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How to Make a Short HF Antenna

A high-frequency antenna (HF) receives signals from transmitters used by personnel such as firemen, police and mobile radio operators. A short RF antenna that employs a horizontal rod can be made from supplies purchased from a hardware store. The HF antenna you will make requires tools that most homes have on hand.

Things You'll Need

4 foot plastic pipe, 1/2-inch diameter
Ruler
Power drill, 3/32-inch drill bit
12 gauge electric wire, 15 feet
Metal screws, 3/32-inch diameter
Metal washers, 3/32-inch diameter
Metal nuts, 3/32-inch diameter
3 foot brass rod, 3/32-inch diameter
Pliers
Electrical tape
HF connector

Instructions

- 1
  Place the plastic pipe vertically on a table. Measure up 2 inches from the bottom and drill a hole through the pipe.
- 2
  Push a wire through the hole from beneath the top of the pipe. Extend the wire 2 inches out from the top of the pipe.
- 3
  Run the wire down and around the length of the pipe. Run the wire through the hole in the bottom so it extends up from the bottom of the pipe by 2 inches.
- 4
  Strip 1/2 inch of insulation off each end of the wire, using a wire stripper. Wrap each wire around a metal screw. Place a metal washer over each hole. Place each screw in one of the holes in the pipe.
- 5
  Place metal washers over the screws from the other side of the pipe. Loosely screw metal nuts over each screw, using your fingers.
- 6
  Bend the end of the rod, using the pliers, to form a hook. Place the hook over one of the screws, in front of the nut. Tighten the nuts, using your fingers. Further tighten the nuts, using pliers.
- 7
  Wind the exposed end of the wire coming out of the hole in the pipe around the exposed end of the HF connector. Wrap electrical tape around the exposed wires.

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