How to Build an Antenna for a Scanner
Scanners are an exciting way to grow the hobby of electronics, as well as educate yourself about the world around you and open up your ability to listen to a variety of broadcasts. Knowing how to build an antenna for a scanner will help you grow in the hobby and keep cost down, as well. Once complete, you'll be proud and ready to show off your handy work with you friends.
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Things You'll Need
- Five 1/8-inch stainless steel or copper rods
- Soldering gun
- Solder
- Flux
- Wire cutters
- Measuring tape
- Needle nose pliers
- Table Vise
- Safety glasses
- 80-grit sandpaper
- Clear outdoor window sealant
- SO-239 connector
- 4 stainless steel bolts and nuts, sized to fit through the SO-239 connector
- Coaxial cable with connectors installed
Instructions
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How to Build an Antenna for a Scanner
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1
Carefully mount the SO-239 connector in a table vise so that the male side of the plug is facing upward.
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2
Take one of the rods and, using the 80-grit sandpaper, sand one end of the rod about one inch. This will allow the solder to adhere to the rod and connector forming a better connection.
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3
Apply a small amount--about the size of a a pencil lead--of flux around the end of the rod that has been sanded. The flux will help oxidize the air around the solder joint and make a tighter bond between the two metals.
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4
Insert the sanded end of the rod into the SO-230 connector pin and hold it carefully. Using the solder and soldering gun, solder the rod to the pin until there is a tight and clean bond from the rod to the connector pin. Use just enough solder to make the connection firm, and take note to not over-solder. Avoid overheating the connector pin with the solder gun and possibly melting the plastic insulator inside the connector.
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5
Take the four remaining rods and make sure they are perfectly straight. Using the needle-nose pliers, make a small bend to form a circle, at one end of each rod, just large enough for the #6 bolts to go through on one end of each of the four rods.
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6
Attach the four rods, one to each corner hole on the SO-239 connector using the #6 sized bolts and nuts. Make sure they are snug fit with the pliers, but do not over-tighten, as this could strip the threads.
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7
Holding the connector carefully level an upright position with the one rod straight up, use the pliers and bend the four rods (radials) at the base of the SO-239 connector to approximately 45 degrees. Check each bolt and nut once again to ensure it is still snug tight.
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8
Measure each of the four radials and main upright element to 24 inches and cut off any extra wire. Apply the clear window and door sealant to the top of the connector to help keep rain and moisture out of the connector and cable.
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9
Using a string, hang the antenna from an outdoor eave or inside the attic. Attach the coaxial cable to the SO-239 on one end and the other to the scanner.
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1
Tips & Warnings
You can also use bicycle spokes or piano wire for your rods (radials) as a cost saving step.
For best reception, it is recommended to hang the antenna outside.
Never hang or mount your antenna next to or around any power lines.
Wear safety goggles to avoid injury to the eyes from the radials as you assemble your antenna.
