Homemade rubber ducky

A rubber ducky is a stock antenna normally provided with HT (handheld) radios. In this project, we will look at how to make a 2 meter antenna that typically outperforms a standard rubber ducky.

The first step in making an antenna is the wire. I used 24 gauge "magnet" wire, which is really thin and flexible. It is also lightweight, which will help with the weight of the antenna. However, this will limit the maximum envelope power of the antenna slightly, which is not a problem on HTs, which only run about 5 watts.

Here is a complete parts list:

• Clear plastic drinking straws

• Hot glue gun and glue sticks

• ~19-20 inches of magnet wire (if you want to tune it use 20, otherwise use 19)

• OPTIONAL: antenna analyzer

• coax cable flange "pass through" connector for your radio connection (my radio uses SMA, so I have an SMA connector)

• soldering iron and solder 

To cut the wire, cut about 19-20 inches of the wire. (See parts list for 2 meter length . If you want it for another band, see this. ) If you would like to tune it, cut it down to about 20 inches to leave space for tuning. Otherwise, just measure out 19. If you have the capabilities to tune it, absolutely do so. However, I just cut mine down to 19 and it works well.   Sand the last inch or so of the wire to remove the insulation coating until you expose shiny copper. *OPTIONAL* Wipe it down with some isopropyl alcohol and wait for it to COMPLETELY dry.

Next, you will have to do some soldering. Heat up the soldering iron to the temperature you usually use it at, and put a small amount of solder on the tip. While waiting for it to heat, though, grab a coax cable connector and prepare to solder it. Put it in a vice or similar (if you do not have a vice you can use a pair of pliers with the pin facing straight up.) When you soldering iron is heated up, put the tip against the pin with the small amount of solder on it and hold it there for a few seconds. Then, carefully add more solder until the pin is inside a small cone/ball of molten solder. Then, while holding the soldering iron, put the stripped end of the wire into the ball of solder, and remove the soldering iron to allow the solder to cool. 

(ALTERNATE)

Do the same steps above, except wrap the wire around the pin and solder it like before.

Now, you need only one more thing: the casing. Plug in the hot glue gun and make sure there is a stick of glue in it. When it heats up fully and dispenses clear, runny glue (onto a disposable surface of course), hold the wire straight out. Cover the entire stripped part of the wire with a thin layer of glue. Before it dries, stick the end of one straw over the end of wire and into the hot glue at the bottom. When it cools, put some hot glue in the end and put another straw over the wire. Cover the outside of the joint with hot glue and wait till it cools. Do this with the last straw, except for the end. Cut the end off near the end of the wire. Next, on a heat proof surface, inject some hot glue into the end of the straw and quickly press the end of the straw down with a screwdriver or similar (and hold it!). This will give you a nice crimp, and you can cut off the extra hot glue. 

Thank you for making it this far! If you haven't already, consider joining SLYARC! This "rubber ducky" antenna is a great conversation starter for any QSO, and it definitely works well at the band it's designed to do! See you on the air!

73,

KK7OYV