Linked Dipole Portable HF Antenna Kit
By popular demand I have designed a linked dipole hardware kit so that you can make your own two or three band linked dipole. We put all those hard-to-find parts together in one convenient package. Not sure what a linked dipole is? Click here.
What do you get?
- One dipole centre piece - designed for RG-58 cable (RG-174 may also be used) with holes for wires and guys
- Four laser-cut link-insulators
- Eight crocodile clips - for the links
- Two end-insulators
- Four cable ties for attaching the feeder
- Two Wire Winders for tangle-free deployment
- Ten metres of Hi-Viz Cord for the ends of the antenna
- Two high quality aluminium alloy pegs for the ends of the antenna
- One ferrite ring to make an effective light-weight current balun
- Detailed instructions.
What else will you need?
You will also need the following items, which are not included in this kit since there are a number of different types that could be used. The best type to use will depend on your application.
- Antenna wire
- Co-axial cable (RG58, RG174 or similar)
To build the antenna, you will need basic tools and of course plenty of time. We would estimate it will take about 3 to 4 hours to make up and adjust a three-band linked dipole.
Design your linked dipole online here: http://www.sotamaps.org/extras
If you are supporting your linked dipole using a telescopic pole, then you will also need some way of attaching the antenna to the pole and of keeping the pole upright. This kit does not include components for that, as the best way to do so will vary based on your antenna dimensions and pole.
Please note that the antenna centre included in this kit is not identical to the centre used in our Bandhopper antennas. The Bandhopper centre is designed for use with RG174 and our lightweight antenna wire only, the centre in this kit has larger holes and so is compatible with thicker types of coaxial cable and wire as well.
