I've wanted to have dual-band VHF/UHF capability from my base station for some time. I'm especially interested now, as I'm considering an upgrade to an FTM-100DR for digital use via Yaesu's Wires-X network (I love Yaesu products), and I'd like to have the ability to use it around town via my mobile. Usually, I'm restricted to local repeater use when I'm in the Jeep. The location in which I live isn't great for using a handheld and getting to the repeaters I want. My options were either building a J-Pole myself, which is what the purists probably recommend. But, my time is limited, and so I went ahead and purchased one with relatively good reviews on eHam.net from Ham Radio Outlet.
Arrow Open Stub J-Pole 146/440
The Arrow OSJ is nicely constructed of aluminum, and has a nice heavy duty bracket. There are two options, including one with a two-part long element so that you can break it down further for a go-kit. I purchased the cheaper one-part long element version because it's only going to be used with my base radio (my trusty Yaesu FT-897D).
It is tightly constructed. The elements thread into the angle bracket. If you've never used aluminum, be careful when threading everything together, because it is easy to bind. I was very careful when putting everything together (I used the old trick of turning everything counter-clockwise first to make sure that everything is lined up before turning clockwise to tighten).
It is tightly constructed. The elements thread into the angle bracket. If you've never used aluminum, be careful when threading everything together, because it is easy to bind. I was very careful when putting everything together (I used the old trick of turning everything counter-clockwise first to make sure that everything is lined up before turning clockwise to tighten).
The Installation
I installed the antenna on the deck on the second level. Most of the antenna is hidden, except about 18 inches coming up over the deck's handrail. I also made sure that no other metals were within 10 feet of the antenna, or above the bracket.
The installation took about an hour, mostly because I was working between the first and second floors. I also took extra care routing the wiring because I promised the XYL it would not affect access to her planned garden.
I also added a coil wrap at the bottom of the antenna per Arrow's recommendation to help with 70 cm work.
The installation took about an hour, mostly because I was working between the first and second floors. I also took extra care routing the wiring because I promised the XYL it would not affect access to her planned garden.
I also added a coil wrap at the bottom of the antenna per Arrow's recommendation to help with 70 cm work.
Side View
Looking up at the antenna
The Result
After I got everything set up, I used Chirp to upload the local repeaters into my transceiver. Immediately, 2m worked great. I was able to reach the repeater I was aiming for with only 5 watts, with pretty good reports. I pushed up the power to 10 watts and turned down the mic gain, and got better signal reports, but I don't think I'm achieving full quieting. I should also be able to reach the other two repeaters I'm interested in reaching. That's a success.
However, as a few reviews stated on eHam.net, the UHF SWR was out of control. Unfortunately, I do not own an antenna analyzer for 70 cm frequencies. I'll have to talk to someone at my local club to figure this one out.
For now, 2m work is really my interest, since that's where most repeaters still function. Wires-X will also work fine. But I'm annoyed with the UHF issue.
However, as a few reviews stated on eHam.net, the UHF SWR was out of control. Unfortunately, I do not own an antenna analyzer for 70 cm frequencies. I'll have to talk to someone at my local club to figure this one out.
For now, 2m work is really my interest, since that's where most repeaters still function. Wires-X will also work fine. But I'm annoyed with the UHF issue.