Forming
the corner. The technique described can be applied to a
wide range of insulator types, Essentially, the corner is forced
through the insulator hole and formed into a loop. the loop is
then passed over the top of the insulator and tightened around the
bottom of the insulator. This is illustrated in Figure 5 and
Figure 6.
Figure 5
Figure 6
Side insulators.
The driven element's side sections and the reflector element's side
sections must be spaced correctly, if the antenna is to perform as
expected. These spacers/insulators can be as simple as suitable
lengths of PVC
tubing with holes drilled to fasten the wire side sections.
Assembling
the pieces. Build the driven element and the reflector
according to the dimensions given. Attach the side sections to
the side insulators and twist the excess wire along its respective
element for strength. Lay the antenna on the earth in a fashion
that will permit systematic elevation to its final height. Attach the
coaxial cable and route it away from the antenna to the extent
possible. Ideally, the coax should depart the driven element at a
90 degree angle, but I have found little if any penalty from allowing
the coax to hang directly below the center of the antenna.
Attach suitable cords or ropes to the support points and raise the
antenna to its desired height. The corners of the reflector
should be tensioned such that the reflector is pulled tight and is
generally parallel to the driven element.
Enjoy the NVIS characteristics of this
antenna! If you find this useful or have any comments,
please let me know n4tab at earthlink dot net .