View Single Post
Old 01-02-2012, 05:49 PM   #7
W4AUE
OleBird - since '57 QCWA+
 
W4AUE's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Johnson City, TN
Posts: 7
Default jpole

Hi Chris, nice implementation of a grand ole standby!

I recently ran across a neat alternative to the ground plane - the J-Pole - which you might find interesting in your emergency work.

http://www.larrywatford.com/pdf/JPole.pdf

There are a lot of implementations of this design as well, including a piece of twin lead hanging from a tree limb, but the design attached is very similar in hardware to what you did with the ground plane.

I've built several of these for various applications - it's easy to replicate with good results (no tuning) - makes a good club project for newbies.

I have one for the rv, one on the boat, one at the condo (in the attic), one at the office, and one in the "grab and go" duffel bag for emergencies.



The antenna has several advantages over the ground plane:

1. No radials required
2. Lower angle of radiation - higher gain
3. Wider Band width
4. Two bands for the price of one
5. Easy conversion to marine, aviation, and FRS freqs
6. Good performance mounted close to the ground
7. Self protecting in lightning (but not bullet proof)

I've driven mine with everything from a VX3 @ 100mw to Alinco @100 watts always get good reports.

I also put an extra threaded hole on the emergency unit to match a photo tripod screw - for a quick and dirty set up!

Also makes for a great simplex repeater (or use two for a cross band 440/144 (no duplexer) set up) - here in the mountains!


Thanks for sharing you project!
__________________

Larry (OM), Gean (XYL), & Roxie (QRN)


www.W4AUE.com
W4AUE is offline   Reply With Quote