[Antennas] Two meter beam for RDF ?

[Mike DiTurno]

I have built a few of these, as have some friends of
mine.  They are good performers, all things
considered.  To answer your questions: 

See below for answers and a URL.

73 de KC8OWL, Mike



--- radionut <radionutmike@mindspring.com>
wrote:
> 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"?

Answer:  You can use 1/2" PVC without problem.  I
like 1" PVC because the inner diameter of the PVC
pipe is large enough to allow me to fold the tape
measure elements in half and then stick them into the
PVC crosses for storage. 
> 
> 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.  Answer:  I would leave the
driven elemants fixed to something rigid, but the
director and reflector can be removed when not in use.
 I glued mine together with PVC cement and have added
an extra 6" section on the rear of the mast and
them built a pistol type of grip on the end so I can
hold the entire thing in my hand similar to how a
handgun would sit in your hand when your arm is
extended.

> 
> 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?  Answer:  I would stainless steel hose
clamps to hold the elements in place rather than
epoxy.  Take a look at this web site to see the plans
we have followed to put ours together:

http://www.qsl.net/ka8vit/TMBeam/TMBeam.htm

> 
> - - - 
> 
> Your moderator for this list is:
> Larry Wilson KE1HZ antennas-owner@mailman.qth.net
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