Here I take an old tv antenna and make a 6m High Frequency radio antenne.
Video Rating: 4 / 5

11m CB Bazooka Antenna Construction - Part One

Constructing a cheap and simple Bazooka antenna for the CB Band in this video.

Made from coax, this is an ideal antenna for portable use or as an emergency antenna – calcs and design thanks to here: http://www.hamuniverse.com/vertbazooka.html

38 replies
  1. Stephen Salmon
    Stephen Salmon says:

    Well done for having a go at home construction, but here’s some info you
    may find of use: The velocity factor is incorrect, RG58 only has a velocity
    factor of 0.66 when it is used as coax, the moment you strip the screen and
    outer sheath away then the VF changes, this is why you had to make your
    antenna longer.

    Reply
  2. UKCBTV
    UKCBTV says:

    That’ll be great – anything that’s simple, robust, lightweight, quick to
    deploy and works quite well is certainly of interest. The Bazooka fits the
    bill well, but better still if folding the braid over can be eliminated.
    Cheers.

    Reply
  3. Stephen Salmon
    Stephen Salmon says:

    I have been playing with this type of antenna, if I get time next week I’ll
    make a short video detailing my findings and post it as a reply if that’s
    ok I enjoy your videos by the way, experimenting and portable is where the
    fun is 😉

    Reply
  4. Andrew Dickinson
    Andrew Dickinson says:

    Hi Gary…. What is the size of the heat shrink? Going to make one of these
    to hang in a tree at bottom of the garden….

    Reply
  5. UKCBTV
    UKCBTV says:

    I actually got a link for the Bazooka design from a post of yours on a
    forum – so I guess you’ve experimented more since then. I’ll try cutting
    the screen off on the next one – where would the choke be best positioned,
    in the same place at it would be on the sleeved design? Cheers.

    Reply
  6. kenneth adkins
    kenneth adkins says:

    Hi gary enjoyed your video,but wandered if you ever heard of a double
    bazooka .Basically it is a folded dipole more gain than center fed dipole.
    just tie ends of coax together and feed it in the middle insulating braid
    to braid center to center.thanks gary

    Reply
  7. UKCBTV
    UKCBTV says:

    Nice old rig the H-407. Perhaps try the T2LT antenna I’ve recently started
    using – very much like the Bazooka, but no braid to fold over. T2LT video
    added to the channel – both antennas work well for what they are. Cheers.

    Reply
  8. UKCBTV
    UKCBTV says:

    Looks like some coax cables are easier than others to work with, looks like
    I got lucky. You could always make a centre-fed dipole out of the coax
    instead.

    Reply
  9. Stephen Salmon
    Stephen Salmon says:

    Secondly it isn’t necessary to pull the screen back over the coax, the
    screen itself will carry differential mode current, that is why coax is
    described as unbalanced line, if you cut the exposed screen off, you’ll
    find the antenna works just as well, the screen will carry normal return
    current on the inner surface and antenna current on the outside of the
    screen. When you’re done choke it off, then add shrink sleeving where
    you’ve removed the outer, sorted 😉

    Reply
  10. Fernando souza ariza
    Fernando souza ariza says:

    hi friend good afternoon if possible would like me to pass this scheme
    bazooka antenna I am looking long time for one work station in qrp 27mhz if
    possible translate pro Brazil this scheme thank friend

    congratulations by video

    Strong 73 to you and family

    fernando 3fat016 from Brazil

    Reply
  11. texascommtech
    texascommtech says:

    THESE ANTENNAS WORK EXTREMELY WELL! Especially if you make them from
    quality materials, execute good workmanship in your soldering and connector
    installation, and if you’re willing to experiment a bit at the beginning to
    ensure you have it “optimized” for the particular location & situation you
    are in.
    For example, I attached a set of pulleys and rope on the ends of my dipole
    and strung the entire assembly between two 50′ push-up poles so that I
    could easily adjust the distance from the ground to the antenna while
    observing my SWR meter.
    I learned that the SWR might change a bit even when the antenna was at the
    same exact height, not only when I changed frequencies, but also apparently
    due to changes in the moisture in the ground depending on if it had just
    rained a lot or if the ground was dry. I could tweak the SWR a bit by
    raising or lowering the antenna a few feet.
    I was especially pleased to learn that I could affect the “take off
    direction” of my transmitted signal as well as my received signals, by
    raising or lowering only one end. Sometimes I achieved good results by
    allowing the center to be the highest point, and lowering the ends….the
    old “Inverted V” configuration. And sometimes I achieved by desired
    coverage distance and pattern by doing the very opposite…the “V”
    configuration.
    I really did well with this antenna and keep several coiled up and ready to
    go in my emergency communications vehicle; one antenna for each of my most
    important bands. Some antennas were resonant on several bands and required
    very little adjustment if at all during band changes..
    And IF your station is set up to where you can use “ladder line” instead
    of, or in addition to a coaxial feed, there are many people who achieve
    truly phenomenal results that way. And in any situation, IF you have a
    good, easily accessible EARTH ground that you can attach the chassis ground
    to, that sometimes makes ALL the difference.
    When making this, do try to use heat shrink on all solder connections and
    all locations on your coax where it attaches to a PL-259 or whatever you
    use…neatness DOES count, AND helps ensure the dependability and longevity
    of your project!
    THANKS for posting this tutorial on how to make these antennas. I have used
    them on 450 mhz on down to below 160 meters, and I can say not only do they
    work and work well, but this is attested to by the fact that many of the
    world’s militaries, search & rescue organizations, scientific expeditions,
    etc, have used these antennas for many years, and continue to do so to this
    day. 

    Reply
  12. 26CT1520
    26CT1520 says:

    Thanks for sharing this with us all, its very much appreciated that you
    take the time to show this stuff and give us all ideas! I’ll have a go at
    making one of these very soon. Will try get on the North East Net soon too!

    Cheers and beers good sir.

    Reply
  13. Tom Smith
    Tom Smith says:

    Hi there, what dimentions would you use for 2 mts, I am what they call Old
    School, so would the top be 19-20 inches and the coax down the same, does
    the balun just act as an rf choke, does it matter if its there or not?,
    readings minus velocity factor of coax….Fred g4vvq

    Reply
  14. dafrogtoad
    dafrogtoad says:

    Yes it is. However it does on many occasions, “bounce” (sporadic E
    propagation) like HF. So long distance communications happen.

    Reply
  15. Lumberman2011
    Lumberman2011 says:

    I understand toad. I thought I was being funny..you must be beat from on
    the road! Hope ya feel better my friend!

    Reply
  16. bigtoad45
    bigtoad45 says:

    I just passed my Tech License and am now studying for the General. My main
    interest is 70cm/2M/6M/10M bands. I am amazed at how simple some antennas
    are to make. Very nice video. I have a lot to learn.

    Reply
  17. Volker King
    Volker King says:

    Aha i undertand 6 bucks for the 6m Band. 😎
    Where is the UNBAL for the Asymetric CoaxCable to the Symtric Antenna?

    Reply

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