Tuning The WAS J http://www.cmara.org/n1was%203.

htm

Tuning The WAS J-pole

A noise bridge or antenna analyzer is probably the easiest way to tune any antenna, but if one is not
available, there is a simple way to tune up using only an SWR bridge.

If you are using the transmitter with an SWR bridge, start with low power, and please chose a frequency as
close to the design frequency as is possible without interfering . As we are using 146.0 Mhz, we should not
interfere with anyone.

We are going to tune just the first section at first, until we have achieved the best possible match. If it is 1
to 1 at 146.0, look at both ends of the band to make sure that the curve is centered on the design frequency.
As stated earlier, the antenna must be in the clear, so start by positioning the sliding coax attachment plate at
2.750” from the bottom of the shunt, and put the antenna up in place. Observe the SWR, and make
adjustments as required. Very small movement of the sliding plate should bring it right down to a one to one
match across the band. Let’s consider the mounting and the mast that we are mounting to. At my station, I
have erected three ten foot sections of mast, and it is supported by guys. I planned ahead, and attached a
couple of pulleys at the top. Before erecting the mast, I slid a piece of Pvc tubing over it, with a halyard, or
rope if you prefer, tied to the Pvc sleeve and threaded through the pulley. This arrangement allows me to haul
the J-pole, attached to the sleeve with a couple of stainless steel hose clamps, up and down the mast with
ease. It also isolates the J-pole from ground, and makes adjusting the antenna as easy as possible. I must
mention at this point, that the position of the coax will affect the match, and is probably the main reason why
J-poles have a reputation as being difficult to match. If you bind the coax to the sleeve or to the antenna close
to the feed point, you will most likely have a difficult time. A couple of stand-offs beginning two or three feet
below the feed-point should remedy that situation.

Now that we have the main J section tuned one to one, haul it down and attach the second section. Set the
phasing loop to the correct given measurement, haul it back up, and look at the SWR again. Adjust the loop,
in and out, in small increments until you see one to one again. If you are building a three section collinear,
haul it down again, and add the third section. Now that all this seemingly endless work is done, your antenna
should be matched one to one across the band. One final consideration may be in order.
If your QTH is very high, or if your rig doesn’t have a very tight selective front end, this one and a half
wave-length of antenna may hear more than you expected. If this is the case, you may have to put a
band-pass filter in the line to keep out all the unwanted stuff.
A very good example of such a filter can be found in the Radio Amateurs Handbook. Ask Dave, KB1FJT or
Paul N1HX about it, as the ones they have built have proved very effective. I will do my best to give as
much support as I can to anyone who needs it. Give me a call on simplex and we’ll talk about it.

N1WAS

Fraction-Decimal Conversion Chart

Measured Parts List

The phasing loop length is 38.625”. Add 2” for attachment.

SO239 Connector wires should measure 3 13/16"

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Tuning The WAS J http://www.cmara.org/n1was%203.htm

Coupling Working Drawing

Brace working drawing
Top Working Drawing

Connection Plate Working Drawing

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