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Portable Discone Antenna

Build a portable discone antenna that packs down to a compact size. Perfect for SDR use while underway.

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Build your own portable DIY discone antenna. This design is a modified version of "SurvialComms" on Youtube.

I made a few minor changes that worked better for me. The purpose of the this antenna is for SDR scanning, though it could be used for VHF/UHF transmitting use depending on the frequency/SWR.

  • 1 × Multipurpose 6061 Aluminum McMaster Carr SKU#: 8975K111 1/16" Thick x 1/2" Wide
  • 1 × Routing Eyebolt with Nut - Not for Lifting McMaster Carr SKU#: 9489T45 Zinc-Plated with Bent-Closed Eye, 6-32 Thread, 3/4" Shank
  • 1 × Pink Ring Terminal, 22 To 18 Awg,
  • 1 × 18 Awg wire
  • 8 × Zinc-Plated Alloy Steel Socket Head Screw McMaster Carr#: 90128A146 6-32 Thread Size, 3/8" Long

View all 10 components

  • 1
    Go online to a discone calculator

    With your lowest desired frequency, determine the various element lengths using the discone calculator.

  • 2
    Cut the top AL elements

    Measure out and cut the 1/16" x 1/2" AL elements to the lengths needed. Drill a center hole in each piece.

  • 3
    *Cut the top AL elements

    An alternative way for a small footprint of the elements is to cut the elements in half and then drill your center hold in each piece. This allows the elements to fan out and collapse into a half the diameter of the above method. Either method works, just depends on how you want to set it up.

View all 7 instructions

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