"Bob Miller" wrote in message
...
On Thu, 28 Dec 2006 10:03:31 GMT, "Chuck James"
wrote:

I know I could just go buy a mag-mount mobile antenna, but would it be
possible or even practical to build a J-pole type or vertical (without
long
radials) antenna for 2m/70cm, out of welding rod, which could be small
enough to be easily portable and used inside different rooms? Our local
RACES is trying to set up a volunteer communications network inside
several
different city and county offices to assist in emergencies. I have
searched
(a little) for such a design, and found something similar, made out of TV
line, but would prefer something that could be made free standing and as
small as practical. The Welding Rod antennas made with 45 degree radials
are a little bulky to move through congested hallways. The idea is to
make
it portable enough to move from room to room as needed. Long radials
would
impede moving through hallways.
Thanks in advance, KE5GEO


You might get some design ideas looking at the j-poles at
http://www.arrowantennas.com/

I personally have a j-pole made from a small length of 450-ohm line,
which could be made self-supporting with a wood dowel and stand.

Lotta ways to do this...

bob
k5qwg

Agree. I have made copper pipe j-poles for 50,144, 220 & 440 bands. They
match well; sometimes I can hit 1:1 at the sweet spot. They are virtually
indestructable and very cheap. Gonna do one for 10M next. (It'll be about
24 feet tall and will likely need guy ropes.)