How to Build a 5/8 Wave Dipole Antenna for 11 Meter
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A 5/8 wave dipole antenna consists of two equal lengths of wire, connected to a transmission line in the centre. Each of the wires is equal to 5/8 the length of the frequency's wavelength, which for 11 meter wavelength is 22 feet long.
This antenna design offers high-gain in reception and a highly directional radiation pattern. It's well suited for base station applications where the chief interest is receiving and broadcasting over long distances.
Cut two lengths of 14-gauge bare copper wire with a pair of heavy wire cutters.
Loop the ends of the wires through the holes in the end of one insulator. Loop 2 inches of wire back upon itself with each wire and twist the wire around itself. You'll now have an insulator with two wires extending out from it.
- A 5/8 wave dipole antenna consists of two equal lengths of wire, connected to a transmission line in the centre.
Remove 4 inches of insulation from the end of the coaxial cable. Separate the two leads inside the cable and remove 2 inches of insulation. Wrap one lead around each of wires just outside the insulator, and solder them to the copper wire.
Add an insulator to each end of both copper wires, attaching it in the same manner that was used on the centre insulator.
Suspend the antenna by looping rope through the insulators on each end of the antenna and suspending the antenna from trees or other objects.
References
- "The ARRL Antenna Book"; American Radio Relay League and R. Dean Straw; 2007
Tips
- Be sure to suspend the antenna so the two legs are in line with each other for the best performance.
Writer Bio
Based in Virginia, Nichole Liandi has been a freelance writer since 2005. Her articles have appeared on various print and online publications. Liandi has traveled extensively in Europe and East Asia and incorporates her experiences into her articles. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in history from West Virginia University.