Assemble the pipe to form the frame ("boom") of the antenna.
This, along with the PVC connectors, will form the frame of the antenna. You’ll need to cut two pieces of PVC pipe. Rosin core solder Tape measure with 1” wide tape PVC glue Tools Needed Soldering iron Tape measure Pipe cutters Wire stripper Shears or scissors Sand paper SWR Meter Screwdriver or wrench for tightening the hose clamps I used 18 gauge solid copper wire, but I’m told anything works. Materials List 3/4” Schedule 40 PVC Pipe - at least 25” 6 hose clams big enough to fit around the PVC pipe 1 3/4” PVC tee 2 3/4” PVC crosses 8’ RG-58 cable with a connector attached to one side.
And, in the end, we built something useable for when he earns his Technician class license. In my case, my nephew and I used the plans from WB2HOL, but we worked through the math to come up with element lengths. Which is to say you can use the plans to build a perfectly workable antenna, or, you can use the formula for a Yagi antenna to modify the design. This project was perfect as I could scale it up or down as a lesson in a number of ways. And I have found that I have had to teach him basic algebra in the process. I want him to fully understand the material, not just pass a test. Mostly because I refuse to “teach the test”. The fundamentals of antennas is the one area I’ve been finding difficult to teach my nephew. There is a total of $20 in materials in this antenna, assuming everything is purchased specifically for this project and not scavenged or salvaged parts. When I set out to find a project, I was looking for something unusual that would grab his attention but something that was easy, fast and required few tools or skills.
Topics like basic algebra and principals of electricity. It requires comprehension of concepts that they still have yet to cover in school. While some people discount the Technician level license of amateur radio as “ridiculously simple” (including a well known conservative talk radio personality) it’s not so easy for an eight-year old. Project Background My nephew recently expressed interest in earning his Technician class amateur radio license. I used the design from Joe Leggios (WB2HOL). Disclaimer: This project isn’t new it’s not even my idea or design. Plus it’s easy to build and gives a great opportunity to teach several subjects with a hands-on approach. This antenna is designed for two-meter operations, which, for a newbie ham operator, is one of the bands available under the Technician license in the US. It’s an antenna built out of PVC pipe, a tape measure and a handful of hose clamps. Are you looking for an easy kid friendly project? Are you looking for a project to encourage a new generation of ham radio operators? This project is unusual, so it’s something that will certainly capture the attention of anyone, particularly a kid.
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