My Copper Pipe Slim Jim 446 Antenna

[Jonny5’s]

As suggested by Toby, here are some images of the copper pipe Slim Jim that I built from 15mm copper pipe for use on PMR. I joined the Monday night PMR net and have been on there now for 4 to 5 weeks, and this is what I've been using for it. It's been mounted on the roof inside the fibreglass chimney, which I have access to through the loft, I figured as high as possible and the signal probably gets out better through the fibreglass rather than the roof tiles and bricks.

I used the calculator here https://m0ukd.com/calculators/slim-jim-and-j-pole-calculator/ with a frequency of 446. I also have one built for 2m, which is much bigger.

I've since replaced it with another slim Jim from Superyagi Antennas, which I have been using since last weekend, images below. The new antenna has a marginal improvement but it is built much better.

One day I'll get rid of the tape and solder it properly.

Images with my copper pipe slim jim and the new slim jim.

Anyway, thanks to all those out there for the contacts over the past month or so, the PMR net is most enjoyable!

[John]

Hi Jonny5

Great to see a home brew PMR antenna. As I have built three and soldered everyone the SWR is all over the place on all three. If I have to make another one I would use Amalgamating tape for the joints . Just thought buddy .
Well done Sir .

Cheers John CT4515 on his little hill LOL

[Jonny5’s]

Thanks John,

I wonder how the soldering will change mine, I have had good SWR on this but not at the recomended location by the calculator. I haven't got a blow torch or any solder for copper pipe but I did do some test solders with a soldering iron and electrical solder, which has actually created a strong joint. I'll let you know if I see much of a change when I do it.

Building your own antennas is the best part hey. Using tape is just so much easier but dosen't feel like it's finished, I did think about using some heat shrink with the glue, but the Amalgamating tape looks like a good option.

Roger, over

[Razz229]

Hi John

Well done on building your Slim Jim antenna.

PMR 446 is a great band to make homebrew antennas which don't cost an arm and a leg.

Check out this wire antenna and a bit of plastic pipe

https://youtu.be/WVFZ77vH2Jw?si=C-kpHyUpvDo0b_q4

73

Ray 2290

[Jonny5’s]

AH thanks Mr Ray,

I have already seen that video, seen that I had already given it a like. I have made a portable one, basically the same, but for VHF.

If anyone is interested, here is the inside view of my fibreglass chimney; it looks like a regular brick one from the outside.