length, we have included a bit more wire than you should need to build either antenna. This allows you to decide which antenna will serve you better.
CONSTRUCTION NOTES
Just a few notes before you begin constructing your antenna.
•Be careful when constructing your antenna! Throwing rocks through windows, falling from trees, shooting a buddy during the famous bow and arrow trick and becoming electrocuted are just a few of the hazards that can ruin your day.
•If the weather looks threatening, wait for it to pass. The last thing that you want is to be caught on your roof during a storm.
•Don’t take chances with your antenna. Secure it as well as you can, and make sure that nobody will be able to touch it once it is mounted. Transmitting while someone is touching it can be a shocking experience.
•When in doubt, have your buddies help you out! A few friends can make the day a lot more enjoyable and easier... especially if they know a thing or two about stringing antennas (or own a bow or arrow).
ANTENNA CONSTRUCTION
Now it’s time to begin construction! First, make sure that you have all of your antenna parts, and they are easily accessible. You’ll also need tools such as; ladders, electrical tape, waterproof sealant, a knife, wire cutters, etc.
The first thing to do is to cut the antenna wire to the correct length. The wire supplied with your kit has been cut somewhat longer than required, but there is not enough for two antennas, so be careful when you measure! The following table shows you the proper lengths to cut your antenna wires in order to tune it to the proper frequency.
Please understand that the calculations that we have made are for a frequency in the center of the band. If you prefer to use another frequency, or a band that is not listed, simply find the lengths by using the following equations. (It doesn’t hurt to add a foot or so to the calculated length to allow for easier antenna tuning - it’s easier to simply “clip” off a bit of wire at a time than it is to add wire.)
Total length of a dipole = 468/ frequency (in MHz) (in feet)
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