Dipole antenna-center, part 2.

I received the antenna-centers from Shapeways today, it didn´t take more than a week from idea to actual device in hand. Initial testing show them to be a success, and just as I expected them. Now I can easily make portable antennas, without having to tie wires in knots and rats-nests to make them. The weight go them is around 5 grams each, so they´re not really noticeable even on hikes in the wilderness with a heavy backpack.

They are made in what Shapeways calls "Strong & Flexible Plastic", which is laser-sintered nylon. How they will stand up to UV I have no idea, but these things are for portable use mostly, and they´ll last for years anyway.

Threading 300 ohm twin-lead inside the dipole-center.

A very simple dipole setup. 

If you want one, they are available online from Shapeways here :

http://www.shapeways.com/shops/gisles

Dipole antenna-center design

A while ago I needed to make myself a new portable mulitband dipole for field use. I decided that I wanted to try twin-lead feeder, giving me an antenna similar to the G5RV. I cut out a dipole center out of some plastic I had lying around, and used strips to fasten the feeder to it. Needless to say it didn't look very good, but it worked. An excellent companion for my Elecraft KX3.

To be able to make more of those antennas, I designed a dipole center in CAD, and had it manufactured by Shapeways. I will receive the first samples in a few weeks, and will post a review when I get them.

If you want to try one for yourself, you can actually also order one directly from Shapeways here:
http://www.shapeways.com/shops/gisles