Theory:
This antenna is a simple vertical ground plane made using the fiberglass handle of a pole pruner. It is helically wound and resonates on the 20m band. A coil at the base allows 40m operation as well. Switching bands takes only seconds.
Deployed
Connections
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Tunable Tip
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Guys
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Advantages:
• excellent on-air performance
• low radiation angle good for DX
• no lossy transformer required = efficient
• self-supporting via 3 guy lines to tent pegs
Construction:
I used stainless steel automotive hose clamps to secure wire to the fiberglass.
Start with 36 turns of #14 insulated wire at the base to create a 11 μH inductor.
Then wind about 17 feet of wire around the extended pole pruner.
I added a few feet of aluminum tubing and an adjustable stainless steel "stinger" at the top for fine tuning.
This antenna requires 2 to 6 radials for decent performance depending on ground/soil conditions. Check out my FREE radials!
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