13-09-2016, 05:00 PM
Over the years I've seen many projects expounding the virtues of the J poles & Slim Jims. At first these appear like a simple and easy way to get on air but are they really?
Both can be made from copper or aluminium tube or even balanced line but they seem fiddly requiring far too much work for my liking. Their sturdiness is directly related to the builder's mechanical skill and in some cases they're awkward to mount. Many will say that the versions built from balanced line are great because they can be bundled into a pocket or bag - perhaps so. Some claim they are a cheap way to get on the air - probably but I think there is a better home brew antenna. Many hams still suggest the J pole or Slim Jim makes a good antenna for the newbie. There was even an article in AR recently.
The flower pot antenna has been around for a long time and is nothing new yet it doesn't seem to gain the recognition it deserves. It doesn't matter what your skill level one flowerpot is as sturdy as the next. They cost well under $20 to build. You can cut away most of the PVC pipe and roll it up for easy transport an deployment and they are almost indestructible.
They are not a DX antenna but compare well against the lower range of Diamond X series antennas. For the price, there is no question the flowerpot gives you more bang for buck. Pack one with a $50 Chinese handheld and you have a very capable portable station for someone just getting into ham radio.
Isn't it about time we bade a fond farewell to the J pole and Slim Jim?
Both can be made from copper or aluminium tube or even balanced line but they seem fiddly requiring far too much work for my liking. Their sturdiness is directly related to the builder's mechanical skill and in some cases they're awkward to mount. Many will say that the versions built from balanced line are great because they can be bundled into a pocket or bag - perhaps so. Some claim they are a cheap way to get on the air - probably but I think there is a better home brew antenna. Many hams still suggest the J pole or Slim Jim makes a good antenna for the newbie. There was even an article in AR recently.
The flower pot antenna has been around for a long time and is nothing new yet it doesn't seem to gain the recognition it deserves. It doesn't matter what your skill level one flowerpot is as sturdy as the next. They cost well under $20 to build. You can cut away most of the PVC pipe and roll it up for easy transport an deployment and they are almost indestructible.
They are not a DX antenna but compare well against the lower range of Diamond X series antennas. For the price, there is no question the flowerpot gives you more bang for buck. Pack one with a $50 Chinese handheld and you have a very capable portable station for someone just getting into ham radio.
Isn't it about time we bade a fond farewell to the J pole and Slim Jim?