Home >> Hobbies >> Ham Radio

How to Make an Antenna for 162.5000

Scanners operate in the low-frequency band, which is advantageous for amateurs wanting to make antennas to enhance frequencies in that band. A simple J-pole antenna can be used inside or out, coiled and thrown in a bag or kept in the vehicle for enhanced reception. Whether you are aiming for the National Weather Service channel 162.500 or another one, any channel in the low band is enhanced through this inexpensive and effective addition.

Things You'll Need

Twin-lead 300-ohm cable
Wire snips
Soldering iron
Lead-free or silver solder
Electrical tape
Terminated RG-59 coaxial cable
Coaxial cutters
Coaxial strippers

Instructions

- 1
  Cut the twin-lead 300-ohm cable to 52 inches. Snip a 1-centimeter notch into one of the wires 15 inches from one end of the cable using the snips.
- 2
  Cut a 4-inch length of RG-59 coaxial cable, leaving one end cut and another with the cable's connector intact.
- 3
  Strip 2 inches of outer insulation from the bare end of the coaxial cable, exposing the center conductor and shield.
- 4
  Separate the center conductor and shield from one another by hand. Solder the center conductor to one of the wires on the 300-ohm cable. Solder the twisted shield to the other. It does not matter which sides you select as long as they remain isolated.
- 5
  Lay the exposed conductors back against the coaxial cable. Wrap the junction with electrical tape, thoroughly sealing the exposed solder and conductors.

Ham Radio