Build an Astroplane in one evening

[HomerBB]

I put this together in about 4 hours because I wanted to see what results could be had from such a thing. First time up the SWR on 40 is 1.4:1 and on ch1 it is 1.9:1. Talked and receives just fine. More later. Gotta go back to work.



All the weird curves is my camera doing strange things again? ? ? :cyclopsani:




Materials for Quick AP:



The bottom ring assembly:



Coming together:



More tomorrow.

Spec sheet with measurements available on request. Too big to post, if reduced unreadable.

[26CAB40]

I love it

[HomerBB]

Glad you do. If it proves to work well, as it should, a friend who needs an antenna can redo it with aluminum tubing, but this is only about $15 worth of stuff so far.

[HomerBB]

Worked on it little more. I had the top bracket too wide, so I replaced it with sturdier aluminum stock (second u-clamp wasn't on it yet in the photo), and adjusted the width a little more at the mid bracket. SWR is closer now - on ch40 1.2:1 and on ch1 1.4:1.

Getting there. I probably won't make this a keeper, just a for funner. I'll likely let it go to a friend for cost of parts. Just a little more . . .

[26CAB40]

The diagram with the construction details & dimensions, is there a chance you could post it somewhere in high resolution ?
That would come in very handy ?
I note you use the Alumin(i)um foil, I don't think we would get away with it in our damp temperate climate !!!
We would have to construct it from the real stuff.
Still, it looks great, is it working well ?

[HomerBB]

A little more tinkering done. SWR 1.1:1 at 40 and 1.

Some contacts a few minutes ago with bottom ring mounted 20' in the air.

3030 --------------------------------- 26.695 AM NC
7440 --------------------------------- 27.385 LSB
WR077 ------------------------------ 27.385 LSB GA
206 ---------------------------------- 27.385 LSB TN
619 ---------------------------------- 27.385 LSB KY
662 ---------------------------------- 27.385 LSB Lake Erie
Rusty Nail ------------------------- 27.125 AM

Others I didn't write down.

Go here for the specs - http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb4 ... nsions.jpg

[HomerBB]

One of my purposes in making this AP was to show that an antenna can be done on a very tight budget that performs admirably well. Everything on this antenna was purchased at Home Depot. Some things, like the roll of tape, and the aluminum flat stock, cost more than the figures to purchase, but the cost is prorated to reflect the amount of each that went into the project. While i might would replace the tubing with aluminum tubing if I wanted maximum durability over the long haul, that in no way means that this homebrew AP is taking a backseat to any other antenna performance-wise for those who need a budget product.

cost of materials:

top hat rods ----------------- 4.00
aluminum plate ------------ 3.50
u-bolts ------------------------ 5.00
screws ----------------------- 0.75
PEX tube --------------------- 2.50
CPVC tubes ----------------- 4.65
CPVC tees ------------------- 2.00
Aluminum tape ------------- 2.00
3/8"x4' fb rod ----------------- 1.00
________________________
total ---------------------------- 25.40

The center mast pipe is what ever mast you use. I already had it and the fellow who gets this antenna will get his own or pay me to replace the pipe i have.

[HomerBB]

Set up outside under my umbrella (too #&*#$^@%$ hot otherwise) I put the MFJ209 and the frequency counter in line and this is what it says.

2.0:1 ------------------------ 29.695
1.0:1 ------------------------ 27.875
1.1:1 ------------------------ 27.405
1.2:1 ------------------------ 27.205
1.5:1 ------------------------ 26.695
2.0:1 ------------------------ 26.415

The setup testing:

[HomerBB]

Readjusted some things, tightened up some joints, recalibrated measurements, changed out the center spreader for plexiglass plate, and beefed up the clamp on the longest leg to the top plate. I think it has a little more symmetry.

[crusty]

Nice work. Its cool just to see an AP up in the air again.

[HomerBB]

Got it above the Yagi for a workout.

To the tip-top it is 57'
To the coax connection it is 53'
To the bottom ring it is 45.5'

[HomerBB]

I have the Homebrew Astroplane back up temporarily as I do repairs and upgrades to the tip-over tower. The SWR is still great, and it works a charm.

[HomerBB]

I have the homebrew AP back in the air. The fellow I sold it to for the cost of the materials in it no longer needed it. His son was the recipient of the antenna. The son moved away and was no longer using it. It was given back to me for the price of taking it off the push up pole it was on. It has been in the air through thick and thin for 2-1/2 years now between my place and his, and still registers a very good SWR in spite of being CPVC skinned with aluminum duct tape.

[JGR]

I like the ingenuity behind the build especially using foil tape!