QRP Ham Radio Antenna Transformer Enclosure Version 1

thingiverse

This portable project box was designed specifically to house a lightweight HF antenna system featuring an End Fed Half Wave antenna. For more information on the design of this antenna system, visit the Facebook group dedicated to "End Fed Half Wave Antennas." This innovative design has been meticulously refined by Steve Ellington, N4LQ, and is now available for public use. A compact 49:1 UNUN transformer wound around an FT140 toroid core takes its place in one of the compartments. In addition to this component, a Common Mode Choke (CMC) crafted from a second FT140 toroid sits snugly in the adjacent compartment. To learn more about how these critical components are constructed, refer to the aforementioned Facebook group. This project was conceived as a lightweight and compact version of the antenna system designed by N4LQ, capable of handling low power levels (under 50 Watts). Typically, larger toroids would be used to accommodate greater power requirements, and the case would be significantly larger in size. The internal dimensions of the compartments are precisely measured at 26 mm high by 52 mm wide by 67mm long, and 26 mm high by 52 mm wide by 71 mm long. As a result, this compact package is ideal for backpacking during portable (QRP) amateur radio operations. To save space when not in use, the antenna wire and feedline can be wound neatly around the exterior of the box. For printing purposes, Esun PLA+ filament was employed at a temperature of 210 DegsC with a heated bed set to 60 DegsC on an Ender 3 3D printer. The box boasts robust 4 mm walls and reinforced tabs that surpass the structural integrity of commercially available electrical boxes. Revision 1: June 20, 2020 - To facilitate modifications, I've uploaded the Fusion 360 file for public access.