16 element discone

[RocketMan1]

I am almost through with my project of building a 16 element discone, (the copper one fell through) but I am not sure on how to attach the coax, the top element is seperated by a non conducive material from the lower element, I thought I read somewhere, where you attach the center portion of the cable to the top and the outer (sheathing) to the lower, is this the case? Thanks for the help.

 

[TeRayCodA]

I used a so-239 connector,soldered the center conductor wire to the fitting,in turn is held in place on the disc(under,hidden)with a S/S screw.

I then drilled holes in the cone block(for the connector),and a 3/4" hole for the connector to "seat"into the cone block.Sealed everything with silicone caulk.

see:

http://www.radioreference.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=18410

 

[RocketMan1]

Thanks for the reply! So, if I understand your post, the center wire IS connected to the top element and the outer portion of the coax IS connected to the lower element, just through a connector.

Also you mentioned a disk, I hope I didn't confuse anyone with my post, it isn't a solid disk, it is actually just rods connected at a center point using a piece of thick PVC, I'll TRY and give a quick discription:

The top element is 8 rods, 1/8", 12" long secured to a piece of threaded PVC.

The bottom element is 8 rods 1/4", 36" long attached at a angle of about 45 degree, to a piece of female PVC to receive the threaded top element.

I went with this "stuff" because the hardware store gave me a real good deal on it.

I hope it works!

P.S I saw the photos of your homebrew discone, VERY NICE! after looking at mine I feel embarrassed mine looks like a 6 year old built it compared to yours, great job!

 

[TeRayCodA]

That's ok,you gotta start somewhere.Once you get the concept,you can improve through your "prototypes"- that is what antenna building is all about!

I really enjoy it.

I use a lot of the big diameter welding rods for most of my projects,the alloy is perfect,as they do not bend very easy,and they are in 36"lengths,by 3/16"diameter,and take the weather pretty well.

The person at the welding shop always asks what I am going to do with rods that big.(I have to buy a 3 or 5 lb box at a time)

Keep up the good work.

 

[TeRayCodA]

the center wire IS connected to the top element and the outer portion of the coax IS connected to the lower element, just through a connector.

You Got it!

 

[RocketMan1]

Thank you very much for the replies!

That's ok,you gotta start somewhere.Once you get the concept,you can improve through your "prototypes"- that is what antenna building is all about!

I really enjoy it.

It is a bit habit forming, I really enjoyed putting this one together, and looking forward to more.

Just another excuse to get more tools!

The person at the welding shop always asks what I am going to do with rods that big.(I have to buy a 3 or 5 lb box at a time)

I have access to just about all types of material where I work, I work for a roll off company, but most of the stuff is scrap, takes a bit more work to make it useable, thats why I just bought this stuff, wanted my first antenna to look good, plus the hardware folks gave me everything I needed for only $10-15 bucks. Thanks again.

 

[RocketMan1]

Well, my little project of building a 16 element discone was a bust I'm not sure what happened, I thought I had everything connected properly, mounted it up on my roof peak, hooked it up to my scanner, and nothing! I re-connected my RS antenna and I started picking everyone up again. I'm at a loss now. Any thoughts :?:

 

[N_Jay]

Well, my little project of building a 16 element discone was a bust I'm not sure what happened, I thought I had everything connected properly, mounted it up on my roof peak, hooked it up to my scanner, and nothing! I re-connected my RS antenna and I started picking everyone up again. I'm at a loss now. Any thoughts :?:

Check for a short, because even a crappy antenna is still an antenna and will pick up something.

 

[RocketMan1]

Thanks N_Jay, I'll do that. Also I don't remember attaching the ground wire, if that matters?