The Alinco is run by three AA batteries and I keep it in my purse for emergencies, although, my mobile phone is better for that. The Yeasu, I use primarily. Only problem is I hear fine, but people say they receive a scratchy signal.
While there is as many configurations out there as there are cars, they all do share the same characteristics:
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They are easy to erect.
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There are no radials.
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They are pretty much “stealth”.
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Minimum static charge build up.
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They are easy to put up.
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And many many more.
Now a days, people make them from copper tubing, aluminum rods, or PVC with 300 ohm twin lead inside it. I have also seen twin lead with a hook on the top so you can hang it from a tree and roll it up and put in your pocket when done.
Robert Cummings was at the last RASC meeting and had his J-Pole for show-in-tell. His was a popular design that is currently sold by Arrow Antennas. The difference is they charge $39 plus $12 shipping and you wait two weeks to get it.
His version looks the same and is constructed from parts available at a hardware store or Amazon.com spending a total of $20 and you can have it running hours after buying the parts.
The design is simple with a 490 mm driven element made out of 10 mm aluminum rod, a 70 cm resonator next to it, 162 mm long and a 1462 mm 2 m resonator completing the package. All mounted on an aluminum plate. The work is threading the rods to accept a SO239 stud mount.
When done, it has a low SWR of 1.5:1 and works for base stations, mobile, and handheld rigs.
Robert Cummings – KC0SO
If you want specific details, please contact Robert Cummings, KC0SO.
As for myself, I have ordered one online and am waiting anxiously for it’s arrival. I hope it solves the scratchy signal issue. Put it up on a pole and cross my fingers.
If that works well, I think I will go to the effort to build one using these directions to mount on my 5th wheel.
The next step is a cheap whip antenna for my VW and an undecided antenna type for my Bronco.
Historical note for the History Channel types, which I’m sure you know, the J-Pole is a descendant of the Windom Antenna made famous by Loren Windom in 1923 and featured in QST in 1929. Something good from the Great Depression era. He described it as a compromise multiband antenna.
His antennas are still being used today.
My next foray into this mess will be to get a HF rig, preferably a mobile unit I can swap between my RV and my cars.
I can only afford a small boat at this point. The black hole will still be small.
Note: this is my journal into the every changing world of becoming a world class ham. – Robin
