a 3" #10-24 screw instead of all-thread (which would have to be special order at my local Lowe's).
Absolutely customize it to fit your needs and budget. Just make sure that you seal that wood on all sides with a few coats to make sure it doesn't absorb moisture and ruin your project over time. I wish you the best of luck on your awesome project! Thank for watching and for the comment. 73!
I definitely like your design but I got my MFJ really cheap, used on eBay!
That's cool. If you are happy with what you have, fantastic! I was just offering another alternative. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!
Found your video a few weeks ago , I finally got around to ordering the stuff I needed from Amazon and hitting Lowe's for the rest. I don't have a truck, so I had to cut the 8 ft PVC board in half at Lowe's to get it into my car. I stuck them in the garage and the next day when I went to work on the project, I was shocked to find that the two sections had taken on a serious bow overnight.
I thought I was going to need to buy a new PVC board... but the woodworker in me stepped in and decided to try doing what I do with bowed wooden boards... put the bowed boards opposite of each other, apply a liberal amount of glue and clamp them together. So how do you do that with a PVC board? Simple... use PVC solvent cement for pipes.
You have to work quick because the glue evaporates (flashes) rather quickly. What I ended up with is a perfectly straight laminated PVC board, with no gaps in the joint, the excess glue pushed out from clamping them together melts the seams together, making it unnecessary to use screws to hold them together.
People are asking how do you lock the window? You get some these inexpensive do-dad's that clamp onto the sash/frame to keep the window from being pulled up, I have them on all of my ground level windows for extra security: www.lowes.com/pd/Gatehouse-0-4-in-Gray-Aluminum-Sliding-Window-Mini-Secondary-Latch/3408078
Anyway... thanks for a really cool project!! Vastly superior (and cheaper) to the joke that MFJ sells.
I am so happy to hear this success story! Great idea gluing the boards together and ending up with a perfectly straight material to work with! To lock my windows I used screws that I inserted into the metal frame of the window and it seems to hold just fine, however I like your solution as well. I hope you enjoy the passthrough! Thanks for sharing your story and for watching! 73!
Great video, I followed your Pass Exam in 10 days video and got my license now I'm looking for a base radio. BTW I liked your emblem.
That is awesome! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! I love hearing stories like this and glad I was able to help out. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!!!
Torn between if I Should build this or just buy the premade one from MFJ which will end up being much cheaper then building. Pricing this all out today 12/20/2022 is way more then the mfj-4602 window pass through.$86 as of today.. Just the SO239s are $32 alone. I think when all said and done this DIY would be $120-150 but be much easier to add stuff down the road vs the premade ones.. Also, nice Free Mason badge..
Cost of materials has definitely caused an issue in 2022. The main difference is that you can fully customize the one I built to suit your needs and the materials I used are far better than that of MFJ's version and will last a lot longer. Either way, you need to decide which is best for you and your situation. I hope you find a solution that works for you! Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!
@@HR4NT I will use your build as my template, I started building a similar one. Got 2 pieces of 1/4" aluminum at 12"x3" and put it into pressure treated wood I had left over from our deck we built. Also made it flush using a router. Might paint the wood white :) 73!
Thanks for the video. It gave me some great ideas for my pass through build. I’m going to go with red cedar because I like the looks and smell and my window location never sees any rain or water. I was curious though, do you use lightning arrestors?
That could be a good idea for your situation. I use arrestors outside my shack at the ground rods to protect my shack, but I also unplug everything at the slightest hint of a thunder storm. I hope this helps. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!
Wow what a great idea man! It is an excellent concept! With the setup you have for the window, how do you lock your window? If I set this up the same way you did in this video I would have concerns that someone could just push my window up and get in or damage/take my equipment? Do/did you use wedges for the inside of the window to stop it from opening? How do you secure your window to stop someone from just opening up the window?
I locked my window by putting in two screws on each side of the window right into the window frame thus locking it in. Haven't had any issues yet. Having this passthrough in your window does make an airspace, so I have a long piece of foam between the windows to block air from leaking out. Thanks for watching and for the comment! 73!
Many years ago I purchased a pair of SO239 bulkhead pass throughs that are 12 inches in length. These are perfect to work as feed throughs of a masonry wall that most of the house has on the ground level. Any idea of a source for these beasts??? They were bought at Dayton Hamvention from a parts guy selling Chicken Band equipment. They also sold large wide nuts to use on the feed through so there was no need for washers to spread out the load of the tightening nuts.
That square you used was it a special offers from the Woodpeckers custom tool site? I keep getting offeres from them for specialty onetime issued tools, very expensive but worth it.
I think those are available on Amazon. I think I remember seeing them. My local electronics store also carries them but they do not have an e-commerce site to purchase them. I hope this helps. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!
Nicely done I think I will be building a similar one. Question: Why did you use two pieces of the PVC board rather then just one?
I used two pieces to add thickness and rigidity to the overall project. having two pieces sandwiched together like that came closer to the actual thickness of my window frame than a single piece would. I hope this helps and good luck if you build one. They are fantastic!! Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!
I am going to follow your instructions to the letter! I have everything except the drill press and that's coming next week when I go to Harbor Freight . I did purchase a piece of PVC trim, 3/4x5-1/2 because it would fit in the Cherokee and I like the look of the 5.5:2.0 proportions for the metal strip on the PVC. I went with the trim board because I have 4'x5' sliding window to make this for and the 3/4 was just right for the window channel.
What other type of grounding did you do before the coax gets to the feed thru? Don't you have a video about station grounding? I'll look. Thanks for all the videos. 73
Awesome! Best of luck on the build! In my most recent grounding video I removed all grounds minus my safety ground and now I just unplug everything if a storm is coming or if I am not using the radios for a while. I hope you enjoy the passthrough! Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!
@@HR4NT Kool, so you don't have rf following the coax in to the house with is set up? I'll send you photos, when I get mine built. I'm too camera shy to do a video and publish it.
I added a hole on mine so that I could pass an extension cord through, as my station is outside on my balcony
That is a great idea!!! Thanks for watching. 73!
You want to go slowly when cutting aluminum with a carbide blade. Liquid electrical tape can be used instead of self annealing tape. The only thing different I would have done is to cut off the ugly bolts sticking out with a hand held grinder or a hack saw blade.
Thanks for the tip!! I would have cut off the bolts, but I wasn't overly worried about it and it seems to work just fine if I can overlook that. Thank you for the comment and for watching. 73!
Another quick question. What coax do you recommend that I get. I done some research and there still were so many different ones that I found.Looking for something of decent to great quality. Just to give you some specs of what I will be running, I have an IC-7300 and I will be operating on 40-10M. The antenna that I will be using is the MFJ-1984MP, END FED, 1/2 WAVE, 40-10M, 300W, WIRE ANTENNA. I will need about 45 feet of coax. What do you suggest with the above mentioned specs?
I suggest a good quality coax like ABR Industries or Messi & Paoloni. I know HRO sells ABR, but you can order it direct from them as well and they have a lot of coax sizes to choose from. If you go to abrind.com you can browse their selection and custom order exactly what you need. They can also add ferrites to your coax to help block out any interference. They have their own version if RG58 here for about $40: abrind.com/shop/rg-cables/abr058c/ OR you can go with the heavy duty coax for around $125: abrind.com/shop/abr400-solid-ultraflex-assemblies/abr400-uf/ I hope this helps. If you are still on the fence about coax, give Ham Radio OUtlet a call and they do sell ABR cable and can recommend one for you. Thanks for watching and for the comment! 73!
Kewl Man. Love how you made this. Next show us that ground bar on your desk I think I see. Using some copper pipe I see. 73's
Thanks for the comment! I am planning on showing that in a very near future show. 73
Scott - great video. Building mine right now based on what you've done here. Question - how much gap did you leave on the sides of your PVC board to accommodate the expandable weather seal?
Hi Jeff. Thanks for the question! I oversized it at first and then did a series of test fits and kept cutting it down incrementally until i got a snug fit, then I added the foam so that my seal would be tight but not so tight that it would damage the window. You really just have to play with it very carefully and make sure you sneak up on the correct width. If I had to guess I would say maybe 1/8 - 1/4 inch accounting for the thickness of the foam. Thanks for watching and let me know if I can help further. 73!
@@HR4NT Mission accomplished. Built, installed, and working GREAT. Really appreciate this Scott. Was about to drill multiple holes in walls and eaves to run a cable. This is much better, I think. I can always drill later. Anyway, a super practical project that many Hams could probably use. 73
do you have a lowes sku for the aluminum strip? I can't seem to find the one you used
I dont have the SKU for it, but I bought that at Home Depot not Lowes. Hope this helps. Lowes just didn't have the selection of metal plates that Home Depot had. 73.
Nice work. I'm planning on building one but didn't know PVC plank existed. I'll be using PVC plank for sure. BTW, 146.94 and K5 calls, are you in Houston?
Thank you! Yeah the PVC is much better solution for long term and since so little is used for the project it is cost effective. I am in Houston on the BVARC repeater. Thanks for watching and for your support! 73!
Excellent video. It gave me an idea for my station.
73 de NX9P
Glad you enjoyed it! It is a relatively easy build that will last forever and you can customize it to suit your needs. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!
How do you lock the window? Mine latches at the bottom so I makes me use the comet brand
I installed two screws at each side of the window frame just above where the window is opened thus preventing any ability to open the window. I hope this helps. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!
So how do folks address the gap above the sash? I have double hung windows and lifting the bottom makes a huge gap at the top of that window.
73,
Ron
I had my wife crochet a tube that I just stuffed into the gap. It is a temporary solution until I can come up with a permanent one. I would assume that you could use some foam for insulating, Hope this helps. Thanks for watching and for the question. 73!
I Also Have The Yaesu ft 991 & i want to get on wiresx & cant figure out how ..do i need any thing other than the radio & a usb cable ? ?
No you have everything YOU need. The issue is whether there is a WiresX Repeater anywhere nearby that you can tap into. I did not have one near me, so it was a no go, yet no one explained that to me either that it was necessary in order to use that feature. I hope this helps. Thanks for the question and for watching. 73!
If you are really anal about air leakage and reducing drafts you can also get some rigid foam board of your choosing and attach it to your panel and add a layer of foil tape or something around the perimeter....hmm and or toss a layer of the rigid foam board in between your pvc layers.
Great tip. I did resolve that and have no leaks. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!
@HR4NT‧ Do you have a mod for adding open wire and single wire connections?
I do not only because I have not used that type of connection before. Maybe drill a hole and add a silicone tube to pass the wire through and seal it with liquid silicone?? I honestly do not know. Sorry I couldn't be better help there. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!
This is great however ALL my windows are crankout casement windows there by needing a flatwire passthrough. I was given one when I bought a stealth antenna. I need a second one when I but up a 2meter antenna and a third when I put up ma CB antenna. What would you recommend for the flatwire and how are the so239's attached? Thanks for any advice you could offer and maybe you could make a video. I'm not the only one with this problem, I'm sure. Thanks. Bruce, W9TNT
Hi Bruce! Ok, I don't have much experience with the flat wire passthrough solutions, but from what I researched both Comet and Diamond have options for that. The flat wire is 15 inched long with SO-239's attached at each end. For the reviews they seem to work fine. The main differences are the comet is good to 100 watts PEP and the Diamond 150 watts PEP. Here is a link to the comet for your review: www.dxengineering.com/parts/cma-ctc-50m I hope this helps and if nothing else, call the guys at DX engineering and they should be able to answer any and all of your questions pertaining to this issue and solutions they recommend. Thanks for watching and for the comment! 73!
@@HR4NT thanks for the reply. I appreciate your time on this. I'll checkthe link you sent. 73
I’m not sure this is a problem, but both antennas will share the same ground via the aluminum plate, is this an issue?
I don't think so. If you bought the version from MFJ, it is exactly like the one I built in the video. i just upgraded the cheap pine board they send you with the PVC board. Pretty much everything else is the same as far as the build goes. Hope this helps. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!!
How well would a window pass through work on a window that cranks open?
I am not sure. If the window pivots out when you open it, that may not work so well and would pose a security risk. Sorry I couldn't be more help. Thanks for the question and for watching. 73
Link brings up different size pvc board. What size did you actually use? 1 inch thick by 4 inch wide? Or .75 inch thick by 3.5 inch wide?
I used a 1 X 4 which is actually 3/4" X 3.5 inch. Sorry for the mixup! Thank you for the question! 73!
it wasnt done in a machine shop it was done in my garage. Yes but it was done by a Mason :) like your pocket emblem. My grandfather was a 33 degree mason and got his apron signed by Gene Autry who was too.
Exactly! Thank for watching as always., 73!
Great job! Mfj want how much😭
I think MFJ was asking around $100 - $120??? Either way it was a lot more for a lot less than building it yourself. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!
Was wondering what you were hooking to the grounds, new at this
I bought a length of 8 gauge ground wire from Home Depot and attached one side to the passthrough and the other to the grounding rod outside the window. Hop this helps. As far as the equipment....everything has a ground strap connected to the copper pipe below the desk which is then attached to the inside of the window passthrough. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!
@@HR4NT thanks, makes sense now. Good idea with the copper pipe.
Great video, unfortunately looking at this video in 2023, all those materials has increased in cost considerably. It will at a minimum cost me almost as much to just by the MFJ product, I priced out just 5 of the primary materials you listed in the links, and at the minimum those materials now cost $90 using my own tools and screws/bolts if I even have them.
That is probably pretty accurate, however, the materials I used in the video, specifically the PVC board will far outlast the cheap pine used in the MFJ version. I am sure you will make the best decision for your needs and budget. Best of luck! Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!
@@HR4NT I'm figuring out how to apply this solution to a large block out I have to install to put in a small window AC unit for my ham room. I think I will be using 3/4 melamine MDF with the edges sealed before the foam strip is installed. The block-out will be 32" wide to accommodate the AC with room to spare. I plan on mounting the pass through vertically along one edge as the window is 4x5 slider.
Vaseline on the threads of the covers will be fine
That's what I thought and to this day it seems to be working. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!
How do you lock the window?
I drove screws right through the window frame so there is zero movement. My trained german shepherds handle the rest. Thanks for the question and thank you for watching. 73
What size bit did you use for Ground?
Bit? I used a piece of all-thread and cut it to length. I them matched up the proper drill bit size to coincide with the diameter of that all thread. So I guess it will depend on what diameter you purchase that will determine your drill bit size. I hope I interpreted your question correctly. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!
@@HR4NT Copy that. I don't have a drill press so I'm kind of having to get... well... creative lol.
@@greensmurf221 You don't necessarily need one if you have a steady hand and a standard drill it just helps have a drill press but definitely not necessary
Why don’t you use PVC cement to hold the boards together?
I guess you could, but I wanted to be able to make changes without having to fight adhesive and I didn't have any...LOL. Thanks for the comment an for watching. 73!
You should have caulked between the exterior aluminum and the PVC board...and used all stainless steel hardware.
Thanks for the suggestions. It has been a while now since I built that and it still holds up just fine as the the I made it. The foam seems to be doing perfectly fine as well. I think I did use stainless hardware aside from the aluminum plate. Either way, thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!
I see you are a traveling man.
Yes I am. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!!
Great idea but if one cannot figure out how to run ur antenna into ur shack well what can one say i appreciate what you do with these video's but this hobby now is nothing more than C.B radio sorry but after being on air since the late 1960's i have great changes in our once wonderful hobby
I think the hobby is still very good...like all things it is evolving and changing with technology and activities. This passthrough is a fantastic build and solves that connection issue. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!
Why not just start with the four mounting holes in the aluminum plates and screw both of them together to the top of the PVC where you want them and then use a long hole saw to drill through both plates and PVC pieces?
You could do it that way as well....I was just making a suggestion for the build. Hope you give it a shot and enjoy the project! Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!
Not sure why he installed a separate ground terminal. I would have just installed it in one of the four corner holes with washers and nuts on each side. One less hole to drill and a few less parts.
That is another way to do it. I was making my version of the MFJ with better quality materials. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!