If you are just starting out or have the desire to build an
antenna here is a simple and fun project. This antenna is perfect for those
hams living in the primary coverage area of the a repeater. The radials can
be made of no. 12 copper wire. The vertical radial (A) should be soldered to
the center connector of the SO239. The four base radials (B & C) and (D
& E) can be soldered or bolted to the SO239 mounting holes using 4-40
hardware.
The four base radials then should be bend downward to a 45
degree angle. The antenna can be mounted by clamping the PL259 to a mast or
even passing the coax through a 3/4 ID PVC pipe and compression clamping the
PL259. Either way let your creativity flow. If you plan on mounting it outside
experience teaches to apply RTV or sealant around the center pin to keep water
out of the coax.
Make each radial a 1/4 wave
of your desired frequency. Sometimes it helps to add a little extra
length to the radials. This will give you some snipping room when you adjust
the SWR.
example calculation: Freq(mhz) A(inches) B&C/D&E(inches)
146
mhz 19-5/16 20-3/16
