What kind of wire to use for a dipole antenna?

One advantage of using mains flex is that when used as a feeder for radio frequency signals this type of wire is a reasonably close approximation to 75 ohm twin or open wire feeder. This is convenient if a reasonable length is needed. For making our FM dipole antenna, we used some cheap speaker wire.

What do you need to make a dipole for a scanner?

It is very easy to create a simple 1/2 wave dipole, all you need is some lengths of wire such as the core of some mains flex or even a straightened out metal coat hanger, some co-ax cable and a connector for your scanners antenna input (usually BNC or SMA).

How is the current distribution of a dipole antenna?

A half-wave dipole antenna consists of two quarter-wavelength conductors placed end to end for a total length of approximately L = λ/2. The current distribution is that of a standing wave, approximately sinusoidal along the length of the dipole, with a node at each end and an antinode (peak current) at the center (feedpoint):

How to make a VHF FM folded dipole antenna?

How to make a VHF FM folded dipole antenna. Many VHF FM hi-fi tuners have a 300 ohm input as well as the standard 75 ohm one. This input will normally have screw terminals although they will sometimes have a special 300 ohm connector.

One advantage of using mains flex is that when used as a feeder for radio frequency signals this type of wire is a reasonably close approximation to 75 ohm twin or open wire feeder. This is convenient if a reasonable length is needed. For making our FM dipole antenna, we used some cheap speaker wire.

How to make a VHF FM folded dipole antenna. Many VHF FM hi-fi tuners have a 300 ohm input as well as the standard 75 ohm one. This input will normally have screw terminals although they will sometimes have a special 300 ohm connector.

Do you need a tuner for a 40 Meter Dipole?

Oh…you can use the 40-meter dipole on 15-meters without modification. Do you need an antenna tuner? Nope. The antenna is close enough. If you happen to have a tuner, then by all means use it. In another post I’ll talk about trimming up that antenna so it has a low SWR, but with a simple 66-foot antenna, you’ll be close.

How are the legs of a dipole antenna joined?

In the diagram each leg of the dipole antenna is joined to the feeder. This can either be open wire / twin feeder, or coax can be used. Strictly speaking a balun should be used when coax or coaxial cable is used. This is because coax is what is termed an unbalanced feeder, i.e. the outer shield is connected to earth and the antenna is balanced.