The "Tee" -
Super-Tough Center Connector for Dipole Antenna
Shown below is just my example of how to build a
very durable center connector for an HF dipole antenna.
Though commercially available versions are cheap and easy,
why not make one out of your scrap junk and do it differently every time
you put up an antenna?
This one happened to fit my requirements; it was
compact, waterproof and could hold the weight of a man or overfed
squirrel! (sure, why not) The construction difficulty is a
bit on the advanced side as it requires some metal grinding and cutting
but the parts required are just several small 1" sized PVC pipe fitting
parts, and no length-pipe was used as the connectors are more
rigid and made of a stronger PVC. This will hold more weight than the connector end of the feed line could
hold. I know, because I've had many of large tree limb bring
down a good dipole. No guarantees though and the builder
assumes all responsibility.
![PVC Parts to be used PVC Parts to be used](dipole_connector_pvc.jpg)
PVC pipe connectors
were used. No length-pipe was included. All 1" sized.
(Click
to enlarge photos)
![Adapter was cut in two Adapter was cut in two](dipole_connector_cut.jpg)
The Reducer adapter
was cut in two, about a 1/4" down from the small end.
![The problem of fitting the parts together The problem of fitting the parts together](dipole_connector_problem.jpg)
The Panel Mount
SO-239 UHF Connector to be sandwiched between the two halfs.
Problem: Square peg in a round hole... what to do.
![File corners off of SO-239 File corners off of SO-239](dipole_connector_so239file.jpg)
File the corners off
of the SO-239 until the base is round at the same diameter as the
Reducer.
Putting tape around the theads will prevent ruining the connector.
![Should look like this... Should look like this...](dipole_connector_so239ready.jpg)
Readied...
![Oooops.... Oooops....](dipole_connector_so239mount.jpg)
Ooops... I tried to
attach the SO-239 to Reducer by melting it with a soldering iron. Man,
that looks bad...
I recomend epoxy.
![Leads fashioned... Leads fashioned...](dipole_connector_leads.jpg)
Leads are fashioned
out of stranded #10 guage insulated wire.
![Solder leads to connector... Solder leads to connector...](dipole_connector_so239.jpg)
Soldered leads to
connector. Keep outter lead close to round inslulator lip.
![Connector parts glued together Connector parts glued together](dipole_connector_prep.jpg)
The prepped SO-239
with leads and two parts of Reducter glue (or melted) together.
![Leads and connector end threaded in... Leads and connector end threaded in...](dipole_connector_leadin.jpg)
Leads and connector
ends are threaded in after access holes were drilled into T-piece
![Connector glued into body Connector glued into body](dipole_connector_body.jpg)
Connector glued with
PVC cement into T-piece. Sealant placed inside lead holes.
![Endcap parts layed out... Endcap parts layed out...](dipole_connector_endcap_elements.jpg)
End Caps drilled
through to accept stainless-steel hardware.
![Built Ford Tough... (GM actually) Built Ford Tough... (GM actually)](dipole_connector_endcaps.jpg)
These are tough!
Ratcheted together and ready to hold a massive dipole antenna!
![Final Construction (So-239 View) Final Construction (So-239 View)](dipole_connector_final_under.jpg)
Ends are PVC
cemented together while being aligned. Test initially to prevent
hardware touching lead connections or binding leads.
![Final connector read to go on antenna... Final connector read to go on antenna...](dipole_connector_final.jpg)
Final assembly,
ready to be soldered and attached to dipole wires.
Dipole can be pre-soldered directly to SO-239 for extreme
weather-proofing.
Edited:
06/26/20
(c)2020 Copyright - Michael A. Maynard, a.k.a. K4ICY
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