The Helical Whip for RV and Mobile Use

Finally, spray the antenna with two or three coats of good enamel.

If you are not particular about its bulky appearance, ½- inch PVC pipe makes quite satisfactory antennas. Using PVC eliminates the need for a form for loading coils. Otherwise, follow the procedure for col winding and use the same amount of wire. The tunable tip will require some kind of cap or plug with a hole on it. Seal the tip well to keep water out.

Conclusion

Anyone who likes to experiment will surely enjoy using some combination on the antennas described. On a recent trip to southern Missouri, I made contacts on all five bands using the antennas in Photo and Yaesu FT101E modified for WARC bands. I also worked 17 stations in Europe and Asia in 2 hours operating time. I made contacts on 40 meters by attach a 33- foot wire to a common feedpoint and throwing the other end up into a three. Attaching the 40- meter wire did not affect the operation of the five helicals on the spring mount. Your result can be equal to those obtained with expensive commercial products.

The features I have tried to stress here are:

-       Top loading has an advantage over middle or bottom loading.

-       Top of vehicle mount is superior to bumper mounting.

-       Multiband operation is possible with one lead.

-       Good efficiency occurs at low power.

Front Cover of the

Ham Radio/May/1990

But in the final analysis, great economy and the fun of building ones own equipment are probably the best features of all.

Credit Line: Ham Radio/May/1990/pp.: 24-29

www.antentop.org

Page- 49