Antenna construction

[plb4333]

Hi. I have a couple of questions in regards to vhf yagi - 3 element.

When the reflector is supposed to be a total of 47", and I go through a wooden boom, is the reflecter element supposed to be changed in total length to compensate going through a 1.5" boom? What I mean is, if I go through this wood, do I have add the 1.5" to length? I keep thinking the wood would take out the radiance and I need to make each side of boom equal 23.5" for element.

Also, 1 more question, :-) trying to learn as much as I can since this is new to me. Is there any advantage of a herringbone pattern to a 3 or 4 element Yagi? For narrowing the beam width. Just curious to know. Thank you for any help that might come along. its appreciated.

[awattam]

Weird, I was just about to post a similar question. I saw one design that called for say 6 1/4" radials and they had that length each side of the boom. I wonder if the total visible length is supposed to be 6 1/4" and you would have to cut the radials 6 1/4 PLUS the boom diameter.

I would love to have a go at one of these using a wooden broom handle as a boom and buying some copper rod or tube to make into the radials.

[AFO]

I don't think lenght should increase. My question is - what's the difference with using a wood/plastic insulated boom, VS. a metal boom with the director & reflector grounded to it? And each side of the driven is insulated.

[jhooten]

Cut it to the indicated length then put it through the boom.