Advertisement
41. Cut the remaining coax so 3" to 4" (7 cm to 10 cm) is left hanging
outside of the antenna assembly.
42. Referring to steps 11 - 14, prepare the end of the coax for soldering.
43. Bend the solder lug over to reach towards the center pin on the 'F'
connector. Solder the braid of the coax to the solder lug.
44. Solder the center conductor of the coax to the center solder lug of the
'F' connector.
45. Place the endcap onto the pipe.
46. Use the two remaining endcaps on the other pipe pieces.
We are all finished with our assembly of the antenna kit. Now we will get into
the testing of the antenna so we can be sure it works. Once testing is done
you have enough tie wraps to be able to disassemble the antenna, then
reassemble it using PVC glue for a more permanent application. Also don't
glue the elbow until you are sure of the antenna's final orientation. The elbow
allows you to mount the antenna either vertically or horizontally.
TESTING OUT THE TM100
For these next few steps we will need the following things:
A sensitive receiver (preferably with signal strength meter)
A length of coax, the same one you will be using on final hookup.
1. Connect a piece of coax with the appropriate connectors between your
radio and the antenna.
2. Tune in a weak FM broadcast radio station somewhere in your area.
3. Manually rotate the antenna; the signal strength should vary depending
on the orientation of the antenna. (This is about the simplest test we could
think of that would verify that the antenna was working!)
4. Check that your antenna works better than a 28" piece of wire used as
an antenna.
5. Using an ohmmeter, verify that the resistance measured between the
coax center conductor and shield is less than 10 ohms. If greater than 10
ohms, you may have a faulty connector or cold solder joint.
6. If you desire, you may clean or paint your antenna. Clean using a
solvent such as acetone and paint using a good grade of enamel paint.
Advertisement
