On 11/3/2015 11:59 AM, Paul Drahn wrote:
On 11/1/2015 6:42 PM, Jeff Liebermann wrote:
On Sun, 1 Nov 2015 18:10:56 -0800, Paul Drahn
wrote:

Probable should clear the lint out first!
Paul, KD7HB

I know that hams are cheap, but I didn't realize that extended to
stealing the neighbors dryer vent hose in order to build an antenna. I
highly recommend purchasing a new hose, which comes pre-cleaned:
http://www.acehardware.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=2627981

Incidentally, there's no requirement that the entire loop be made from
expandable hose. The loop could be in the form of a square loop,
where the flat base and flat top are rigid aluminum structures, and
the two vertical sections are flexible dryer vent hose. The weight of
the flat top would help collapse the antenna although I suspect that
springs or weights would work better.

It's not like inflatable antennas and structures are a new thing:
http://ltaprojects.com/towers/inflatable-antenna-video-towers/ham

I am looking at the vent pipe from our reflow oven. We made it up from
4", 4' long vent pipe pieces, including "T" and "EL" pieces. That should
work better than the expandable dryer vent hose.

I think the point is that the flex tubing antenna can be tuned by
adjusting the loop rather than the capacitor. Interesting idea although
it may not prove practical in the end.

--

Rick