DIY Ultra-Flexible HT Antenna for Ham and GMRS Radio

This tutorial will guide you through constructing a highly flexible HT antenna using readily available materials, based on the design me, from my YouTube video "DIY Ultra-Flexible HT Antenna." This antenna is designed for close-body use, potentially offering a safer alternative to traditional whip antennas by keeping the radiating element away from the head.

Materials:

1. Grass grain ribbon
2. Faraday tape
3. Sewing needle and thread (optional)
4. Feral crimper
5. Ferals (blue color recommended)
6. 3:1 heat shrink tubing
7. Wire (with shellac scraped off)
8. BNC connector
9. Coaxial cable (optional)

Tools:

1. Wire stripper
2. Scissors
3. Heat gun or lighter

Cut a piece of grass grain ribbon to the desired length (approximately 20 inches).

Fold the ribbon lengthwise and sew it together along the edges. You can also use Faraday tape to secure the edges. Sewing provides better isolation and durability.

Apply Faraday tape to the inside of the folded ribbon.

Ensure the tape covers the entire length of the ribbon.

Cut a piece of wire to the desired length.

Strip the ends of the wire and scrape off any shellac.

Attach the wire to the inside of the BNC pin.

Taper the ends of the ribbon so they can fit inside the feral.

Ensure the conductive side of the Faraday tape makes contact with the wire.

Slide a feral over the tapered ribbon end and crimp it securely to the wire.

Cut two pieces of 3:1 heat shrink tubing.

Slide the first piece over the feral and connector, ensuring it covers the ribbon's end.

Apply heat to shrink the tubing and create a strong bond.

Slide the second piece of heat shrink tubing over the first piece and apply heat to shrink it. This provides additional strength and grip to the BNC connection.

You can connect the antenna directly to a coaxial cable.

However, it's recommended to use a BNC connector for easier replacement and to prevent damage to the entire antenna in case of cable failure.

Connect your new ultra-flexible antenna to your HT and test it out!

The antenna's performance may be affected by its proximity to metal objects.