Posts

Showing posts with the label Building a balcony vertical dipole VHF antenna

Building a Balcony Vertical Dipole VHF Antenna

Image
Not every antenna experiment proves successful, especially for radio amateurs with restricted antenna space. In this video from Gil of the "Radio Prepper" video channel, we see how a well-conceived project can run into unexpected problems. Although Gil's antenna didn't perform as intended, it did offer some alternatives for those living in deed-restricted housing. If you can't see the video, please go here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFLprwd-L8k Here are some comments from Gil: Sometimes things don't work as planned. This antenna was supposed to work for the 6m FM band on 51.5MHz. It is actually a vertical dipole as a quarter wave antenna would have radials on the ground or at a 45deg angle for a 50 Ohm impedance. Disappointing results due in my opinion to the metal rail assembly in close proximity. What do you think? 3D design file: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:399... Get more content and help this channel: https://www.patreon.com/radioprepper D

Building a balcony vertical dipole VHF antenna

Image
If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFLprwd-L8k&ab_channel=RadioPrepper This is post 2419 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Sometimes, our antenna ideas just don't work.  In this video from the "RadioPrepper" youtube channel, we see how a great design often fails because of an unexpected environmental situation. This antenna was made to cover portions of the 6 meter amateur radio band, but failed to perform as designed.  The most likely suspect was the metal railing used to support the antenna. A wooden support (such as a chair) or some PVC pipe may have helped alleviate the issue. Here are some comment from the builder: Sometimes things don't work as planned. This antenna was supposed to work for the 6m FM band on 51.5MHz. It is actually a vertical dipole as a quarter wave antenna would have radials on the ground or at a 45deg angle for a 50 Ohm impedance. Di