Make Your Own 3D Printed Portable Antenna For 14MHz

As I already had access to a 3D printer, I wanted to design a portable antenna that was inexpensive, easy to reproduce, and not something I would have to worry too much about if it was lost or damaged. If something happens to it, I can simply print another one. I really enjoy using my Elecraft AX-1, but I wanted to experiment with an antenna that was better suited to the 20m amateur radio band and didn't necessarily require a radio with a built-in ATU. This 3D-printed antenna is, of course, a compromise. However when you're out on a SOTA or POTA activation or operating from another portable location where setting up a larger antenna isn't practical, it could provide a simple way to get on the air. I've tested the antenna at power levels up to 20 watts using both CW and FT8. I would recommend not exceeding this power level and as always, using only the minimum power necessary to complete the QSO. This project is intended as an experiment in making a lightweight, inexpensive and easily replaceable portable antenna. Your results may vary depending on the installation, surroundings, ground conditions and operating frequency. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 📥 Files & Resources STL can be found here - https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:741... (Print the model vertically with supports!) 140cm Telescopic whip: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/10050... BNC female: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Chassis-Fema... 4mm banana binding post: https://www.amazon.co.uk/WMYCONGCONG-... 20swg enamelled wire: https://www.amazon.co.uk/sourcing-map... 1/4" - 20 brass threaded heat set inserts: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Threaded-Imp... M4 x 16 Bolt and Nut kit: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fangyan-Pack... 4mm Banana plugs : https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sourcingmap-... SOTABeams wire: https://www.sotabeams.co.uk/antenna-w... - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ⏱️ Timestamps 0:00 Intro 3:45 Parts List 5:07 Build, BNC & Binding post 7:06 Winding the 20SWG wire & soldering to connections 8:19 Soldering each ends on the coil 10:45 1/4" - 20 Brass threaded insert 11:45 Completed antenna 12:01 Details on the radial wire 12:21 Telescopic whips - Which one? 13:35 RF choke, details on my build 14:23 Outro #hamradio #amateurradio #hamradiostuff #sota #pota #3dprinting #antenna #antennadesign #parksontheair #portablehamradio #20metres #fieldradio #diyelectronics #makingradiowaves