Printing time for this project is quite extensive but you will not regret either the filament used or the time spent printing for one moment. Parts are easy to
...Show more print without issues.
The end project is a professional looking antenna that looks and works well. Well worth your time spent.
I have seen many antenna designs here but none met my needs. I required a reasonably strong and light weight. The complete antenna weighs out at around 650 gram (~23 ounce) with good strength. My drawing skills are limited, hence mostly parametric parts readily available on Thingiverse were used.
This is an attempt to create an easily constructable 3D printed version of the excellent 2m/70cm 2+2/3 El antenna design by DK7ZB.
Web Page:
http://www.qsl.net/dk7zb/Duoband/duoband_2-70_2-3.htm
Should you require more bandwidth/better SWR on 70cm, you can build the antenna without the third 70cm element with a bit less gain. I suggest you read Martin, DK7ZBs page on the link above before deciding to build the antenna.
This antenna is seriously easy to build, sturdy and works as expected. It has a single feed point/driven element for both the 2m and 70cm bands. In my opinion it is worth the 3D printing time for an end product that just works and should provide many hours of pleasure afterwards.
Individual parametric parts are here:
http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2252745
http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2255051
http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2252291
Tools Required:
2.5mm Drill (Drill 2 x 2.5mm holes one in each of the two driven elements for the feed point - holes can be drilled 5mm from the edge of the element)
M3 Tap (Tap the 2 x 2.5 drilled holes in the driven elements)
M5 Tap (Tap 5mm holes in the Element Holder)
M5 Die (Clean up thread on printed M5 Bolts)
Metric Allen Keys (Tighten M5 3D printed bolts (not too tight) and Stainless steel Bolts)
Soldering Iron (Solder your coax to eyelid connectors or connect directly to the driven element)
3D Printed Parts required:
1 x Yagi_El_Holder_16-55-WideWindow
4 x Yagi_El_Holder_16-55-NoWindow
10 x M5x10_Hex_Bolt
Optional 3D Pinted:
2 x Yagi end Cap 140-170-8
Other Parts Required:
15.88-16mm (1/4") x 520mm Aluminium tubing for the boom (Add 170 - 200 mm for a handle on the rear)
6mm Solid aluminium Rod (2 x 2.5m lengths were more than enough for me)
10 x M4 x 30mm Button head allen key bolts (To clamp the Boom to element brackets to the boom)
10 x M4 Nuts
2 x M3x6 Button head allen key bolts (Used to connect the coax to the driven element)
Build is quite simple. I followed the instructions as per the DK7ZB page.
The driven element of my antenna was assembled using LMR195 Coax. I drilled a 2.5mm hole 5mm from the edge of each driven element and tapped the holes to 3mm using the M3x5mm button head bolts in the tapped holes.
Should any of the info not be accurate or clear, please do not hesitate to contact me either here or by looking me up on QRZ. I will do m
