Just built a J-pole antenna-WOW!

[transmaster]

I have been building "J" Pole antennas for years for use mostly on 2 meters, and the 70cm band out of aluminium arrow shafts.

http://www.hamuniverse.com/jpole.html

you can also build them out of 300 ohm twin lead.

http://www.wb6nvh.com/DATA/jpole.pdf

If you are worried about lighting strikes add a gas discharge lighting arrester cheap insurance. These work very well if the antenna has a discharge corona going, a direct strike if you have not disconnected everything; toast.

http://www.terra-wave.com/shop/gas-discharge-tube-lightning-arrestors-c-248_513.html

 

[JBL GUY]

Remember that a properly constructed J-POLE antenna is already a direct current dead short at the antenna connection of the antenna.

Other antannae may or may not be at ground potential at the feed point.

For any antenna the first best step is a separate, good quality ground connection at the antenna. Do not rely on the ground connection of the coax for the antenna ground.

If you do have damage from what appears to be a lightning strike, your insurance company may take issue with your claim if your antenna is not grounded per NEC code.

BTW I noticed that in some of the pictures, some of the j-pole antennae have extra long pieces of wire used in the connection of the feed line to the antennae. This extra wire will affect the tuning of the antennae.

One of the best looking feed point connections from an RF standpoint is the one built by SOTA. Check his picture earlier in this thread. One needs pay attention to feed point connections in terms of antennae tuning and feed point impedance for maximum performance of the antennae.

RF connections are not the same as low frequency connections.

 

[Scrubberman]

Where are you hanging that badboy? Inside or out?
I built one last night.

 

[SOTA]

Where are you hanging that badboy? Inside or out?
I built one last night.

Good on ya':thmbsp: Any pics? I don't know who you were asking about the install and it isn't my thread so at the risk of a hijack, I built mine to be installed 50' up inside of a barn for my workshop tunes. I've moved since then and the antenna is not currently in use (digital cable) but if I feel like climbing the tower with it I may set it up outside this summer:yes:


J.R.

 

[Scrubberman]

I finally got this baby up. Mounted it on my chimney, Raised ranch style home so it is about 25 feet in the air with a relatively clear line of sight all around. What a difference. This thing just rocks. Twenty years listeneing to radio in this house and I am bringing in stations for the first time. Would never have guessed how easy and effective a J pole is. It bumped current stations from 1 bar to 3 or 4 bars and I'd 75-80% now in stereo. Fantastic.

 

[Old_Tech]

Very good job!

I love my outdoor dipole. It's 25 feet up too and I have 40 stations all day long. It's worth the effort. You owe it to yourself!

Ron