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How to Fix a Bent Dipole

The dipole style antenna works well because it matches the natural resonance of the radio signal, making it more efficient and requiring less power. But the efficiency and resonance will fall off if it isn't correctly aligned and of the right length. To fix a bent dipole you simply need to return it to its original configuration and length. You might be able to rework the existing conductor, or you might need to replace it with new material.

Things You'll Need

Wire cutters
Electrical tape or Heat Shrink Tubing
Stranded wire -- should match the other side of the dipole

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the un-bent half of the dipole, if possible. Since dipole antennas are always set up in configurations with two equal sides, you can determine the length needed by measuring the undamaged side. However, if you don't have an undamaged side, or you can't measure it, you can determine the radio frequency the antenna needs to resonate, then divide 468 by that frequency to get the half-wave distance in feet. Each half of your dipole should be half of the half-wave length.
- 2
  Remove the bent dipole wire. Connect the end of your new wire to the feed point on your dipole setup. On most dipole antennas, the feed point is in the middle between each length of wire. One of the dipole wires will connect to the shield of a coaxial cable, and the other to the central conductor. Connect your replacement dipole to whichever part of the coaxial cable isn't connected to the other dipole. Cover the connection with electrical tape or heatshrink tubing.
- 3
  Stretch the wire so it mirrors the good section of the dipole, and ensure the wire is taught so that it won't sag. Cut the wire to the correct length and attach it to the anchor point with an insulated material. For example, you can use nylon rope or plastic hooks to anchor the dipole wire.

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