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KV5R’s Portable Rabbit-Ears Dipole Antenna

Please see KV5R’s how-to articles on KV5R.COM, too!
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This handy and cheap portable dipole can be folded and backpacked, carried in use, and adjusted to a very wide range of frequencies.

Note: This is a low power antenna, meant to be used close the body at 5 watts or less. Also, rabbit-ears antennas are not designed to get wet.

Let’s go from about minus-12dbi duck to plus-2.2dbi dipole antenna. This one was easily made from spare Sony TV rabbit-ears. First, remove the twin-lead and replace it with RG-174 or -58. Add the appropriate H-T radio connector. Use a permanent marker to mark the rabbit-ear elements at 19-inches extension. Mark the end of the element with red that is connected to the center of the coax, so you can put it "up." Use 1/2-inch CPVC to make an "L" shape to hold the antenna.

KV5R
The basic design idea...