[NLRS] Halo/Big Wheel Antennas

Wed, 29 Jan 2003 10:44:04 -0600

Hi Eric,
Can't help on 432, but I've built and used Big Wheels on 2 and 222MHz.  I my
opinion, they're a big improvement over halos.  BUT... they're ugly as sin !

I currently have a stacked pair up at home I use for local stuff (2m), and a
single one for mobile use (also 2m). The only problem I've run into from
home is the noise problem... since its an omni, there is no reduction of
noise but turning the antenna away from the source.

There's a better way to build them than the 30+-year old directions in the
old VHF Manual and Handbooks.  Radio Shack sells a SO-239 socket with a 1"
long stud drilled and tapped for 3/8-24.  Its designed for mounting a whip
antenna.  Make a bracket and mount the whip mount to it.  Take a 2 or 3"
dia. disk, drill a 3/8 hole in the center, and mount that to the top of the
whip mount.  Mount the three radiators, and drill two extra holes for the
matching stub.  Much easier than all the special shapes for the bracket and
top plate from the Handbook.

I'd STRONGLY recommend that you make a plywood form to bend the radiators
on.  It much, MUCH easier than trying to do it free-hand.  If you make a
stack, you have to bend a number of them.  They also look a lot better.

Good luck !

73 Donn
WA2VOI/0

-----Original Message-----
From: Eric Shook [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Monday, January 27, 2003 6:31 PM
To: nlrs
Subject: [NLRS] Halo/Big Wheel Antennas

Hello all,

I was wondering if anyone had experience with building
halo or big wheel antennas for 2 meters and 432.  I
would like to build one especially for 432 and
possibly stacking them for extra gain.  I know that
they are not all that expensive, but any money saved
is extra transverter money!

Thanks for the help,
-Eric KT8O

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