|
Tune Around! Topics For
Technicians! |
The WB0CMT 3 Element 2 Meter Yagi Using PVC
boom This article has been edited from the original QST article with added information that may be helpful to some builders desiring to build the antenna for 2 meters. This 3 element 2 meter yagi is nothing more than
an "adjustable match" half-wave dipole antenna (the driven
element) using direct feed 50 ohm coax, mounted between the other two
elements which are the reflector and the director. It will give you about
"7db" gain according to the author. Drill holes that provide a snug fit to
the elements approximately 1/4 inch or so from the boom ends. Epoxy the
director and reflector in place after entering them in these holes or add
screws to secure them to the boom. A pair of holes spaced 1/4 inch and
centered 16 inches from the reflector hold the two-piece driven element.
The short ends of the element halves should extend about 1/4 inch through
the boom. Solder the 50 ohm feed line to the driven element as shown
in the drawing. You may want to turn the boom "T" 90° for horizontal polarization.
Typically the reflector is 5% longer and the director 5% shorter than the driven element. By spacing elements about 0.15 to 0.25 wavelengths from each other you end up with a beam antenna with about 7dB of gain. (According to the author) To figure out the correct length of the driven element the following simple formula for a half-wave antenna above 30 MHz is used : Length in feet = 475 / Frequency (MHz) Construction : 3/4 inch PVC plumber's pipe is
recommended for the supports. Two 18 inch pieces become the
boom where the elements are installed. A 36 inch piece is used
for the mast. (Although not shown in the original drawing, it is assumed
the the T is about 2 inches long.) Screws or bolts are used to secure everything in place. Put them just to the side of the elements so as to press against them when tightened. The antenna in the drawing is vertically polarized which is best for FM work. The director
and reflector elements are cut as according to the lengths in
the drawing above. To construct the driven element the boom is measured and marked at a distance of about 16 inches from the reflector. Two holes are drilled 1/8 to 1/4 inches apart. Two rods each around 20 inches in length are pushed through the holes until 1/4 inch protrudes from each side of the boom. THE DRIVEN ELEMENT AND MATCHING DEVICE HAS JUST BEEN MADE. Also see "Tuning" below for more info. The 50 ohm coaxial cable is soldered directly to the protruding stubs. Screws or epoxy is used to secure the rods to the boom but only after swr tuning is done. Electrical tape or a silicon compound is used to weather proof the solder joints. It is
better to have a little excess length for the driven elements. The
antenna should now be hoisted to an elevation of at least 5 feet from the
ground and kept away from nearby metal objects or the reflector can be
against the ground with the director aimed straight up while braced to
prevent it from falling over while tuning. Keep the coax away from the
driven element while tuning. See tips below. After lowest
swr tuning is finished use the screws or bolts to secure the
elements. Portability: The 2 meter
beam can be made very portable by removing the 2 18" boom
sections or use your own method to disassemble the
antenna. Email to n4ujw AT hamuniverse.com
|
|