Thoughts on this VHF Low antenna

[UTE-GE]

AS-4266A/PRC​

Manpack/Handheld | VHF

Would like to add this type antenna to try out. I see alot of Blackhawks and Chinooks around.
Would this be a worthy candidate? Not ready to join the PRCGUY league just yet. LOL

Found a nice used one for $70. Connector is good and overall condition is nice, but used in the field.

What's your thoughts.

Thanks

 

[UTE-GE]

Never mind... This one is brand spanking new and the neighbors are going to L-O-V-E it.

VHF Antenna AS-4266A/PRC W/ GOOSENECK + GPS, NSN 5985-01-425-7305 | eBay

A modified BNC connector attaches to the Radio System. The antenna is used when increased range of communications is required. The AS-4266A/PRC is produced to the U.S. Army CECOM Specification A3167801.

www.ebay.com

 

[prcguy]

Never mind... This one is brand spanking new and the neighbors are going to L-O-V-E it.

VHF Antenna AS-4266A/PRC W/ GOOSENECK + GPS, NSN 5985-01-425-7305 | eBay

A modified BNC connector attaches to the Radio System. The antenna is used when increased range of communications is required. The AS-4266A/PRC is produced to the U.S. Army CECOM Specification A3167801.

www.ebay.com

Its simply an 8ft whip and not tuned for VHF lo, the tuner inside the radio is the magic that makes it work and without that its just 8ft of metal. The base does have a separate GPS antenna but you probably don't need that. If someone is looking for a segmented snap together 1/4 wave whip for 10m then the price is not bad but shipping is almost as much as the antenna.

Are you looking for a VHF lo base, mobile or portable antenna?

 

[UTE-GE]

Its simply an 8ft whip and not tuned for VHF lo, the tuner inside the radio is the magic that makes it work and without that its just 8ft of metal. The base does have a separate GPS antenna but you probably don't need that. If someone is looking for a segmented snap together 1/4 wave whip for 10m then the price is not bad but shipping is almost as much as the antenna.

Are you looking for a VHF lo base, mobile or portable antenna?

LOL!! Go figure. I guess I can use it to swat squirrels out of the trees.

Base. Been poking around from looking at your selection.

10 meter you say...
I have a 10m in my old beater work car with a gigantic Wilson 1000 flopping around.

This bad boy would really be redneck on a rusted out Jetta TDI

 

[prcguy]

For a VHF lo antenna that will cover the entire range and more I would recommend a COM201B which is the current US mil VHF lo antenna or the OE-254/GRC Bicone. The COM201Bs sometimes dip down to $175 or lower on fleabay and the center hub of the OE-254 sometimes gets down to about $35 which makes it worth building up an antenna using aluminum tubing.

I've threaded the hub element holes for 3/8-24 then threaded thick wall 3/8" aluminum tubing and you need six sections 8ft long each to complete the antenna. Not including a short insulated mast section to isolate the hub and antenna electrically from the mast. When the OE-254 is complete its a 16ft tall bicone with three elements pointing up and three pointing down and works great from 30-90MHz. If you make the elements 9 to 10ft long it will cover CB through about 75MHz and I used a modified one for a couple of years as a CB/10m/6m antenna.

 

[UTE-GE]

For a VHF lo antenna that will cover the entire range and more I would recommend a COM201B which is the current US mil VHF lo antenna or the OE-254/GRC Bicone. The COM201Bs sometimes dip down to $175 or lower on fleabay and the center hub of the OE-254 sometimes gets down to about $35 which makes it worth building up an antenna using aluminum tubing.

I've threaded the hub element holes for 3/8-24 then threaded thick wall 3/8" aluminum tubing and you need six sections 8ft long each to complete the antenna. Not including a short insulated mast section to isolate the hub and antenna electrically from the mast. When the OE-254 is complete its a 16ft tall bicone with three elements pointing up and three pointing down and works great from 30-90MHz. If you make the elements 9 to 10ft long it will cover CB through about 75MHz and I used a modified one for a couple of years as a CB/10m/6m antenna.

Nice! I think I seen a hub on there.

I was looking at the COM201B. A guy in TX has 3? listed, but not in the range you stated. I was thinking pretty hard about it.

Thought I would dip my toe in and go cheaper at first. LOL Broke my own damn rule!!

I like the idea of the bicone too, would have to mount it off the back of my garage and bury line to the house, about 80ft. Not a issue.

If you or any one else needs some squirrel pelts for X-mas, let me know.

Thanks!

 

[UTE-GE]

OE-254/GRC hub on the way.

 

[UTE-GE]

What thickness of tubing would you suggest?

I'm doing some research now. I want to factor in Iowa storms/winds. Not unusual to see 50+ mph.
At work (commercial HVAC/R) talking to the boss about this project. We have copper of different sizes/thickness he offered up. He also mentioned ACR for strength, saying a 20ft stick can be held straight up, waved around and not bent. He mentioning brake line and it's strength. Never thought of that!

I'm considering going with solid alum rod.

Just want the best conductivity I can go with. And also thinking about the final weight of it when complete.

What ever I end up with, I will be painting it for protection from the elements.

Want to do this right the first time so I don't have to wrestle a 16 foot antenna up and down. I ain't getting any younger....

Your insight/knowledge is appreciated!! Thank you

3/8 TYPE L - ACR Hard Copper 20 FT Lengths $30.68 ​

3/8" alum rod 12' at McMasters

T6511

Hardened

$15.97

 

[prcguy]

What thickness of tubing would you suggest?

I'm doing some research now. I want to factor in Iowa storms/winds. Not unusual to see 50+ mph.
At work (commercial HVAC/R) talking to the boss about this project. We have copper of different sizes/thickness he offered up. He also mentioned ACR for strength, saying a 20ft stick can be held straight up, waved around and not bent. He mentioning brake line and it's strength. Never thought of that!

I'm considering going with solid alum rod.

Just want the best conductivity I can go with. And also thinking about the final weight of it when complete.

What ever I end up with, I will be painting it for protection from the elements.

Want to do this right the first time so I don't have to wrestle a 16 foot antenna up and down. I ain't getting any younger....

Your insight/knowledge is appreciated!! Thank you

3/8 TYPE L - ACR Hard Copper 20 FT Lengths $30.68 ​

3/8" alum rod 12' at McMasters

T6511

Hardened

$15.97

I would use .375" OD .058" wall thickness 6061-T6 aluminum tubing which is about .25" ID. Maybe 4ft lengths screwed into the hub then a 4 1/2ft length of .25" OD solid 6061-T6 set 6" into the larger tubing for 8ft total.

The hub is set up for coarse threaded steel elements and I sort of remember steel inserts in the hub that get drilled out with whatever size tap drill for 3/8-24. You could also just drill it to 3/8" for the elements to drop in then drill into the side with a set screw or similar and not thread the hub and elements.

 

[prcguy]

Or later I could get you the part #s for the original elements that fit the hub, they are similar to this and either two or three different sizes to make each 8ft element.

Vintage AB-15 Antenna Base Jeep US Military USMC US Army Comm Gear | eBay

Ms-118 is long cm.

www.ebay.com

 

[UTE-GE]

I would use .375" OD .058" wall thickness 6061-T6 aluminum tubing which is about .25" ID. Maybe 4ft lengths screwed into the hub then a 4 1/2ft length of .25" OD solid 6061-T6 set 6" into the larger tubing for 8ft total.

The hub is set up for coarse threaded steel elements and I sort of remember steel inserts in the hub that get drilled out with whatever size tap drill for 3/8-24. You could also just drill it to 3/8" for the elements to drop in then drill into the side with a set screw or similar and not thread the hub and elements.

Like the 2 piece idea. I'm going with your recommendation. I did mention it being 16ft, but I will most likely go bigger as you previously suggested for expanded coverage.

I was planning on drilling and tapping. We also have some compression inserts that are pre-threaded we use to hang ducting with. But don't feel that is needed, but an option.

"Or later I could get you the part #s for the original elements that fit the hub, they are similar to this and either two or three different sizes to make each 8ft element."

More info/options are a good thing!


Much appreciated

 

[wqmg930]

I am still lucky and old school - I have a monr 31 with a micro choke on a tower. As for a mobile I wish the mon r 51 has a spring.