Jacob's Ladder
BACKGROUND
The search for a "better mouse trap" led Floyd, VE1KE, to the building of the first JACOB'S LADDER, as Bill Gillis, VE1WG, wrote in his article on this antenna which appeared in the February, 1996 issue of THE CANADIAN AMATEUR. Floyd had constructed a J-pole made of copper, but was never able to lower the SWR on the jpole to a point he felt was satisfactory. Knowing that ladder line has equal spacing between the conductors, he felt it should be easy to produce a fairly flat response. This proved true, but a balun was needed to produce the required effect. The first of these antennas appeared in 1989 and Floyd has been improving on it ever since. For information on the original Jacob's Ladder, read Genesis 28:10-22. (It reached to Heaven!)
SPECIFICATIONS Portable Version
The SWR was measured at less than 1.5:1 across the entire 2-meter band and the indicator hardly moved off the pin on UHF on both the portable and permanent versions. As with any antenna,
the surrounding objects will affect the SWR. Gain over "rubber duck" 6db. Power 100 Watts Max. SMA to BNC adaptor available for SMA equipped HT's.
(detailed engineering specs available upon request)
Dual Band
Introducing the new Dual Band (2m & 70 cm) version of the Jacob's Ladder(TM). You can expect the same performance that over 400 satisfied users have had with the older model.
JACOB'S LADDER (TM) (Portable Version)
The portable Jacob's ladder is constructed from 300-ohm ladder line. The feedline is 8 feet of RG 174u co-ax through a Ferrite balun and terminated in a BNC connector for your H.T. It folds up into a 5-inch roll for travel. The Permanent Jacob's ladder is constructed of the same material, inserted in a 5-foot length of 3/4-inch PVC and terminated in an amphenol inline SO 239 connector for your Base Station.
Mounting Portable Version
Hang it from a drapery rod or anywhere around the room. Great for picnic tables when camping by hanging it in a tree, or by whatever support is handy. You'll be amazed at the increase in the your H.T's performance when compared to the "rubber duck".
- Price $25 delivered -
Portable and Permanent Versions
Mounting for the Permanent Version
Since we do not know where the antenna will be mounted, we have included no set mounting instructions, only the hardware and a few ideas for installation. Mount the antenna below the identification labels, about six inches from the bottom cap. We used two half-inch wide straps, with two holes. You can use a couple of screws if you are fastening it to a building and/or wooden support. If you install it on a tower or other metal surface, U bolts or hose clamps work fine.
JACOB'S LADDER
Made of the same material as the original but inside a PVC plastic tube! The specifications are identical to the portable version.
Jacobs Ladder in a Glasses case
Enough said...this antennae is SO portable you can easily store it in a space so small as the case for a pair of glasses!
To Order:
For Portable Jacobs Ladder $25
- postage included -
For Permanent Jacobs Ladder $45
- plus $10 postage -
Cheque or Money order to:
Everetts
2392 Route 103
Victoria Corner NB Canada
E7P 3B9
Phone: 506-375-1180
Floyd - VE1KE -
email ve1ke@aernet.ca
