I get occasional e-mails from MCM Electronics, pushing a variety of products, and every once in a while, something catches my eye. This morning, they were advertising a Four Element Directional Outdoor FM Antenna (see photo at right) for $25.
This seems like it would be a good deal, if it could be modified to operate on 2m. Have any of you ever tried this? It seems to me that all you’d have to do is shorten the elements a little bit.
By comparison, a four-element, 2m Yagi from ARROW Antenna costs about $80.
Matt KC4YLV says
Now that the Antennacraft FM6 BCB antenna is discontinued, i’m looking toward this thing as a possible substitute for that exact reason. Also kinda want to buy one and just….see how it does on FM broadcast!
But yes, definitely same idea has crossed my mind with these before.
Dan KB6NU says
If you do modify this antenna, please let me know how it goes.
Brian VK2AAF/WD9GYO says
Of course it’s possible to mod this antenna for 146MHz by shortening the elements and changing the element spacing. It may be good for a low-cost quickie temporary antenna. However, if you’re going to put that much effort into it, you’re halfway to building your own Yagi from scratch.
You kinda get what you pay for. Note the elements are made from rolled flat sheet aluminum instead of tubing. If you have any remotely large birds, high winds or winter icing in your area, these will fold up in short order.
For about the same cost, you should be able to throw together a Yagi with elements & boom made from aluminum tubing or rod sourced from the local big box hdwe store or from junk if you have any- and make it a lot more durable, to boot.
Have fun!
kq2rp says
Aside from the element lengths, bear in mind the feed is 75ohm on this and spacings are probably off. You can make your own with rodstock and pvc just as cheaply and will likely perform better than this one modified.