Do it Yourself Archives - Paratus Radio

A Reader’s CB Antenna Question

December 22, 2020December 22, 2020No Comments

A reader’s question I wanted to post a readers CB antenna question and my response. So here goes… “I have my 70cm/2m Diamond antenna on my roof for my TYT 9800 and it works great, but I want to string a separate CB/SSB field antenna up into the very large trees in my yard to get the best reception I can get. I live on a hill, 600ft MSL but between me and the closest city. 15-20 miles away is a hill that is 760ft MSL. I have “cobra heads” and resistors, 50’ of 12GA Solid copper clad PE jacketed wire and a 42’ Beldon 8340 50 Ohm RG-58/U BNC… Read More

Building the Tiger Tail Antenna

August 24, 2020November 19, 20201 Comment

“If you can make a dipole antenna, then you can make any antenna.” – NC Scout Background Your handheld radio has an antenna that is a quarter-wave “monopole”. It’s not very efficient, but it’s a compromise for better portability and convenience. You can improve this by using a Tiger Tail (also known as a Rat Tail). This is done by adding a counterpoise to your HT antenna, turning your monopole antenna to a dipole antenna. This inexpensive and simply made extension will increase your transmission range and may increase your reception. Because it is tuned you will need to create one for each of your commonly used frequencies. You can… Read More

Building the Long Wire Directional Antenna

July 18, 2020November 19, 20202 Comments

The Long Wire Directional Antenna is a field expedient antenna that was designed to transmit its signal in one direction. It is used by the military to setup at a covert transmitting location and is aimed towards their base. We explain the theory and practice here.