[Milsurplus] Tape or wire antenna systems

[Kenneth G. Gordon]

> I am looking for details on the systems of retractable tape or wire
> antennas that have been used in the past. What I am after is any
> drawings or details on how they were/are constructed. In fact any
> diagrams or details of any military HF or VHF/UHF antenna systems would be
> welcome.

HyGain built several different models of the retractable tape antennas for 
the military. They consist, literally, of two circular,hand cranked, tape 
measures in a common housing with a locking brake and a wiper system 
to connect both sides to a coax connector. The tapes are then calibrated in 
feet and meters (wavelength).

One could build a similar device with two Stanley 100 or 200 foot tape 
measures and a suitable coupling device.

I don't know what a "tape measure" is called in the UK though...

Ken Gordon W7EKB