2m 146 MHz antenna construction project
At SOTA – Lightweight Portable 2m – 70cm Dipole Antenna I described the construction of a compact lightweight dipole antenna using commonly available parts, a perfect addition to the emergency 2m Go-box. In that article I used a small section of kitchen cutting board as the mounting block and insulator. At a summit the center insulator can be mounted over a telescopic pole or hung from a convenient tree branch or whatever captures your imagination. In that design I failed to consider adapting the mount to a camera tripod. 😦
In this article I have changed the mounting block dimensions by increasing the length of the insulator block. The dimensions are now 35 mm x 80 mm x 7 mm (1.37 x 3.14 x 1/4 inches). You can decide your insulator plate dimensions, mine are shown as a guide. Camera tripod mounts vary in size and function.
Left revised mounting block #2 compared with mounting block #1 right.
Quick release plate
You can rotate the antenna at the tripod mount for vertical or horizontal polarisation. A simple low cost compact antenna for the 2m Go-box.
Last Update: 12 April 2019
Very nice! I might build one myself. 73, Craig WB3GCK