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Making an FM dipole does configuring change anything?
Posted: Fri Feb 06, 2015 4:45 pm
by McDonalds
Hi
I found some old bits of aerial and have recycled this one.
Just tried for and plugged into my radio and seems very good for picking stuff up.
If I add any of these elements will anything change if I were to use with a low power rig about 5 watts?
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7406/158 ... 654a_o.jpg
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7441/162 ... 5821_o.jpg
It was a bit smashed up before.
Also I am going to make it a little higher tonight.
Re: Making an FM dipole does configuring change anything?
Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2015 7:39 am
by Maximus
You'll be effective be turning the omnidirectional dipole into a directional yagi antenna, which will make the signal travel in a certain direction.
The elements need to be the correct length and spacing from the dipole. In fact I'm not sure if it'll be better as you're meant to use a folded dipole.
You're probably better off sawing one of the elements up, making another dipole out of it and have a double stack.
It's all about trial and error and checking the SWR.
Re: Making an FM dipole does configuring change anything?
Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2015 3:13 pm
by teckniqs
Re: Making an FM dipole does configuring change anything?
Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2015 4:22 pm
by McDonalds
Very handy tool to have.
Re: Making an FM dipole does configuring change anything?
Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2015 11:08 pm
by Gum
You don't have to use a folded dipole as the driven element in a yagi... a folded dipole is often used as it has a higher impedance than a normal dipole so can make it easier to match when you start adding parasitic elements, but a standard dipole will work also.

Re: Making an FM dipole does configuring change anything?
Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2015 1:11 am
by teckniqs
Exactly, and much better than a folded dipole. Tried and tested.
Re: Making an FM dipole does configuring change anything?
Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2015 12:20 pm
by Maximus
Thanks for the good advice gents
