Data Hacking

Chapter 4 — Antenna Hacks
6. Now you need to attach the helix coil base to the ground plane. The easiest way I’ve
found to do this is to use epoxy resin to attach the pipe to the ground plane. This ensures
that the pipe is perpendicular to the ground plane. The epoxy resin also provides a robust
and weatherproof joint. Another good way to create an effective joint is to use hot glue,
although this doesn’t give you as much of a chance to get the coil perpendicular to the
ground plane (see Figure 4-18).
FIGURE 4-18: Epoxy resin is great for attaching the helix coil base to the ground plane.
7. Make sure that you pull the helix wire tightly through the hole in the helix coil base
before you begin to wind the helix wire around the base or the coil will quickly loosen.
Start to wind the wire, working slowly and carefully. Wind it counterclockwise around
the helix coil base, making sure that it is smooth and even on the tube. Use a dot of hot
glue periodically to keep the wire in place (although don’t use too much hot glue). As
each turn is completed, make sure the wire passes over each of the reference marks you
made, and attach it in place with more hot glue. The partly completed helix coil is shown
in Figure 4-19.
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