IMPORTANT NOTE: We now recommend testing Pico Traps for resonance using a parallel resonance test. This can still be done with an antenna analyser. We have updated the trap instructions to reflect this change. The change has been made to improve the alignment accuracy which could otherwise be poor under some circumstances, particularly where antenna analysers with non-graphical displays are used (e.g. MFJ-259).
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Miniature Antenna Trap Kit (pair)
Pico Traps are a great way to make a really lightweight multiband HF antenna. The ideal trap acts as an insulator on its resonant frequency band and as a wire link on all other bands.
- Brilliant for ultralight 2 or 3 band antennas; dipoles or endfed halfwaves
- The smallest, lightest traps on the market
- Easy to adust in series or parallel modes
- Super for multi-band stealth antennas
- Streamlined shape to reduce snagging on vegetation
- Attachment points for antenna wire. Work great with our DX-wire
- Easily waterproofed with Liquid Electrical Tape
- Can be mounted inside 22 mm conduit
- Weigh less than a UK 10p coin!
NOTE: We always recommend using a balun with trapped antennas. The perfect balun for this application is the Pico Balun.
Build details from other users
Pedro CT1DBS shows how to build a neat antenna for 20-30-40m
Michel G0POT used these dimensions for his tri-bander.
Specifications:
Size 36 x 15 mm (1.4 x 0.6 inches)
Weight - less than 5 g = 0.18 ounces
Low loss: typically less than 0.35 dB. Less than 0.75 dB worst-case.
Inductor Q > 240 @ 14 MHz [Source - MicroMetals]
Capacitor Q >> 1000 @ 14 MHz
Rp > 24,000 Ohms @ 12 MHz
Suggested resonant frequency range: 10 - 25 MHz
10 Watt rated
Perfect for use with FT-817, KX3, KX1, HB1B and other similar radios
Not sure what antenna traps are? Let me help!
Making multi-band antennas using traps
What do you get with a Pico Trap kit?
2 x High quailty Pico Trap PCBs
2 x T50-6 toroids
2 x nylon mounting kits for toroids
2 x smd 0805 High Q, Ultra-Low ESR, AVX RF capacitors (100pF)
24 swg (0.56mm) wire for toroids
Online instructions
Testing Traps - video
Need more power?
See our 20 Watt and 100 Watt range of traps.
A note on waterproofing traps
It is tempting to use heatshrink sleeving to waterproof traps. However, our tests have shown that some types of sleeving seriously reduce the Q of traps. We know that our Liquid Electrical Tape does not adversely affect traps. If you go down the sleeving route, check that your chosen sleeving does not spoil the performance of your traps!
Also available from our international agent(s):
11 Reviews Hide Reviews Show Reviews
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Works as Expected
I used 1 to make a 2 band EFHW for 30/20m and another to make a 20/17m EFHW. Very nice tuning instructions. You follow them and you will have success.
