question about a home made antenna design

[Sonwatcher]

Where did you find the aluminum tubing ?

 

[GLR]

my local farm supply store carries that tubing, don't know if you have those type places there though

 

[Sonwatcher]

We have a Tractor Supply near by. I'll have to check and see if they have it. Thanks !

 

[BOOTY MONSTER]

Where did you find the aluminum tubing ?

http://www.worldwidedx.com/cb-antennas/36443-aluminium-tubing-part-dux.html

 

[Mr Clean]

How much gain you seeing over your old antenna? I like your antenna. I wonder how lexan would work in place of wood?

 

[BOOTY MONSTER]

lexan would probally be better than a pressure treated 2x4 . the locals hear are telling me anywhere from 0 to 4 s-units more on their meters , which shows just how inaccurate s-meters can be in radios . heres a lil more info on its performance .

http://www.worldwidedx.com/home-brew-mods/38300-64-homebrew-temporally-finished-up-pics.html

 

[W5LZ]

I think a chunk of lexan the size of that '2 x 4' to hold the antenna would be cost prohibitive. In other words, don't bother sitting down for the price, go ahead and lay flat on the floor, saves time. Varnish the '2 x 4' and parts of the antenna on the '2 x 4'. Ought'a stop any wear'n'tear on the wood and stop the aluminum from rusting. About an 1/8" coating should do fine. Or just 'glass' it. Tint for desired finished color. (Pink)
- 'Doc

 

[Mr Clean]

I can get lexan fairly cheap. I work where its made. I get it for the cost to make it. 2 layers of 1/2 inch thick stacked I would fhink would be plenty strong.

 

[Robb]

You scored BootyMon. Even if the meters were not telling the same thing when they gave you those reports; they were still getting better judged by the same meter. Relative to those meters. I think you did very well; hope I have the same success when I make one!

Pressure treated lumber will be OK for awhile. Regardless of that - you made it work. By the time you have to change it out for another piece a few years down the road, you may well have found a piece of another stronger material by then.

Q: What is the distance from the tip of the antenna to the surface of the ground?

 

[BOOTY MONSTER]

when i redo the ground radials im going to go to a 4 ft peice of solid %100 recycled plastic 2x6 lumber . ive worked with this stuff in the past building decks and the solid stuff is extremely strong ! its also not affected by UV rays and wont rott or shrink/swell between dry and wet seasons . ill get a scrap/leftover peice for free .

the tip top of the antenna is about 46 feet high . more is more and i got more and can tell a obvious difference so im happy .