[Antennas] Two meter beam for RDF ?

[radionut]

--> My reply to what Mark wrote 9/20/02 5:55:29 PM

Well I have neither 1/2 or 3/4 pvc plastic pipe but was going to get what I
needed. I was just going to use welding rod as the elements but the designs
I have seen on the net use 3/4 pvc and I was thinking and wondering if 1/2
would be enough to hold the boom straight?

A very good point about holding at the back of the boom, it would be better
than a center pvc pipe for handling. How much extra pvc did you leave at the
back end and does it affect the performance of the antenna any?

You could rig up a end mount if you wanted to use the antenna as a portable
someplace on a short mast.

----------------------- Original Message ------------------------------

Mike .. if you want to use the simple beam for RDF .. just put it in some
PVC you have on hand ... however you do it will be just fine.  I use RUBBER
BANDS as bungee cords to hold the elements in place for temporary RDF .. no
epoxy .. then, you can undo the elements ( and a short piece of coax,
perhaps) so as to store within the "mast" ... Use the walk-around beam by
holding at the back of the boom ... (not the middle) ... and hold right in
front of your tummy

> I want to build up a simple 3 element, direct feed two meter beam for RDF
> and portable use. I have found a couple of plans on the net but I want to
> use PVC pipe as the boom. I have three questions.
>
> Can I get by using 1/2" inch pvc plastic pipe or do I need 3/4"?
>
> I want to make the boom in two sections, for easy transport and storage. I
> was thinking of just using a 'T' connector and holding the boom in place
on
> each side of the 'T' and at a short mast to hold the beam with screws but
> wondering if anyone had a better method for quicker assembly and tear down
> of this kind of beam.
>
> I was planning on using epoxy to hold the elements in place through the
boom.
> Just drilling a hole in the pvc boom that is tight fit for the elements
then
> applying epoxy to the outside. Anyone have a better method?
>
> Thanks

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