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CB antennas ?

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arkieguide

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Can aluminum conduit be used to build CB antennas ? In place of aluminum tubing. Using aluminum couplings to make longer lengths ? If a person has a surplus of some thing finding a use for it is useful.

Thanks
 

KC4RAF

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Yeah, you can. Just needs some experimenting. If you have an antenna analyzer it would help a lot. You do know the formula for finding the antenna length right? For receive, it isn't all that critical for length, but for transmitting you need to be within the tolerance for the frequencies you plan to use.
If you need help, just come back here and post your questions.
Just in case you need the formula:
Full wave length = 936/Mhz
5/8 wave length = 585/Mhz
1/2 wave length = 468/Mhz
1/4 wave length = 234/Mhz
 

spongella

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CB Antenna

Lots of commercial antennas are made of aluminum - lightweight, strong. Forge ahead! Folks even make antennas from metal tape measures, slinkys. My favorite material for making UHF receiving antennas is PVC and welding rod. Tinker away and have fun.
 

DJ11DLN

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Doesn't rust and easy to work with too, but a B@#$% to weld.
Not if you have a decent MIG with a spool gun. I don't but a neighbor does and we trade favors, so...

Also, I used some aluminum "welding rod" several years back. I can't recall the name of the stuff but it seemed to be an alloy with a melting point slightly below that of aluminum. You used it with a MAPP torch, though propane would do it, just took a bit longer to melt. Worked pretty well, about like brazing steel without the extra heat and the need for goggles.
 

arkieguide

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Thanks

Can I bridge the coupling with a copper jumper ? I see the aluminum tubing is configured one pipe, into the other.I have never built a CB antenna so I wish to do the best I can.

Thanks again.
 

arkieguide

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Thanks to every one.

I have about decided to put a 1/4-20 bolt thru each end of the coupling and pipe, and nut on the other end.I will use anti oxy on the pipe ends, and anti tox on the bolts. Will let you know how it workw.
 

DJ11DLN

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Thanks to every one.

I have about decided to put a 1/4-20 bolt thru each end of the coupling and pipe, and nut on the other end.I will use anti oxy on the pipe ends, and anti tox on the bolts. Will let you know how it workw.
Get stainless bolts & associated hardware. It'll reduce the corrosion but not eliminate it. Dissimilar metals don't like each other. With the oxidation inhibitor you'll probably be OK.
 

RFI-EMI-GUY

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Many of the wavelength formulas are fine for wire, but you will find that due to the size of the conduit, the result will be a bit long, and the bandwidth will be wider , both of which are a good thing when experimenting. You will find yourself cutting off a bit of tubing to resonate. Put great effort into the mechanical and electrical connections . Stainless is the way to go for hardware as it makes a good interface between copper and aluminum.

Sent from my SM-T350 using Tapatalk
 

arkieguide

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Thank you.
I will put the antenna 37' above ground. How can I work the resonate before I put it up there ? You folks are a big help. Another question please - would I be better off to make a sleeve out of aluminum and put the elements in from both sides ? All the questions because I have never made mu own antenna sp want to do it right the first time.
 

prcguy

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The only way to see how it plays at 37ft up is to get it there and test it. This is a problem everyone faces putting up a base antenna, it tunes fine on the ground and when you get it in the air its different. You have to tweake it one way or the other then put it back up and measure.
prcguy

QUOTE=arkieguide;2808914]Thank you.
I will put the antenna 37' above ground. How can I work the resonate before I put it up there ? You folks are a big help. Another question please - would I be better off to make a sleeve out of aluminum and put the elements in from both sides ? All the questions because I have never made mu own antenna sp want to do it right the first time.[/QUOTE]
 

spongella

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CB antenna tuning

You could also set up the antenna several feet above ground and try tuning it initially that way, but understand that when you put it up 37' you might have to retune a bit.

Be sure to check the FCC regulations on antenna height, 60 feet is the max unless you are near an airport, Check those out.
 
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