Summary

New Vesion: 1/4 Wave Ground Plane Antenna Mk III

Jig/Guide/Yoke for creating a 1/4 ground plane antenna suitable for transmitting. Uses brass rod for the elements.

This MkII design boasts the following features:

Split-clamp for mounting to 20mm PVC conduit mast
40 degree radial tilt providing a better match to 50 ohm coax cable, than a 45 degree tilt
Improved rigidity

My specific instance of this object was designed for the 2m amateur radio band.

Print Settings

Printer Brand:

3D Systems

                                            <p class="detail-setting printer"><strong>Printer: </strong>                     <div><p>Cube 3</p></div></p>                                                                                <p class="detail-setting rafts"><strong>Rafts: </strong>                     <div><p>Yes</p></div></p>                                                                                <p class="detail-setting supports"><strong>Supports: </strong>                     <div><p>Yes</p></div></p>                                                                                <p class="detail-setting resolution"><strong>Resolution: </strong>                     <div><p>200um</p></div></p>                                                                                <p class="detail-setting infill"><strong>Infill: </strong>                     <div><p>25%</p></div></p>                                                        <br>                        <p class="detail-setting notes"><strong>Notes: </strong>                    </p><div><p>Modified Cube 3 to accept bulk filament.</p></div>

Post-Printing

Print four of the object.
Align the splits together and use a cable tie to hold it all together.
Insert ~3.18mm brass rod and align to BNC connector.
Solder and enjoy!

Bill of Materials

3D Printed Parts

            <div><p>Print 4 of the design</p></div>                <p class="detail-title"><strong>Radials</strong></p>            <div><p>Diameter: anything which fits! The design has 3.5mm holes. I used 3.18mm rods.<br>Length: calculate for desired operating frequency<br>Material: conductive. Aluminium or Copper are good choices. I used brass rods.</p></div>                <p class="detail-title"><strong>Connector</strong></p>            <div><p>Any panel-mount style connector will do. I used a panel-mount BNC connector.</p></div>                <p class="detail-title"><strong>Cable Ties</strong></p>            <div><p>Chooses smaller width size to ensure fitment around pieces.</p></div>                <p class="detail-title"><strong>Mast</strong></p>            <div><p>20mm PVC conduit.</p></div>