VHF Antenna Idea...need some feedback

[skelle11]

I'm building a collinear style jpole antenna for operation on 2m and 70cm band and there's no shortage of plans and articles on the internet regarding this "stacked jpole" design. My antenna will be about 50ft above the ground so wind will be an issue.

So here's my thought..

I've built copper jpole antennas before so I know how heavy they can be. If I built the bottom section (bottom jpole) like a conventional copper jpole but made the top section above the top tuning section a stainless steel whip to reduce weight and wind resistance what effect will this have on my antenna?

For clarification, I'm talking about making the very top section of this diagram (above the turning section) which is 3'2" long a stainless whip instead of copper...

Design your Own Super J Pole

Any thoughts on this idea?

 

[TBennettcc]

Typically, the diameter of the radiator only affects bandwidth, and usually not anything else.

So I'd say you should be fine.

Go for it, and let us know what happens!

Remember, experimentation is fun!