Tuesday 7th July 2009 Happy Birthday Larry.

Moxon Wire AntennaA little closer.

This is my latest project.

But first, today is my younger brother's birthday. He is 52 years old today. So, again, Happy birthday Larry.
Now, back to my project. You see I happen to play with Radio. The ham variety and not as in pigs either. One eats pigs, one does not eat wireless. Well, you can if you wish. I will stick to eating pigs.
Back to my project. It is an antenna. One transmits and receives with an antenna.
But this is a Moxon Rectangle Coat-hanger Antenna which I found over at Practical Wireless.
Am I excited about this antenna? You had better believe I am. I like the design and the gain figures that go with it. It is small and compact, ideal for our rather small yard.
The other reason is that it is the first antenna I have built since 1994. And that is quite a long time. And the antenna works. Of course, since I don't have a meter I have no way of knowing how well tuned it is. But it works quite well. I have built is strictly according to the specifications and measurements in the article. So, assuming I have it all correct, it should be resonant on the 70cm band.
My previous antennas were on the 2 metre band. I built 5 and 14 element antennas at that time.