Amazing what you can build from your “Junk Box”

I needed to build a “Quick” 6m antenna for some testing. I also did not to order anything from Amazon so I was looking in my parts drawer (or junk box) and here’s what I came up with….

You might use this style for loops or larger dipoles…. I guess it just depends on how well you can solder… Once you read on it will be self explaining but with pics…

They also say “A picture is worth a 1,000 words”….. Guess I saved you from reading about 7,000 words then…

First of all….

You build this at your own risk…..

It is assumed you have the knowledge to cut 2 lengths of INSULATED wire to the 1/4 wave lenght that is required for the frequency you wish to operate on.

It is also assumed that you have access to a multi meter and an Antenna Analyzer to check your work before you actually transmit.

You also need basic soldering skills

When cutting the wire for whatever frequency you decide on make it a little longer as its easier to prune it back a bit than try to solder on a bit to make it longer….

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Parts list

1- PL259 coax connector with the reducer

1- UHF “T” Connector

1- Barrel Connector

1 -Hose Clamp (small)

1- Roll of Electrical Tape

2- Lenght of stiff insulated wire cut to 1/4 wave lenght for the frequency you plan to operate on

1- Protective cap for the end of the T Connector the ground attaches to (optional but makes it neater… a bit of the black tape would also work)

Step 1- Connect the barrel connector to the “T” connector.

Step 2- Solder 1 wire to the tip (center) of the PL259. Tape might be needed to snug up the wire into to the insert. Use multi meter to ensure that there is a good connection between the center pin (where soldered) and the other end of the wire.

Step 3- Insert PL259 (with wire attached) into one end of the T connector

Step 4- Using hose clamp (or solder its your choice) 2nd wire to the other end of the T connector (outer shield)

Above pics shows the optional “Cap” in place but tape seals it off as well.

Step 5 Check for shorts and continuity with the Multi Meter

At this point you should have continuity  between the center of the barrel connector and the end of the driven element. You should also have continuity between the end of the ground element of the dipole and the barrel connector body.

Step 6- Check SWR with analyzer and trim/tune antenna as needed

Step 7-Add coax and radio for field test.

Step 8- After successful field test brag to your friends on how easy it was.

Now remember that I built this with a short wire (54 inches) as the dipole for total lenght of 108 inches which is fairly light. Not sure if I would want to build it with a 1/4 w dipole for 40m (66 ft Total) but I guess it depends on how well you can solder the driven element to the PL259.

But it was faster (and cheaper) than ordering on line

If you made it this far then thanks for your patience. Feel free to share this article as you see fit…. Feel free to share the link…

73bob