VE6AB Antenna Werks

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PL Antenna Quick Couplers

In my construction article published in the 2014 May issue of QST on how to build a 17 meter HF monobander for your mobile, I described how to utilize PL-259 connectors for building a unique style of antenna that utilizes coils with PL-259 connectors as part of the coil assembly.

The PL-259 connector works well for this application, and I have since carried it further by utilizing them in several of my latest HF mobile antennas.
In this photo you can see various ways that I have implemented them as part of my RRC (Really Rugged Coil) antenna system.

Starting from the bottom is the mast assembly that I use on my mobile with various options available to me, such as my highly efficient 17 meter coil in the center, or possibly my partial 10 meter whip shown at the top with its own coupler that forms a 1/4 wave whip assembly once coupled to the mast.
Two piece whip assemblies allow for easy storage of the whips in your mobile, where storing a one piece 100" 1/4 wave 10 meter whip is a problem when not mounted in place.

I also have a 6 meter partial whip that also utilizes a PL-259 coupler allowing it to be coupled to the mast assembly on my mobile, making it a 1/4 wave 6 meter antenna when I wish to work the 6 meter band.

Included in my mobile antenna arsenal are other whip assembly's like the whip used with the 17 meter coil depicted in this photo, as well as a number of other coils with matching whip assemblies.

The stainless-steel button head Allen drive cap screws that are part of the knurled shells of the PL-259 couplers are there for you to place your thumb over for added traction when screwing the assemblies together.

This is more than adequate to keep the mast and whip assembly from coming loose through the course of the day while going down the road.

Click on the photo for a closer look.....