To be fair, this is a very nice antenna, and for those with more modest budgets, space restrictions or intolerant neighbours, this can put you on the air very effectively.
 |
| How difficult can it be to make your own - and save some dosh? |
OK, it's just a set of nested, folded dipoles giving a near-omnidirectional pattern. But, taking just 2.5 metres a side, and easily pushed up and down on a lightweight aluminium mast or similar, it's an antenna with a lot going for it. If you've ever tried to cover that many bands with conventional dipoles, you'll know what a headache and space-consuming thing it can be!
There are, of course, plenty of people on well-known online auction sites that sell these antennas as well. They can even tailor them a little to your needs - maybe stronger supports and wire for very windy locations like mine.
The trouble for this newcomer would seem to be price - you can find them for half the listed price - and the simplicity of the design - which leads you to instantly think: hey! I can make one of those for no money!
The aluminum plate and Stauff clamp arrangement is very nice, and more than adequate to survive the worst the winds can throw at it. Indeed, it's so nice and clearly presented on the website that it serves as an ideal template to follow. A piece of 2 or 3mm aluminium plate, a few clamps and some spare fibreglass arms, and you're away! I'd guess well under £70 if you bought all the pieces new.
So, there you go. There seem to be plenty of takers for even the simplest wire dipole, so I guess there will be plenty, too, happy to part with their money for this antenna.
No comments:
Post a Comment