A dozen or more brave souls assembled dual-band J-poles tonight at KVH. The process involved fabricating a coax assembly with SMA connector and current balun, as well as an antenna assembly made from 300 ohm twin-lead cut to the appropriate dimensions. The two assemblies were then soldered together and finished off with some heat-shrink tubing for protection. Testing after the assembly process indicated a 1.5:1 or lower SWR.
The club wishes to thank Willy W1LY, and Jim KA1ZOU for working diligently to establish the correct dimensions, instructions, and assembly tools, as well as Bob WB4SON for obtaining the parts and kitting them plus installing the SMA connectors. Several other hams, Jim KC1SD, John WA1ABI, Pete W1LAB, and others were there to help guide the builders in their process. Finally, the club wishes to thank our host, KVH, which set up multiple assembly benches with solder stations and hand tools for the project.
RJ, Brian, Walt and nine others work on their antennas
Early in the assembly process – Kathryn, Chuck, and Dirmid forging ahead with Willy and Jim observing.
Kathryn tests her antenna with Jim at the controls. Pete observes, while Jim Kyle talks to the human test fixture (Willy)
Willy becomes human antenna tower while the J-Pole is tested