Mike Jackson wrote: > Can you tell us more about the roll up j pole idea? You can determine the dimensions you need from an online calculator like: <http://www.hamuniverse.com/jpole.html> Just plug in the frequency you're interested in - I'd use something intermediate to ch 16 and 22. This will give you about 3 dB gain over the rubber ducky, IIRC. While the instructions might call for copper tubing, you can use a single strand of insulated wire bent into a J and held into shape by laying it onto some duct tape and covering it over with more duct tape. Another alternative is to make a twinlead version - google searches will find instruction. You'll also need a bit of coax to make a coil of about five turns to reduce interference and a coax connector that fits your VHF rubber ducky's connector. For tools you just need a wire cutter and soldering pencil. Altogether quite cheap - the coax connector is likely the most expensive part. The antenna can be rolled up for storage and stretched out for use. You'll have to hold up the end with a paddle or something. You can attach a loop of line or punch a hole in the duct tape for a line. I haven't made one for VHF, but I did make one for my stereo receiver for local FM stations and I no longer have reception problems compared to the cheapo twinlead antenna. Mike *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************Received on Thu Nov 16 2006 - 21:50:00 PST
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