Feed-point Connector for Inverted V Dipole Antenna

[@steveinkentucky]

Excellent video. I'm building a fan dipole next week and will be using a 1:1 QRP (200 watts) BalunDesigns balun. It's not tough enough for permanent weight-bearing or the elements. This is ideal to put it inside. I haven't watched all your video, but keep up the great work. Practical examples like this help hams tremendously with practical projects. Steve

[@johnmanz3397]

@johnmanz3397 I would recommend using a bulkhead connector with a square mounting flange; so that it can be mounted outside on the pvc end cap allowing the full length of thread on the so-239 connector to be available for the pl-259 to properly seat. The one wire would solder to the center connector of the so-239 and the other wire would attach to one of the small mounting screws for the so-239 bulkhead connector.

[@bbowling4979]

Hi Dave. Very nice video and great explanations of what you are doing. For centering the hole on the plug you can just draw a line from one corner to the opposite corner. Do that again with a different pair of corners and they will cross in the center!

[@SherwoodR631]

made 2 of these tonight; once i collected all the parts. Thanks Dave, was a fun little project.

[@peterwhalley5236]

Thanks for the video Dave. I have 3 suggestions when dealing with soldering the center conductor. First, use a mandrel to form wire to fit center conductor. A drill bit just a tiny bit smaller would be a workable option. The loop should fit the pin snugly of course. This will allow more force to be used to form without risking damage to center pin among other advantages. Second, using end cutters will allow cleaner cut and 'tail' should be cut off and wire re-formed on mandrel if needed. This tail acts as a heat sink and will increase the dwell time with the soldering iron. The result of longer dwell is higher temperatures in the insulating parts than is necessary. A shorter dwell also reduces risk of boiling off tin in solder which would reduce the performance of the joint. Third, once loop is formed, flip it over so that the lead is coming off the top and isn't as close to the shield. The loop should still be held off the insulator so that the end of the pin and the top of loop are flush. These are minor issues but can make a difference in terms of eventual shorts etc.

[@hartman072]

GREAT JOB Dave!! Learned a LOT and a different way to make a FAR BETTER feedpoint connector!! Thanks again and THANKS for helping the ham radio community with your instructions!! 73 Mike K4MR-Semmes, AL.

[@DaveTadlock]

I have also bought plugs that had side walls that were too thick and had to return them. Taking an SO-239 connector with you when shopping for a PVC plug is a good idea.  Good luck with your antenna project and have fun. 73 and good DX! :)

[@michaelmoore4524]

Thanks for the instructional video. I made one of these over the weekend and will be trying to get OTA this next weekend. I did only a couple of things differently, I used hot glue to insulate the center conductor wire from the shielding in the event of condensation and left a weep hole to help dry it out but excellent tutorial! 73 KK4WTX

[@DaveTadlock]

Yes. You can use silicone sealer, caulking, two-part epoxy glue, coax seal, refrigerant tape, windshield sealer, etc. Just don't seal it all air tight. Leave a little space around the wire leads in the PVC cap and plug. This will allow the inside to vent and dry out in case of condensation forming inside the connector. Thanks for watching and 73! :)

[@davemitchell116]

Hi, Dave! I've been stringing together tons of antennas (dipoles, vees, verticals, yagis, J-poles, double bazookas and more) in the almost 38 years I've been a ham (like you, it's my favorite part of the hobby), but always used "store-bought" center insulators. This video help me make one just like yours (well, not "just like." Mine was nearly as pretty, but I think it will do the trick for a 10/15/20 fan dipole I'll be putting up). Thank a bunch, and 73 de AJ5F Dave.

[@alleycatjack4562]

A few tips for anyone making these: - If you are unable to get 1 1/4" PVC fittings as I was unable to, you can get 1 1/2 fittings at pool supplies stores. - To make separating the two pieces after drilling holes easier, drill and install the top I bolt first, and install a bolt and washer in the large hole in the plug where the connector will go. You can then put the bolt from the plug in the vice, and use a screwdriver through the I bolt on the top to pull it off much easier. - To make centering the SO-239 easier, connect a PL-259 connector to it, then wrap it with a few layers of masking tape until it is thick enough to firmly hold itself in place in the hole. This will keep the connector nice and centered as you drill your holes.

[@Zigge]

Excellent tutorial. If you want to make a batch of these, you can take a male connector and give it some wraps of masking tape to center them precisely in the hole. Then screw it on the female to center it in the big hole when and pilot drill the holes for mounting screws. I just drill them from the outside.

[@greenegfm1]

Hello Dave, Just wanted to let you know that using you youtube videos starting with the feedpoint connector up thru building the antennas got me on the air as a New to HF Ham! Well done and I hope to meet up with you on the radio. (20 meter mono band using your instructions!) best of 73's, Greg Ki4WKS

[@DaveTadlock]

@GeoN0JRJ Thanks, George! :) The SO-239 doesn't really move any from side to side inside the bottom of the plug. A 1/8" drill bit will clear the SO-239 mounting holes so the drill bit shouldn't hang and catch the inside edge of the mounting hole. After I have a screw in it to hold it in place I'll then use the 9/64" drill bit to enlarge the SO-239 mounting hole on the opposite corner and drill through the plastic. Then you can move the screw to the other side and enlarge the first mounting hole.

[@eddiephillips2000]

Made one of these myself for a 20m dipole above back of shack. Not quite as exact to yours but close. Hope you are doing well Dave! Haven't heard/seen you lately here. 73 from N4EMP

[@billbijnsdorp8929]

Just a couple of thoughts. To make sure that pl259 connector works, fasten it to the so239 while drilling the bolt holes. Some hot glue could make an excellent insulator for the inside. A Great project!! Bill ve3srh

[@gsansoucie]

Thanks for this. Helped me make up an SO-239 connector without crimping tools...

[@generoll4027]

great ideas there. why don't you put the center wire inside the center pin of the socket instead of around it?

[@steveinkentucky]

I think the concept of a wider and longer pipe would allow the balun to fit inside. It is only 3 x 2 x 1.5 inches. Having the leads from the antenna wires to a piece of jumper would allow the balun (239 on each end) to be placed inside and weather-proofed as well as stress-proofed. It is a great balun, but designed for QRP portable, so it isn't as strong as NEMA cases or tubular pvc. Would it be o.k. to hang it by the 14 ga. wire to the side eyebolts? It would be difficult to run a rope.

[@robertmiller7628]

Hi Dave , Good video.Just finished my feed point connector. Had one problem, the pvc plug was to thick to accept the so-239 chassis. Had to use a 60 grit lapping wheel to accept the connector. Other than that everything went as per your video. Will be making your 40/80 mtx. inverted v next .. Thanks again kb3yjc

[@DaveTadlock]

@twylo You may have a small piece of PVC caught where the holes are drilled. You could try running your drill bit through there again. The square end of a file blade might be something too that you can try to ream out the holes with.

[@DaveTadlock]

@steveinkentucky Glad you enjoyed the video, Steve. I'm not sure that a balun would still fit inside. If the balun doesn't fit then you might try a short piece of schedule 40 PVC pipe and use two caps. Thank you for the nice comment and I will keep "practical" in mind when doing future videos. Good luck with your antenna project and have fun! :)

[@mowtown75]

Dave, is an RF choke or balan not required for an inverted V? Thanks Tim

[@johnmanz3397]

I like your design and I'll probably use it soon.

[@shaneramos1428]

How do you make the connection to the pole wires? Do u use the eye hold on the sides for rope to support horizontally?

[@richardschnedorf5711]

Nice job, good craftsmanship.

[@jefffritsche9974]

Hi Dave -- excellent video! I'm building this myself right now, following your video. Question -- you start with two 10" pieces of wire, but on the center terminal of the SO-239, after wrapping it and soldering you cut off about 1" of that wire. So, you'll end up with uneven lengths of wire coming out -- do you then have to compensate for that with one of the legs of the "V" being 1" longer than the other so that the overall length of both is the same ? Thanks.

[@pdionne03901]

I'm looking at making a long wire CB antenna that would have two wires connected to the center conductor, where each wire is 90 degrees from each other and the other 2 wires would be 90 degrees out from each other. They would form an "X". all would be the cut to the same length and each would be 1/4 wave. Would this antenna work to give 360 lobs and end up being an omni, or would I see issues with VSWR?

[@wayneburden6081]

If you did wish to completely seal it, could you seal I silica packet in there for potential moisture?

[@pdionne03901]

Why didn't you use the center conductor tube on the SO 259? Seems like circling the tube, as you did could make shorting out between the center conductor and the shield an issue if it gets wet.

[@denniswage9748]

Paul Dionne I’ll be presumptuous and answer for Dave. It’s so the wire is horizontally oriented and no bending required to exit the enclosure.

[@radiobill4082]

Take the ring. Off of a pl259 and just insert it in the center hole so that you can keep your so239 in alignment then drill your holes for mounting the so 239. That way you're so-239 is exactly centered easy fix not a problem. Just a helpful hint. K4WJM, Bill

[@DaveTadlock]

@steveinkentucky If the balun is a small box with a female UHF connector on each end then just use a double male connector to attach the balun to a feed-point connector, like the one in this video. You then only need to worry about the weight of your coax cable -- and so you might consider RG-8X (mini 8) if the balun case is a bit flimsy. It's up to you if you want to enclose it. The antenna will need to be supported at the center. My next video will have more information about mounting.

[@Chasing_The_Dream]

Great video. a lot of effort you put in to this project. May be time to sell these on ebay for us lazy hams.

[@post2memrg]

Hi Dave, is it possible to keep this design but use the antenna as a doublet.

[@ado75]

Dave thanks very much for this vid. I'm going to construct a 300ohm ribbon fed doublet using your method as a template.

[@w2msa]

Dave, thanks for the video. This was very detailed and simple to follow. Do you have a video on an OCF dipole build?

[@barrykery1175]

Neat clean center insulator. But.....where's the balun? Barry

[@Jimmyzb36]

Thanks for this!!!! It helped me. Just a thought Why not load the cavity with a good silicone?

[@thunderjagman]

I used nylon locking nuts on the inside to be sure the eye bolts don't come loose at all versus an internal regular nut with a lock split washer. If a regular is used I suggest locktite or super glue on the threads.

[@GeoN0JRJ]

Very Nice. Just as good and a heck of a lot cheaper than store bought! COMMENT: I am wondering if it might help alignment of the SO-239 conn if you held it in place by screwing a SO-239 lug on the other end before drilling. Just a thought. It fits so tight in there this may not be necessary though. Thanks for the videos! George, N0JRJ

[@ronvaliant9337]

Do you use a balun?

[@jimtaylorsr]

Mr. Tadlock Sir, how do you get the dang pvc parts apart after you drill the initial holes???

[@benhaven]

Well Dave you've given me the habit. This connector video turned the light bulb on! I'm planning an end fed dipole for my base scanner. My plan is to use 2" diameter copper tubes. Is copper as effective as wire? Do you have a website where you sell antennas?

[@gilbreathca]

Any tricks on getting these 2 pvc pieces separated after drilling the holes? Man, they got stuck pretty well!

[@dieseldude76us]

hey zed, I have a question. after constructing the feed point connector could you fill up the bottom with silicone to insulate the wire connections?

[@denniswage9748]

Now my question. No Balun. What keeps the shield of the coax from becoming part of the length of the element it’s wired to? The reason I ask is, I am made a 20 M inverted V using a connector just like this. It was resonant and worked fine. Replaced the feed point connector with a quality 1:1 choke Balun and I had to lengthen the elements quite a bit. Dave?

[@DaveTadlock]

@twylo Place a small thin pocket knife blade between the two parts and begin working it loose. Once wide enough use the tip of a very small screwdriver. As you work it apart then use a larger screwdriver. I use my vice to hold it so that I can pull on it. Hopefully you drilled the big hole for the SO-239 first so there is not any air pressure. Hope this helps. :)

[@arthurhunt642]

I want to make this connector. I can't find a 1-1/4" plug that doesn't have threads. I don't know if it has enough surface area to hold?

[@My_Names_Not_Nigel]

So one side of the dipole is connected to the insulator of the cable you run to your radio?

[@DaveTadlock]

@Jackupnow The step bit is 1/4" to 3/4".

[@davideisenberger6197]

Very nice video! You have the patience of a Saint! Good job! My only questions for you is you stated no Baluns or Chokes are required in an inverted Vee Configuration. What do you use then for eliminating Common Mode Currents on the feedline? Tnx and 73's de K8KEM

[@stephanevermette145]

David Eisenberger Maybe a few turns of the feedline right below the balun?

[@Okinawapajero]

Question for you sir, how do you split the coaxial cable for each leg of the inverted v? Does the shielding spilt onto one leg and the center conductor split to the other or are both legs of the inverted v the same electrical point as the center conductor of the coax cable? I assumed that both would be the transmission line of the coax but other people tell me that one is the shield (Ground) and the other is the center conductor.

[@jolebole-yt]

What size is that step drill bit ?Thanks

[@kil-donghong46]

Dave, I don't see any work on grounding the antenna. I grounded mine, (I am a new ham) and wonder am I loosing signal strength?

[@hightowerone]

To: Original Poster (or anyone) HELLO!!! Is using Dielectric Grease (or something like that name, its the stuff you put on car battery terminals to prevent corrosion) would that stuff work well for the inside? Thanks so much for your time

[@101jumpit]

Anyone know where these pipe caps and plugs can be sourced in the UK ? Had a look in the normal places,B&Q etc;but nothing like this in store !!!!!!

[@N4EVG]

Hi Dave, First time commenting on your videos.. Thank you for your easy to follow instructions! (subscribed) 73s. N4EVG

[@DaveTadlock]

@Jackupnow That's a Dremel tool with a cut-off wheel. It's a very handy tool to have when making or building something. :)

[@5940-c7w]

Hello Dave, Are you selling these?

[@DL6UK]

I always try to Keep the actuals PL-connector in a dry compartment of my feeder

[@chalemi]

The wire you're using in this video is pure copper. Is that what you're also using for the antenna? Maybe someone can answer that? Thanks. Also if I want to order a couple of these from you, how do I do it?

[@joewilson2258]

I would have drilled the hole for the so239 base to center it and then drilled the bolt holes so that everything would be centered . When I drilled the hole to set the so-239 it would still be in the center of the plug .

[@CompetitiveAudio]

@twylo Be sure too de-burr the PVC with a small tiny file or a pocket knife as well. That will probably help you with the extra tight friction fit. 73

[@laudenirnorato4650]

você ficou careca depois de 7 anos né.?

[@trousertrout100]

This is a great instruction video. I appreciate you taking the time to show me how to assemble the feed point and hope to contact you sometime down the line. KI4AIE Neil

[@Adriano9966]

if you cant find these in a diy store you can try a dedicated plumbers merchant the 1& 3/4 inch plugs(40mm) are on sale in diy stores as is the hardware but I have not seen the end caps in that shape!Best thing to do is to use what you can find thats similar. all of these other items are available but they will be metric equivelents so just think of an inch as 25mm and divide eg 1/8 of an inch will be roughly 3mm [close enough :-) hope that helps

[@norbertstepien9185]

Excellent video's Dave..your attention to detail is exemplary. Have you thought about making a video on how to build an hf cubical quad. I had a Lightning Bolt quad years ago and it was the best antenna I've ever owned and I've had a few. VE3 WNS

[@rogerbrowne2190]

How do I get the web site to buy this kit.Regards Roger

[@mkubiak67]

when i did mine i sealed the SO-239 to PVC with JB welled then filled the base with clear epoxy. i would not use the JB inside with the wires i think it has metal in it so i used clear epoxy.

[@101jumpit]

Excellent tutorial thoroughly enjoyed it !!!!!

[@902Steeler]

Why not use a piece of pipe for this project? That way you can assemble your wires inside of it, also I would want to use screws to keep it closed so I can re open to service it

[@jeffdube5676]

dave I used the 1-1/2 PVC cap and plug because so239 would not fit in the 1-1/4.

[@rlrsk8r1]

Exact same scenario here. I'm thinking of using the 1.25" parts I bought as either a BNC-based antenna hub for HTs or...something. I think an SO-239 with one lug would fit, but not a 4-lugger.

[@jeffdube5676]

Kay's

[@not2fast4u2c]

Thanks For the video !!! I like your Design

[@luckyboy3814]

Hello Sir, im DW7PGO from philippines, im new to HF and i have the old IC 725 now, my question is, i have a balun 1:1 air core dipole, can i install this as inverted V?

[@DaveTadlock]

@Okinawapajero The center of the coax is connected to one side of the antenna and the braided shield connects to the other side of the antenna. Please watch my video Dipole and Inverted V Antenna Basics for more information. Hope this helps. :)

[@purplemutantas]

A regular dipole does NOT require a balun! I am running a home built 10 meter dipole with 50 feet of coax. I get an SWR of 1.3:1 or less with no balun on 28.120 MHz. I could probably shorten the antenna sightly to get a better SWR, but the SWR is good enough that I haven't bothered to mess with it.

[@ChadHarzkeKK6DPE]

How much is shipping on your Feed-point Connector Kits? Can you combine shipping for quantities? I couldn't find any info on your site.

[@DaveTadlock]

Chad Harzke Within the U.S. shipping is $6.00 sent in a Flat Rate Priority Mail padded mailer with a USPS tracking number. I can probably send at least two or three in one mailer. Larger quantities can be sent in a flat rate box. I'll have to check the online rate calculator at usps.com and enter the shipping zip code in order to calculate the rate for the larger boxes. Shipping costs to addresses outside the U.S. is much more than the cost of the kits. The kits are still only $11 each and I have about 25 left. I can accept payment by paypal. Message me through Facebook (Zed Zed's Workbench) or QRZ for the payment email. I'm also good in the call book.

[@ignacioguzman6025]

Chad Harzke

[@Justin-bd2dg]

Why not wire the the eyelets on the inside? Then just wrapping your radiators to the eyelets will perform the connection. Then you could fully pot it and it would be 100% water proof.

[@DaveTadlock]

@trousertrout100 Glad you enjoyed the video, Neil. 73 and good DX! :)

[@DaveTadlock]

Hi Ashley, Please click my website link on my KZbin Channel. You'll find these listed at the bottom of the main page and on the feed-point connector page. The caps and plugs that I currently have are slightly different than shown in the video. These don't have the seem across the bottom of the plug but the parts are easier to fit together and pull apart. Just draw a reference line across the bottom of the plug if you need to. Thanks for watching and 73! :)

[@victorb22622]

Every time you make big diameter hole for so 239, you even not check the dia of connector,just have to hole as much size of dril bit

[@hman630]

You should make these including the rest of the antenna and sell them. id buy one in a heart beat. HI. JKW

[@Brookeluvv]

1:57 is parts

[@антонпятов-м9л]

Спасибо Дэйв.

[@XYZ8311]

good video Appaji KB9ZFL

[@DaveTadlock]

@Jackupnow Mine is cordless Dremel model 800. Visit amazon.com and type in "dremel" in the search box. There's lots to choose from. :)

[@mkubiak67]

i would hit it with paint as the sun will take its toll on the PVC.

[@alanroderick6212]

love your videos KN7NNN

[@jamesbradley9233]

Or save yourself 30 minutes, buy one £2.99