G4NSJ - Flowerpot coaxial dipole antenna air band aerial

This is my Flowerpot or coaxial dipole antenna for the VHF aircraft band. These aerials are very easy to make, as you'll see from my construction details.
Dimension calculator...
nomonsuhendar....

[@rainmaker3]

Thank you for explaining it so well for the beginners!

[@g4nsj]

Thanks, glad it was helpful. Cheers, Ray.

[@dorough2]

Holy crap it works! I made this flowerpot antenna and I'm picking up things I've never been able to pull in before! Previously with the whip antenna I'd bought, I would get nearby airborne planes. Now, with the flowerpot on the ground, I'm picking up the tower, planes on the ground and ATIS 6 miles away. There's some noise but it's not overbearing. Tomorrow I hoist it up into an oak tree. Hoping for even clearer signals. Woohoooo! Thank you Ray!

[@g4nsj]

Excellent!

[@zorantasich9a3hp]

It is very simple antanna I already make few, one is for 2meter FM operation , another one for APRS and work. Very simple. Coaxial bazuka dipole isnt easy. This antena origin from 1930 es. Originall name is T2LT , I have no HOA restriction but have problematic neighbours. So I try to hide antenna without compromis rf capability.

[@joerowland7350]

I believe most of us like the way you do your video's I'm still hopeing you will have cups Made so we can support you channel Cheers from the USA

[@robertfoster6070]

Part of the enjoyment of receiving a radio signal is the building of one's own antenna. Whether a 1/2 wave antenna or loop antenna.

[@g4nsj]

Very true!

[@pauldavenport3839]

Hi… I saw your video last night and today I made the antenna. It works very, very, very well. Easy to make, like you show in the video, the calculator is very useful too. I have made, previously, the Slim Jim and dipole antennas but the “flower pot” is the winner. Thank you for sharing. 73’s from Spain.

[@g4nsj]

Hi Paul, it’s great to hear from you. I am glad that the flowerpot antenna has worked out for you. It’s very easy to make, as you found out, and works well.

[@mikeadams9]

Just built one today for airband and mounted on a pole 20 feet off the ground. Very impressive results - signals much stronger (even compared to plugging in my 2m antenna) Tuned to 123Mhz and pulling in plenty of strong signals now on Uniden 125xlt. Thank you for the guide on how to build - enjoyed this project with excellent results. 73 de Mike G0AMO

[@g4nsj]

Well done, Mike. Glad it works well. Cheers, Ray.

[@solenthunk6345]

I could listen to this fellah all day, even if I thought a dipole was some kind of hair colouring implement.

[@Tocsin-Bang]

I love your videos, mainly because I don't know everything, and in some cases I need a gentle reminder. What I don't need is the "super experts" who know everything there is to know about everything.

[@g4nsj]

Thanks, Stephen, it's nice to hear from you.

[@flashtv5397]

Hi Ray, just made an airband one myself. Once you have drilled the initial hole if you carefully turn the drill on one side at 30 degs the cable sits very nicely to tape to the conduit. Thanks for the great video, looking forward to trying it out. Cheers

[@g4nsj]

Great, glad you enjoyed the video. Cheers, Ray.

[@Red-kite617]

Good morning Ray I followed your instructions and made this antenna and it’s brilliant so clear it’s like they are sitting in the shack with me 😂 We live about 10 miles from RAF coninsby get the take off clearance and all the control tower coms and the Battle of Britain flight Lancaster and spitfire etc Great videos keep them up and a merry Christmas to you Thanks Mike

[@g4nsj]

Hi Mike, that's good news. They are great aerials! Cheers, Ray.

[@morphuk1]

I had a go at making one of these for the airband, and it work incredibly well, I'm extremely impressed with it!.

[@g4nsj]

Excellent!

[@Angrath]

Great stuff. This was my first antenna project, albeit specifically for 2m but it also receives 119-136 really well. I have it in the attic and monitor my local major airport 50 miles away with ease at +20 or thereabouts! Also, I personally love the waffle.

[@g4nsj]

Thanks, Matt. It’s great to hear from you. Cheers, Ray.

[@MirlitronOne]

It's the waffle we tune in for! :-)

[@g4nsj]

Haha, love it!

[@g4nsj]

@@WECB640 I certainly will! Haha!

[@walk-tall-hikes]

@@g4nsj I will definitely buy one!

[@phillipsmiley5930]

@@WECB640 I want the one that magically disappears and the reappears minutes later

[@M7XCB]

I've all ways been fascinated about making antennas been doing it for over 40 years my 1st home made antenna was out of old BT wire it was GPO then in 1979 on AM CB radio it was illegal then I made one 18 foot I put in the loft I had it V slope people call it 9 up & 9 down it works very well I did cause some TVI on old valve tube so I had to wait for TVs to go down I end up nigh owl good days then I've just made J pole antenna for 4 metres with 450 Ohms ladder line for my friend it works very well just under 6db gain saved lot's of money. Great video

[@g4nsj]

I think experimenting with aerials is the best part of the hobby.

[@beironxx]

This is one of the best explanations I have ever listened to....so calming and understandable.....great work....

[@g4nsj]

Thanks!

[@paulglover1419]

I am in Worthing on the South coast and have just built one of these antennas, it was quick and easy. I have fixed it to a fence post and the top of the antenna is about 10 feet up and working a treat, I have Shorham by sea Airport about 6 miles down the road and the tower is booming in like never before. It is on 129.150 mhz I can also hear Hurn West Swanwick on 129.425 and Hurn Swanwick on 135.050. I am using the Grecom PSR-282 handheld scanner. Many thanks. Paul

[@g4nsj]

Excellent! Thanks for the info Paul.

[@ianbutler1983]

God, I love living out in the country. I could put up anything I want here and nobody could even see it.

[@petereastwood616]

Great video Ray, I followed your instructions and made one. It has taken my airband listening to another level. I am 8 miles from Manchester airport and can clearly hear all the tower transmissions as well as aircraft on the ground speaking to clearance control and to the company offices. Watching this led me to also check out your other videos which I find highly entertaining especially the ones about you and your mates, sorry not you, just your mates broadcasting as pirates with Echo Charlie BITD.

[@g4nsj]

Hi Peter, great to hear from you. Glad you like the videos, it's nice tro get positive feedback. I'll be adding motre soon. Cheers, Ray.

[@MrWarwick15]

Thanks so much! Just made one of these according to your instructions and WOW! Great reception on civil airband even in the house! Using a Uniden 125 XLT. Mine went inside a glass fibre telescopic fishing rod!

[@g4nsj]

Excellent, well done!

[@jamescallaway7376]

Just spent half hour making one of these works a treat, thanks very much.

[@g4nsj]

Excellent!

[@CathodeRayNipplez]

Fabulous! Why have I not seen this style before? So simple. Love it!

[@jopeirson7950]

Carry on waffling Ray, we all love your videos and I for one have learned a lot over the years.

[@g4nsj]

Thanks Jo.

[@markrolfe8298]

Thank you Ray for taking the time making this video for us newbies. I followed your instructions and I’m using it on my uniden bct15x the signal is great thank you.

[@g4nsj]

Hi Mark, l enjoy making the videos. Glad you liked it.

[@paulcole8716]

Thank you so much for helping me achieve a decent air band antenna. I have wasted so much money on shop bought ones but I have to say that this antenna does the job so much better and at a fraction of the price!! Thank you so much buddy

[@g4nsj]

Excellent! Thanks!

[@paulmcdonagh1893]

Made one of these and put it in loft. Its connected to a Quansheng uv-k5 vastly improves reception . Thanks

[@g4nsj]

Excellent!

[@pauldioncurtis]

Good ole rag chew worth listening too. Many thanks for going out of you way to educate us early novices. 73 M7LSB

[@g4nsj]

@@pauldioncurtis you’re very welcome. More videos coming soon.

[@garycowger9579]

Thank you for the Information on that Flowerpot Antenna I built one for the 2-meter Band I cut it for 146.0 MHz I used a 3/4" PVC pipe the Antenna worked perfect the first time I'm going to use that Antenna for SHTF for My Bug-Out setup. Keep the good ideas coming 73 from KB8UGP Gary in Shinnston, WV USA.

[@g4nsj]

Hi Gary, that’s good news. Thanks for letting me know. Cheers, Ray.

[@Stefaon]

This is exactly what I use on my balcony for 2m and 70cm bands. A pot, this antenna, and plastic flower on it. It work nice (I'm at the last floor of an 8 stages building).

[@g4nsj]

Excellent!

[@SuperDazQ]

Hi Ray, just made a VHF airband antenna and it works much better than the £70 'Stick' i got from a Ham store !! Love the 'waffle' as well .... Thanks

[@g4nsj]

That's good news, Thanks for letting me know. Cheers, Ray.

[@paulcole8716]

Hi mate I have followed your video and I have now got me a perfect antenna for the air band after buying a couple of naff ones online. A big thank you to you for providing this diy video. Keep up the good work pal

[@g4nsj]

Excellent! Thanks!

[@mal8279]

Hello Ray, I am absolutely staggered as to how good this antenna is! I have been using the D 777 antenna which is mounted on the roof of the house as high I dare climb up the ladder and connected to my Uniden UBC 125XLT Airband receiver. The setup I find to be excellent. However, this flowerpot coaxial dipole antenna that I made following your instructions isn’t even on the roof of the house, yet I am getting perfect reception and full signal strength. I don’t quite understand what’s going on here! I’m going to spend more time performing tests and hopefully going to roof mount it soon. Thanks very much for producing this video and I’m blown away as to how good this Flowerpot coaxial dipole antenna is. It took 30 mins to make and is my first antenna. I'm planning to make another one over the weekend, using a small diameter tube.

[@g4nsj]

That's great news. I must admi9t that I was also amazed by how well the antenna performed. I now have several up in the attic for various bands. Cheers, Ray.

[@ianharling9569]

Hi Ray.Thanks for another very informative video.Catch you on the air again soon.73

[@raywelshman]

Hi Ray, thanks for the info, don't worry about waffling, we old radio hams are all like that. Very best regards from Ray GW6IYP the old sod from North Wales.

[@MercurialTorpor]

Great vid thanks Ray. Regarding the coaxial coil winding you called a choke but I believe it might form the impedance matching network. Given the theoretical impedance of a half wave dipole is 73 + j 42.5 (~75 ohms) and the coaxial impedance is 50 ohms, an impedance matching network is required. In this case a 1/4 wave coaxial Q section implemented via the coil. Tweaking the coil turns will tweak the matching impedance for minimum VSWR (return loss) as you mentioned.

[@g4nsj]

Thanks, interesting stuff. Cheers, Ray.

[@700weedkiller4]

Top of the day Ray..glad to see your still making videos..cheers and 73s..

[@AroundTownSingers]

I am going to make one of these right now for airband. Since I am going to plug it into a RTL-SDR (which is really more of a TV tuner as originally created) I am going to try building it with RG-59 style cable TV coax of which I have a ton laying around. Since it is receiving only, I have heard that the 75 ohm nature of this cable really doesn't bother the RTL-SDR. What I can't see yet is whether the calculator (see description link) cares what kind of cable is used (RG-58 versus RG-59). And yes, like the French talking about love, you UK types could read the phone book and it would sound charming and educated. Had the pleasure of playing a carillon concert at the War Memorial Tower at Loughborough a decade ago and enjoyed the hospitalityof the British people. Enjoyed the video. Subscribed!

[@g4nsj]

I would think that the coax doesn't matter too much for receive only aerials. Charming and educated... love it!

[@AroundTownSingers]

@@g4nsj I am happy to report that using some RG-6/U worked fine, antenna built and in place. Mounted up only 10' on the side of a building and working fine, receives aircraft 30+ miles away at high altitude. Painted the 3/4 PCV it is inside the color black, and with the black electrical tape securing the coil, I must say it looks, as you say, smashing. Thank you again for your excellent video. PS. The calculator website did reference different coax types and what their degree of loss would be for the calculator's input. Didn't see that first pass thru.

[@davidflamee]

Very enjoyable, and informative. I was somewhat distracted by the lovely Grundig Yacht - Boy sitting on the bench. What a very iconic receiver, I love the push/pull tone control feature on this radio, capable of some quite extraordinary bass response for a relatively small set. Take care.

[@g4nsj]

Hi David, yes it's a great radio. I use it everyday.

[@FrancoDX]

I love your videos Ray, very informative and funny in places. Never change! I built a dipole for Airband with some steel coat hangers but I’m going to give this one a go because it can be made waterproof and go outside 👍🏼

[@g4nsj]

Excellent! Good luck with the aerial. Cheers, Ray.

[@barrychatwin661]

Great little starter antenna. I've had mine up on my trident mast for about 5yrs now. Mine is a dual band version for 2&70 and works great. I can hit gb3ls from my home qth 60 miles sth.

[@g4nsj]

Excellent!

[@barneykennett9282]

Nice to see you back Ray...👍.

[@enzedpcs2]

Thanks for me I very much like the stories and longer content.Thanks Gary

[@inixio11]

Thanks. Simple to the point. Loved the humour too. I am making one tomorrow. Very helpful

[@g4nsj]

Excellent, let me know how you get on.

[@tinkmarshino]

I am just getting into the part of my hobby where I am starting to think about making my antennas.. Thanks!

[@martinwillis3551]

You are right yet again Ray the discone is terrible and going back tomorrow. Very weak all round specially air band. I swear by your flower pot design it is truly amazing and beats the discone hands down on HF/VHF and UHF (DAB, DAB+). I might try out a Moonraker Sky Scan. At least I can take that anywhere if needed and they are good indoors as well according to the reviews but that remains to be seen. Good luck and keep safe Ray and once again thank you for your input.

[@g4nsj]

Hi Martin, it’s certainly a good idea to experiment with different aerials. That’s the best part of the hobby for me.

[@tyreburster]

I made one of these this afternoon. I used a five foot length of white pvc pipe, 21mm diameter and a scrap piece of UR43 coaxial cable of about 9 foot in length. Screw-on BNC connector for a quick finish and test. It's remarkable how well such a simple aerial works. I connected it to my Uniden UBC370XLT scanner and I could clearly receive the Pole Hill VOR from approximately 30 miles away. Full squelch setting and with the aerial just leaning in a corner. I expect it will perform even better in the loft or outside. BTW, I used a nylon cable tie to secure the coax to the pipe where it comes away from the coil. Stops it unravelling the electrical tape (I've also run out of suitable heat shrink sleeve).

[@g4nsj]

Excellent, well done!

[@tyreburster]

@@g4nsj Ray, if I want to fit an RF connector (probably a BNC) what is the longest amount of coax I could have between the connector and the choke coil ? If I fitted the bottom end of the conduit into a two way box, I could fit the BNC to the box lid and have 3 or 4 inches of coax in between. What do you think ? Thankyou.

[@g4nsj]

@@tyreburster a few inches will be fine.

[@tyreburster]

@@g4nsj Thankyou Ray. I think three inches will be enough to make an easy job.

[@g4nsj]

Let me know how you get on.

[@stevendevonside4647]

Love the videos. Don't stop digressing from the subject its so entertaing while learniing, great!

[@g4nsj]

Haha, OK I’ll keep wandering off onto other subjects. Nice to hear from you!

[@charliesoffer]

Love the simplicity of this aerial, Ray. Shall certainly give it a try. Many thanks! 73s from Charlie...

[@g4nsj]

Excellent!

[@Cardassiaprime]

Brilliantly explained ,Highly Amusing presentation as always Ray. I call this a T2LT (Tuned Transmission Line Trap) and have built one for 11m a few years ago- brill worked a treat and tuned in lovely. Fine Business. PS. love the Beatles Haircut. Barnie M7PBX.

[@g4nsj]

Hi Barnie , it’s great to hear from you. Thanks for your nice comments. Cheers, Ray

[@grahamdewey4727]

Keep doing what you do Ray, don't change a thing. I like the Yacht Boy on the bench, I have one just the same, bought back in the 70s, must get around to fixing it. Luckily Grundig always supplied the circuit back then! 73 Graham M0OLM

[@g4nsj]

They are great radios, wouldn't be without mine. Cheeers, Ray

[@rainmaker3]

I built this! It works wonders!

[@g4nsj]

Excellent!

[@coroamanicolai4527]

I was finally able to make one a few days ago out of some H155 coaxial. It works very good on the Air band and also on the 144-146Mhz ham bands. I am using it with a RadioShack Realistic PRO-2023 scanner. Thanks!

[@g4nsj]

Excellent!

[@SpectreOZ]

Great video Ray, I made the 5/8 design for VHF airband works equally well for broadcast FM 👍

[@phillipsmiley5930]

I think the point of the flowerpot aeral is it's disguised and can sit on anyone's balcony without attracting unwanted attention

[@SpectreOZ]

@@phillipsmiley5930 Perhaps but my 5/8 wave airband variant is just too big for any flower pot 🤣

[@toastnotoflondon8500]

Superb Ray. I learn a great deal from you as I am a novice. Waffle and technical detail much needed. Keep up the good work. 👍⚡

[@g4nsj]

Thanks!

[@petewright2283]

Hi Ray, I’m going to give this a go. Nothing wrong with the video at all. Perfect thank you for sharing

[@g4nsj]

Excellent! 👍

[@petewright2283]

Ray what cable did you use. I thought I had some but I didn’t and what I do have left is poor quality. Some l thing decent I’m use would be good.

[@mal8279]

Hi Ray, I’ve been using the Flowerpot Antenna for almost a year now with excellent results. It’s externally mounted using the same conduit as in your video and when checking it recently I found it to be full of water despite having end caps top and bottom! Not really sure how the water is getting in but we have had some intensive rains storms of late. The conduit does work well but I’m sourcing “Fibreglass” tubing that’s thinner than the conduit which will improve in terms of less wind resistance and planning to increase the height of the antenna by I hope another 3m By the way I also made another Flowerpot Antenna this time using RG213 Coax, I found it no better that the RG58 Mil spec that I use, so staying with RG58.

[@g4nsj]

Hi Mal, it's nice to hear from you. Yes, fiberglass is a great idea. I might look into that myself. Cheers for now, Ray.

[@gregrutherford5350]

Perfect explanation and exactly what I was looking for, thank you and well done

[@g4nsj]

Thanks!

[@daveys]

I use something similar to one of these for SOTA. Didn’t know they were called flowerpot antennas. Great video!

[@g4nsj]

Thanks!

[@joemason9187]

Great job Ray just what I need

[@g4nsj]

Thanks!

[@ianmorton5943]

I'm going to make some I listen to marine band and air band all the time thanks for the info iv done radio for years and not a ham I'm 40 now and still mess but always learning thanks ray

[@g4nsj]

Let me know how you get on.

[@dominikpollmann7432]

Hello to you!! I build this antenna for receiving the noaa satellites on about 137 mhz. It works very well even the signals from the satellites is circular. Before i used a groundplane antenna from kathrein wich received not so good like this one.Thanks for your nice video! The radio in front of you looks very nice!!Greetings from germany!! 73 Dominik

[@g4nsj]

Hi Dominic, it’s nice to hear from you. I’m glad you liked the video. Cheers, Ray.

[@g4nsj]

Dominik, sorry misspelled your name.

[@ukcbtv]

Hi Ray - I often get moaned at for rambling, but I feel there is a need to try to explain things properly and that takes time. I've tried to keep videos shorter in the past but then I get comments that I've glossed-over certain elements! All the best and keep the videos coming 👍

[@g4nsj]

Thanks!

[@davidwakefield8267]

Great video Ray. I have bought the conduit £1.50 each from Wickes. I bought 4! Plan is to build several antennas mounted on a quick release mount outside. Subscribing now👍

[@g4nsj]

Excellent, good luck with the project.

[@freedomvigilant1234]

Hi Ray, another great video. This is an antenna I will try to build as soon as I can.

[@jasonpocklington9217]

You are a very interesting person and I’ll try to make make one of these antennas

[@g4nsj]

Thanks, Jason. Good luck with the project.

[@OldArkwright]

I do enjoy your videos, I find them relaxing to listen to, and informative Thanks.

[@g4nsj]

Thanks Robert.

[@rogerjenkinson5034]

Keep up the good work Ray...you make it sound simple. Well Done Roger G4SEF

[@g4nsj]

Thanks, Roger. Nice to hear from you. Cheers, Ray.

[@alaska3333]

Nice project Ray and thank you for sharing! I made one for fm broadcast and it works great!

[@Nortesport]

Just made one & that works so much better than the rubber duck on my scanner. I might make a military air band one now. Thanks for the video & keep up the good work. Oh & the waffle makes it a better video.

[@grandpapipermike2921]

Measurments for military version?

[@NigelDixon1952]

Waffle as much as you like Ray, we, your massive group of fans, really enjoy your Waffling! Who the hell gave you the thumbs down? Don't worry, it wasn't one of us.....honest. thanks for the video, keep 'em coming.

[@g4nsj]

Thanks!

[@JohnBaxendale]

This is the funniest description of an antenna I'm yet to watch! :)

[@g4nsj]

👍😂

[@2e0sfcruss24]

Keep on waffling sir love to hear your knowledge really helpful for us noobs

[@g4nsj]

Haha, thanks!

[@madcarew.3256]

Keep Waffling Ray..Its pearls before you know what with some self appointed experts. Keep the Barnett...Very trendy ! Cheers 7.3.

[@g4nsj]

Haha, keep the barnett! Before long, I won't be able to see where I'm going.

[@phillipsmiley5930]

@@g4nsj Ray's the missing 5th Beatle!!

[@johnyoung1128]

I thought I would add some details on air band frequencies, the total civil VHF air band is 108mHz to 136mHz in most parts of the world, in some parts it extends to 137mHz. Air band coms occupies from 118mHz to the top of the band and are vertically polarised, the frequencies below 118mHz down to 108mHz is used for navigation systems such as VOR and ILS and are horizontally polarised so receiving them with a vertical isn’t going to work very well. If designing for coms I would calculate for 118 to 136mHz.

[@zazugee]

thanks man, and i was like confused by i can't pickup the local airport beacon at all!

[@Justplast]

Happy to see you Ray :) from Australia.

[@g4nsj]

Thanks!

[@Joe-KN4IFI]

Hi Ray, If you want to waffle for a 10 mins. or 30 mins do it. Its your channel and you can waffle all you want. Tell that guy to bugger off. Take care and stay safe. BTW I like your Beatles hair cut ;) 73 Joe

[@g4nsj]

Haha! Love it! I'd rather have a Rolling Stones haircut.

[@black5f]

Hi. I just made one. very amateur you understand. I have one of those really cheap (£27) RTL dongles. I went for light weight, I had dipole I made, centre fed. Made one of these and the floor has dropped - approx 12db and the SNR has gone way up. I used 13A single core wire for the top to save on coax. It's all taped to an old 5m fishing pole. I taped it at the top to reduce wind resistance and then cable tied at the bottom. Obviously the choke is near the top and that will catch the wind I expect, I used old vacuum cleaner pipe. But the whole thing including pole weighs less than a lb. The base is the wife's parasol thingy. Thanks for educating me about these devices.

[@g4nsj]

Excellent job, well done!

[@black5f]

@@g4nsj Thanks! Update now I've used it a bit ... I like following aircraft? Picked up a flight out of EMA when it was at 2000ft, that's about 40 miles away from me, I am SSE of EMA. Followed it (flew over my house) until it called into Belgian air space 220 miles away, roughly east of me. All quite clear and audible, so impressed. I have a question, I was into CB 25 years ago? You mentioned that you can transmit on this design? I got out my old CB's, an 80's midland I've managed to fix and a equally old York which of course works like it was new. So my question is what is the easiest way to adjust the SWR on these designs, leave the upper radiator long and trim .. etc? 27Mhz band is basically 5m of dipole and nearly 6m of coil choke. There is no rush .. it'll probably take me another 6 months to find a cheap 11m fishing pole for (preferably free) or just a few quid ha ha. Everything is on the cheap, that's the fun.

[@black5f]

Total aside ... I made a little tiny 1090 antennae to get ADSB out of just copper wire. It took me while to understand that I lost so much db signal on the 10m of RG58 when it was on the pole that it works a lot better just hung on a picture frame inside the house just connected via the phono lead I soldered the antennae too. I'm 60 this year, but eager to learn.

[@UKSimon4170]

Keep the waffle. Its part of the charm of the channel.

[@g4nsj]

Thanks!

[@g0fvt]

I always watch your videos, never know what ideas you' throw out. This looks very useful to be scaled for other bands and I do have a 10m fishing pole.....

[@Radio478]

Thank you for your very informative videos, more please.

[@dennissimmonds1354]

Just saying thank you, antenna works great

[@iainfisher6557]

Great to see you again Ray, it's been a while! I have my length of coax prepped and ready to make this antenna but cannot get the tubing due to all non essential shops being closed! Keep the videos coming. 73s de EI5GN

[@g4nsj]

Let me know how the antenna job goes.

[@tyreburster]

I got some 21.3mm pipe from the local hardware shop. Might be worth a try.

[@coroamanicolai4527]

Finally an antenna that I can make. Thank you very much!

[@g4nsj]

Excellent! Good luck with it.

[@coroamanicolai4527]

@@g4nsj Btw, does it matter what type of coax is used? Is it worth making it out of RG213 or some RG-58 or H155 would be enough?

[@g4nsj]

RG58 should be fine if the run isn’t too long.

[@coroamanicolai4527]

@@g4nsj Well, thanks again!

[@reginaldshannon4220]

Hi Ray hope you are well. Enjoyed the video I am going to make one for the marine band. As I live near to Dublin Port. I currently use a1/4 wave wire ground plane in the attic. All the best and keep the videos coming

[@g4nsj]

Great, good luck with the aerial.

[@YellowhairedOC]

Thank you very much, you explained everything so well. Have a great one.

[@g4nsj]

Thanks!

[@YellowhairedOC]

I’m sorry to ask, is there any limitation of the cable length that will go to the radio? Because i saw one video about dipole antenna, it is best at maximum of 15 meters. Sorry to ask you about this.

[@g4nsj]

@@YellowhairedOC the length of coax to the aerial doesn’t matter. Any length will be fine.

[@YellowhairedOC]

Thanks very much, good health and good luck to you ❤

[@YellowhairedOC]

One last question, can i use PVC pipe instead of conduit pipe ? Cheers..

[@mikemoreno4469]

That was marvellous. Thank you very much.

[@g4nsj]

Thanks!

[@jorgemellooliveira9611]

Congratulações Sul do Brasil

[@jacobwar1437]

Another great video well presented and they do work well I use one myself.

[@vitale6633]

Great Video - Thanks for sharing - I appreciate your style and information :)

[@g4nsj]

Thanks!

[@toritori4430]

I made this exact antenna stuck it in loft and I'm picking up aircraft from 30 miles away and 3 ATC furthest away is and I'm not kidding 60 miles away . I'm pretty high up but this in loft remember . Connected to uniden bct also tried it on PMR for receive only and I'm Gobsmacked it's incredible swr on PMR is ridiculous for tx Also receives on 60mhz I'm hearing TV transmissions from who knows where but clippy but But what a setup . Total cost coax pipe plugs 11 quid

[@g4nsj]

Excellent! They are great aerials.

[@Hokum767]

Just made one and it's works, thank you for the how to :)

[@g4nsj]

Excellent!

[@chaspetric3599]

Ok, I like to dabble, and I was quite taken back by the simplicity of this design, so I made one today during my dinner break? All measured and cut for 127.250? I tested the antenna on my NanoVNA (after completion) and noticed that the SWR was lowest at about 138.000Mhz, which was not perfect! Slightly annoyed that my first attempt was not perfect, I brain stormed during the afternoon and thought, "what if" I extend the antenna? This I did this evening and after messing about with the coil, ending up with 14 turns of choke I managed 1.38 SWR bang on 127.000 MHz, so I'm pretty much happy with that. A quick test comparing my handheld Telescopic steel, Watson 901, my 'Special' un-known helical whip, which usually works the best and lastly the stock antenna, none of which could bring in Scottish VOLMET to my shed, mainly due the the terrible hill screening and my general location. That said, this new antenna is working, and surprisingly, working well, as I can clearly hear VOLMET so another good sign/test that this antenna is working well for my location. I did not fully re-measure everything after this evenings tweaking but I do know I re-cut the top radiator to give an extra 5 cm about 57.51cm and the bottom about 56.33cm and 14 turns of choke. I don't even know what 'RG' Coax I'm using although I sure its some old RG58. Fact is, it works, and works well, so far. Its also just come to my attention that I have a similar antenna in my loft for DAB reception, based on information I gleaned from some caravan owners forum ( I don't have a van ), only my choke coil on that one runs In the shape of a peppermint with a hole through it, but my DAB is perfect too. Thank you Ray for your video, and the motivation to try something 'new'.

[@g4nsj]

Thanks for the info, very interesting. It’s nice to get feedback! Cheers, Ray.

[@TheEmbeddedHobbyist]

waffle is the preamble for getting the ears in tune ready for the data to arrive. well 1dB of gain sounds great 1W in 1.12W out not sure you could notice at all. the only real way to get gain in an antenna is to move away from an omnidirectional to directional one.

[@gregorykusiak5424]

This is the first air band antenna construction video I’ve seen that has included the choke/inductive coil. It’s the biggest too, but I’d wager it’s probably the best for reception. Consider me a subscriber - this channel will come in handy as I wade into SDR.

[@g4nsj]

Thanks, I'm glad you found the video useful. Cheers, Ray.

[@gregorykusiak5424]

@@g4nsj I’ve gone to the calculator website and researched some of the factors. Rg6 has a much higher velocity factor than rg58 (and is much more available to me) - ignoring the 75ohm resistance and putting in a common/published velocity number (mid 80%), the length of the wire doesn’t change that much except for the coil, but will performance degrade or remain the same or possibly improve? Have you done a comparison build/video, or is cable type and resistance not as important as dimensions of this type of antenna?

[@kcscarecrow]

Good video Ray. A good club project . Also

[@geoffcrabbe4323]

Waffle city With First Class Info. That is why I love it.. Good Work.. Cheers...

[@ZubairKhan-vs8fe]

Excellent video. Well explained for us beginners

[@g4nsj]

Glad it was helpful!

[@DJJustyJust]

Hi Ray, love your videos. Especially your stories. I can listen for hours. I'd love for you to make a how to build a simple fm transmitter video (for limited use obviously) but would be great.

[@g4nsj]

Thanks! I'll bear that in mind. Cheers, Ray.

[@makroradio6836]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/d6bOfHtomZx1hrs. 1.5 kilometer bd139

[@robburke6877]

I am brand new to this and had a few questions. I have a simple radio shack vintage radio with air band and it has a telescopic antenna and I plan to upgrade to a more modern version with air band and telescopic antenna. I live in the USA and is the conduit you use just pvc pipe? Also how would one attach the coaxial to a telescopic antenna? Alligator clips? Any help would on be appreciated, thank you.

[@g4nsj]

Hi, yes, it's PVC pipe. You'll need to take the inner core of the coax to the telescopic aerial, paerhaps with an alligator clip. The outer of the coax, the braid, will need to go to the chassis of the radio. Is there an earphone socket on the radio. If so, try pushing the outer againmst the metal socket.

[@konradkubit6525]

Very nice video Ray, I am glad you are ok. Always enjoy your videos 73 de KC9NUW

[@g4nsj]

Thanks!

[@ThePollaxtroy]

iam glad you explain its why i watch.

[@g4nsj]

Thanks.