My present location is such that radio comms are not the greatest. Using the Yaesu FT-60 (the only transmitting radio I presently have) I can key only the WD6EZC repeater on 2 meters and 440. I can make more repeaters amidst the glass and steel canyons of San Francisco than I can here. As to HF, forget it. Reception is very poor with WWV being barely readable most of the time.

So, I decided to try and improve this, and after some searching, decided to build the J-Pole from the http://www.n7qvc.com/amateur_radio/copper.html web site. Not just a J-Pole, but a Copper Cactus Super J-Pole, named, presumably, because it resembles the Saguaro from the Southwest.

Now, I know little about building antennas, and was unsure about a few things, so enlisted the expert help of AB4AL. Thanks, Bob!

First step was to print out the drawings and make a parts list, then go to a hardware store to get the copper tubing and etc. and then (only because there aren't any alternatives that I can get to for now) Radio Shack, who, to my surprise had SO-239 jacks. And, I found a 50' roll of coax with PL-259 connectors, after the clerk said they didn't have any. Then, next day, back to the hardware store to get what I forgot to list.

Drawing of the bottom of the antenna and the Dremel Tool used to sand down the wood dowell (left) to fit inside the copper pipe. Right, the pipe cut to length and the fittings. Also, dust mask, gloves and eye protection and non-alcohol beer or Hansen's Natural soda while using the torch and power tools.

The feed point. Bending the tubing into a circle.

I put it together mostly as per the instructions, but with a couple differences. First, the author used band clamps to attach the SO-239 connector to the copper pipe, and while this has worked for the author, I didn't have the clamps. So what I did was to use 4 one-half inch copper straps used for mounting copper pipe, and flatten two of them in a bench vice. Then drilled holes to fit the SO-239.

As you can see from the authors site, he used a hard wood dowell to seperate the two verticals. I was not able to find any hard wood, so settled for a dowell made of, apparently, pine. As an exact fit was not available, I got the next largest size and 'whittled' it down with a Dremel tool. When fitting the two verticals together, I used some sawdust I had kept, mixed with Elmer's glue. To compensate; to make the antenna stronger; to resist wind and possible breaking, I will use two electrical conduit straps when I complete it.

Bending the 1/4 inch tubing for the 'halo': As per the directions, you straighten it as best you can, then fold it double over something 1 to 1.5" in diameter, and then bend it into the round shape as seen in the photo. this was my first experience with copper tubing, so naturally, I kinked it. To form the 'halo' in a 4 inch diameter circle, I bent it around a V-8 juice can. Once that was done, I opened the can and drank some of the juice.

The 'halo' mounted. Oops, it isn't centered so will have to redo it. Right, temporarily soldered wire from SO-239 to the 19" pipe, and for now, ready to try it out.

I completed the project (so far) a couple hours before the CCCC Thursday nets, and asked for a sigrep. Was told I was full quieting (which I would have been with the stock FT-60 antenna) but later, someone reported I was readable on input. I was also able to (barely) key the Mt. Diablo machine on 147.06. Next, I will redo the halo, use a clamp for the wire to the 19" section and add the brace to the joint between the two verticals. Then, try again and solder the feed point clamps in place. And eventually, find a place to mount it; as high as possible. Want to get a lightning arrestor first.
Meanwhile, I will use a piece of water pipe to get it up about 10 feet by the next (25 January) Tech Net and see how much difference that makes.

First test with the J-Pole on the patio floor, leaning up against the other workbench. The battery is for the Yaesu HT and scanner, which should last several weeks at least. Right: It is said that man shall not live by bread alone; he also needs Cheez-Its. However, not a good idea to leave the box outside overnight - the raccoons love them, too!

The still not quite complete J-Pole temporarily up. Feedline is about 8 feet above ground, so the tip is close to 16 feet up. It still needs to have the feed point connector soldered in two places and the brace over the joint installed. But as is, it has made quite a difference, upon which I will later elaborate.

Cost:

The 10 foot copper pipe, soft copper tubing, (2) each elbow ad 'T' fittings, #6-32 machine screws and nuts,  and copper straps were
$29.88

Coax: I got a 50 foot roll of RG-58 from Radio Shack, which I found after having been told by the clerk that they didn't have any (That, or he didn't know what it is) and the connectors:
Coax $22.99
PL-259 (2) $4.99
SO-239 (2) $6.98
BNC $3.99
Krylon clear spray $4.19

Total $73.02.