5 turn Helical FPV antenna (5.8 GHz)

myminifactory

There are several excellent 5.8 GHz helical antennas already available, but I wanted one that offered complete protection for the wire, was compact and easy to print, and didn't require using glue for assembly. My design consists of two items held together with a single screw - it can't get much simpler. I've also created a 7-turn version of the antenna, which can be found here: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2144979 Both left-hand and right-hand polarized versions of the former and wire holder are available. Make sure to print the version you need. The antenna is inspired by Dave855's designs, with his former and parts of his wire holders incorporated into my version. Build Instructions: The reflector is a template. Print it and use it to create a reflector out of PCB material or copper. If using a PCB, the copper surface must face forward - be the side where the wire holder is mounted. Insert the antenna connector in the outermost hole of the reflector and cut the wire 5-6 mm above the surface. Fan out the outer isolation of the antenna wire and solder it to the reflector. There's a picture of this step to help you visualize what I mean. Paint or lacquer the reflector for fingerprint protection - this step is purely aesthetic and can be skipped if desired. Print the holder and former. Use the wire former to create a spiral wire. Thread the wire on the holder and cut it to length in place. Secure the holder to the reflector with an M3 screw and nut. The final step is soldering the main wire and antenna center wire together. For optimal results, focus on making a secure connection to the antenna wire - position the main wire parallel to the reflector board for the last 4 mm of its length, 2 mm from the surface of the reflector (thanks to Dave855 for this information).