[SMCARA] Field Day Setup

Tue Jun 24 10:55:10 EDT 2014

Two approaches for the attaching the GP elements:

a.  Solder to the holes in the 239 ( or "N" connector if you are building it for 70CM or higher). The 239 will work on 70CM, but there is an "impedance bump"  and greater loss with the 239.

b.  Use crimp lugs and #4 hardware (Screw, washer, nut). Subject to corrosion/rust unless you hose it down with Krylon spray to help weatherproof it.

Both work well, but the crimp lug approach is a bit more time consuming and requires more "things".   Using the crimp lug method allows you to disassemble for transport/storage, although by using soft copper #12 for the elements, you can just bend them straight.

Another consideration is mounting the antenna.  I have used a piece of PVC a foot or so long with success.  Tape it or clamp it to the mast with the coax running down inside the pipe.   As I recall the 239 will fit into 1/2 inch (may have to measure to make sure) PVC, using either friction fit or a glob of Epoxy to keep it together.

Don't forget a vise to hold the connector while soldering and you will need a "honkin big" iron to get enough heat.  A large gun will work or a good old fashioned plumbers iron.  A propane torch will work, but can get messy if you are not careful!

Whatever happens, HAVE FUN!

Tom/W4OKW

-----Original Message-----
From: SMCARA [mailto:smcara-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Daniel Metcalf
Sent: Monday, June 23, 2014 11:27 PM
To: Gary Ramon
Cc: smcara at mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [SMCARA] Field Day Setup

I just got 20 connectors for $26 off of ebay with out screws. Do we need the hardware? or can we solder the elements to the connector? If not now we are down to $3 per antenna.

Dan

On Mon, Jun 23, 2014 at 11:00 PM, Daniel Metcalf <kb3uun at gmail.com> wrote:

> Gary,
>
> I think I have the cost down to $5.00. The main driver is the bulkhead
> connectors as they are $3.50 a piece. I purchased a 100 foot roll of
> 14/2 copper wire for $36.45 that comes out to $0.3645 per foot you
> need about 4 feet per antenna so that is $1.458 per antenna. Total
> cost in parts is
> $4.958 so round up to $5.00 to make it easy.
>
> Just need to find a good deal on the connectors.
>
>
> On Mon, Jun 23, 2014 at 10:28 PM, Gary Ramon <g_ramon at yahoo.com> wrote:
>
>> I used Romex electrical wire a coworker had leftover.  Wire was free.
>>  You may want to try that to reduce cost.
>>
>>
>> Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE smartphone
>>
>>
>> -------- Original message --------
>> From: Daniel Metcalf
>> Date:06/23/2014 4:57 PM (GMT-05:00)
>> To: Jason Rearick
>> Cc: smcara at mailman.qth.net
>> Subject: Re: [SMCARA] Field Day Setup
>>
>> Agreed. I will just get a spool of said wire and strip it down into
>> approx lengths for Field Day.
>>
>>
>> On Mon, Jun 23, 2014 at 4:53 PM, Jason Rearick
>> <jbr13 at md.metrocast.net>
>> wrote:
>>
>> > Dan, just a tip for the SO239 antenna.  I think 12 gauge house
>> > wiring is much easier to work with.  It fits very well, is easier
>> > to bend the
>> ends in
>> > to loops, and solders much easier from my experiences.  Just my 2 cents.
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > -----Original Message----- From: Ken McNeely via SMCARA
>> > Sent: Monday, June 23, 2014 4:42 PM
>> > To: Daniel Metcalf ; smcara at mailman.qth.net ; Rene Ramirez
>> > Subject: Re: [SMCARA] Field Day Setup
>> >
>> >
>> > I am interested in the antenna build project.
>> >
>> >
>> > "If you don't make changes, you will live your next five years the
>> > same
>> as
>> > your last five have been"
>> >
>> >
>> > On Monday, June 23, 2014 4:31 PM, Daniel Metcalf <kb3uun at gmail.com>
>> wrote:
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > All,
>> >
>> > I appreciate the huge response to assist Gene in getting the tower
>> > up
>> and
>> > operational.
>> >
>> > Just an FYI the communications tent will be there and setup between
>> > 9
>> and
>> > 10 Saturday morning.
>> >
>> > Rob will have the food and drinks that the club pays for each year
>> > and
>> will
>> > need assistance unloading. Where do we sit on coolers. In the past
>> > we
>> have
>> > had access to the ice machines at the firehouse but we will need
>> coolers to
>> > place the meet and drinks in.
>> >
>> > Rob will also have the beam antenna so help will be needed there as
>> well.
>> >
>> > Pete has responded to the affirmative that he will be bringing the
>> > usual for extension cords and other items we have typically used.
>> >
>> > Ray has the computers for logging.
>> >
>> > I guess the only things left to work out is what to bring for the
>> pot-luck
>> > and who is bringing what radio.
>> >
>> > I will be bringing an RV for me to crash in when the pain becomes
>> > to
>> much
>> > and I am waiting for the medications to kick in but I will be on
>> > site
>> for
>> > the duration of Field Day.
>> >
>> > If there is anything else needed please let us know.
>> >
>> > For those interested we are looking at having a SO-239 2m antenna build.
>> > This is the antenna that requires metal clothes hangers and a panel
>> SO-239
>> > connector. I am estimating the cost for each antenna to be around
>> > $10.00 (could be less). If you are interested in building one
>> > please let me
>> know
>> > so I can make sure I have enough parts.
>> >
>> > --
>> > Dan Metcalf -- KB3UUN
>> > c. 301 769 1111
>> > ______________________________________________________________
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>> >
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>>
>> > ______________________________________________________________
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>> >
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>> > jbr13 at md.metrocast.net
>>
>> > ______________________________________________________________
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>> >
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>> > kb3uun at gmail.com
>>
>> >
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> Dan Metcalf -- KB3UUN
>> c. 301 769 1111
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> SMCARA mailing list
>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/smcara
>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>> Post: mailto:SMCARA at mailman.qth.net
>>
>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this
>> email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to
>> g_ramon at yahoo.com
>>
>
>
>
> --
> Dan Metcalf -- KB3UUN
> c. 301 769 1111
>

--
Dan Metcalf -- KB3UUN
c. 301 769 1111
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