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Radio => Antennas => Topic started by: GreekMan on May 08, 2016, 12:49:17 PM

Title: Receive only antenna options (DIY) for VHF/UHF?
Post by: GreekMan on May 08, 2016, 12:49:17 PM
hi all!
what would be a good Recieve-only antenna to build for the VHF/UHF?

Use would be SDR radio listerning with a dongle and a mobile phone,
or a 2 HT radio repeater like this https://youtu.be/_KrH86Dzhnc

I think that in practice a simple wire would do, but i am concerned with proper antenna ground.

BTW in such a repeater shouldn't the radio have a countpoised attached.
Title: Re: Receive only antenna options (DIY) for VHF/UHF?
Post by: spacecase0 on May 08, 2016, 04:56:17 PM
there are so many good ones out there that are easy to make
a dipole with small uninsulated wire taped flat to a window is one of my favorites
roll up type J pole antennas made with 450ohm or 300ohm twin lead cable also works quite well
Title: Re: Receive only antenna options (DIY) for VHF/UHF?
Post by: Tevin on May 08, 2016, 06:33:06 PM
Almost anything will "work," including a random wire. The lack of a ground/counterpoise somewhat reduces performance, but if you are only looking to receive local VHF/UHF, then I would not get too hung up on details.

There are commercially made scanner antennas for less than $50 like this one:

http://www.amazon.com/Centerfire-Multi-Band-Station-Scanner-Antenna/dp/B008COCQF8/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1462750263&sr=8-5&keywords=scanner+antenna

And spacecase0 is right...if you do want to get technical with it, there are dozens of ideas out there. A simple 1/4 wave with radials can be made literally from coat hangers.

Title: Re: Receive only antenna options (DIY) for VHF/UHF?
Post by: GreekMan on May 09, 2016, 01:04:05 AM
for SDR listenign the dipole is indeed the most charming..imagine putting taht on the subgay cart window will cell phoen in head...LOL

TNX guys
Title: Re: Receive only antenna options (DIY) for VHF/UHF?
Post by: BTPost on May 14, 2016, 02:00:53 PM
Get yourself a WideBand Discone antenna for VHF/UHF RX Only.... They are very good for that purpose...
Title: Re: Receive only antenna options (DIY) for VHF/UHF?
Post by: Lamewolf on May 17, 2016, 04:41:09 PM
The "Copper Catus Jpole" @: http://www.n7qvc.com/copper-cactus-dual-band-super-j-pole-antenna-project/