(DESIGNED BY W4JRW)

 

This antenna should be considered  EXPERIMENTAL!  Most builders who have attempted to build it, report difficulties! More research by builders is needed on it's proper design! If you have a proven design, let us know! We will be glad to publish it here! Some experimenters report that most drawings of the antenna are wrong that are seen on the internet. They state that the feedline should be attached on the top side rather than the bottom side as pictured above. In the original patent, it is shown BOTH ways in different "modifications" to the antennna.

The antenna was named for W4JRW who invented it and holds a patent on the basic principle and uses quarter wave stubs, which act as insulators at the frequency for which they are cut. For example, the 6'11" stub (quarter wave times the velocity factor 0.8 of the feed line used) blocks RF for 28 mhz from reaching the rest of the antenna.

In the example shown in the diagram, tubular foam filled 300 ohm feed line was used, which has a VF of 0.8. Other feedlines may be used, for example, slotted ribbon and the length of the stubs worked out using the correct velocity factor.

BUILDING THE LATTIN ANTENNA

This will require some forethought and planning. Avoid cutting the continuous top wire, which supports the whole system. It might be an idea to use a suitable polypropylene line to support the wire, which may be subject to breaks, especially at the solder points?

A suitable center insulator may be constructed and constructors may want to include a balun at the center of this balanced antenna, which is fed with unbalanced line (coax).

A version of the Lattin could be designed for all bands, including the WARC bands - get snipping!

This antenna should be considered  EXPERIMENTAL! Many who have attempted to build it, report difficulties!