UHF Dipole

This is a very simple dipole for UHF frequencies.  I designed it to hold 70cm elements, although I've also built it as a 1.25m antenna.  I haven't tried elements for 2m band yet, I believe they would be too long.  I have another design that is larger and optimized for 2m.

Construction is very simple.  I use 10ga ground wire (no jacket).  Cut two pieces close to ¼ wavelength of the desired frequency, but make them a tad long.  To make the elements nice and straight, I will clamp one end of the wire in a bench vice and chuck the other end in my drill.  Put some gentle back pressure on the drill while you squeeze the trigger slowly.  This will straighten the wire right out!  Next solder the center conductor of the coax to one element and solder the coax shield to the other element.  Zip tie the elements in place as shown in the photo.  Last use an antenna analyzer to trim to correct frequency.

It's definitely not outdoor rated.  I have a few of these in my attic.