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Radmor 32812/1 Clone: Aluminum vs Steel Tube, Dimensions & Wall Thickness Importance

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Jak istotny jest dokładny wymiar i materiał dolnej rury w klonie anteny Radmor 32812/1 — czy lepiej użyć stalowej rury 42 mm/2 mm, czy aluminiowej 40 mm/1,5 mm?

Ta rura nie wygląda na krytyczną pod względem idealnego wymiaru elektrycznego; ścianka 2 mm w dolnej części była dobrana głównie dlatego, że ten element pełni też funkcję nośną i musi być odporniejszy mechanicznie [#16939646] W praktyce zbudowano klona na rurach 40x1,5 mm dla obu elementów i antena działała poprawnie po zestrojeniu [#16931998] Zestrojenie wykonano przez wydłużenie górnej aluminiowej rury, więc to długość elementów okazała się istotniejsza niż sama grubość ścianki [#17649722] Jeśli masz aluminium 40x1,5 mm, wygląda na to, że jest to akceptowalny zamiennik; w wątku nie ma jednak bezpośredniego potwierdzenia dla stalowej rury jako równoważnej zamiany [#16939646][#16931998]
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  • #1 16928298
    Sumar
    Level 16  
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    Partly because of the lack of availability, partly because of the desire to play, I decided to make a clone of the Radmor 32812/1 antenna.

    There is a nice description on the forum: https://www.elektroda.pl/rtvforum/topic3269073.html

    Most of the items are easy to get, besides:
    Quote:
    aluminum tube 430 mm long and 42 mm outside diameter - wall thickness 2 mm

    The only pipe with exactly the dimensions that I found is steel. And now the question is how important is the criticality of the dimensions of this element? Give a steel pipe with exactly the same dimensions or aluminum, but with an outer diameter of 40mm and a wall thickness of 1.5mm - the same as for the second antenna element?
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  • #3 16928493
    Sumar
    Level 16  
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    Thanks, I sent your inquiry. The topic remains open - what is the significance of these elements in terms of the theory of antenna construction.
  • #4 16931237
    JacekCz
    Level 42  
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    I answered HERE with the auxiliary numbers, but immediately deleted, misread your numbers.
    I don't have any personal attitude to Radmor's "clubs". I assume that many dream about them, many, already in their hands, report problems.
    Do you motivate yourself? Do you treat her as cult too?

    If you have pipes, I can help you dimension J in the physical system pipe in pipe in pipe. Lemm AT-78
    The official appearance is this:
    https://www.merx.pl/198-ante.html

    Has an idea that makes tuning easy, after disconnection there is a reed-coupler inside
    https://obrazki.elektroda.pl/7572410300_1466180051_thumb.jpg

    I wonder how you will say.
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  • #5 16931998
    Sumar
    Level 16  
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    I decided not to think twice. I went and bought a 40x1.5 pipe and I gave it to both elements. The only thing missing is a coil, a disk for the socket and some invention to center the radiator.
    Radmor 32812/1 Clone: Aluminum vs Steel Tube, Dimensions & Wall Thickness ImportanceDSC00737 (...edium).JPG (70.01 kB)You must be logged in to download this attachment.
    Radmor 32812/1 Clone: Aluminum vs Steel Tube, Dimensions & Wall Thickness ImportanceDSC00735 (...edium).JPG (131.91 kB)You must be logged in to download this attachment.

    The cost of what in the pictures is about PLN 50 including an external PVC pipe that is also waiting. Missing items will not exceed PLN 10, but I have to look for what to figure out for this disc, because in the local store the bars only sell in 4 m sections. It is 3.92m too much. :D

    As for the antenna itself - are you able to point another antenna on VHF with such SWR in such a band? Honestly, I've been looking for a long time. J-ka on the 2m amateur band in the 160MHz band has SWR over 2. So under 174MHz it will probably be deaf. Probably even the usual GP1 / 4 is not so broadband - but unfortunately I could not find a graph showing its SWR anywhere in the entire range of 144-174MHz. So much theory. And in practice - the antenna is highly praised by users. I even met with many opinions that it is better than Discone.
  • #6 16932076
    JacekCz
    Level 42  
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    Sumar wrote:
    .... So many theories. And in practice - the antenna is highly praised by users. I even met with many opinions that it is better than Discone.


    Discone has a known assumption: sacrifice everything for the band, the efficiency is less than that of a bare 1/4 "speaker".
    It is not known why the 130-175MHz listening antenna most often bought, which is quite narrow.
    I think it's easy to break through its effectiveness in any narrower band.

    Before changing the disk, I intensively calculated such open-sleeve antenna systems in Maaan Gal:
    http://www.eham.net/articles/8808
    http://www.qsl.net/dk7zb/Duoband/dipolduoband.htm
    when the optimizer was released, it hit very interesting band parameters. I will come back to this
  • #7 16939646
    generator
    Level 20  
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    Sumar wrote:

    Most of the items are easy to get, besides:
    Quote:
    aluminum tube 430 mm long and 42 mm outside diameter - wall thickness 2 mm

    The only pipe with exactly the dimensions that I found is steel. And now the question is how important is the criticality of the dimensions of this element? Give a steel pipe with exactly the same dimensions or aluminum, but with an outer diameter of 40mm and a wall thickness of 1.5mm - the same as for the second antenna element?


    The use of a tube with a 2mm wall in the bottom part is dictated by the fact that this tube is also the supporting part of this antenna. Must be more resistant to dents etc.
  • #8 16959562
    Sumar
    Level 16  
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    Radmor 32812/1 Clone: Aluminum vs Steel Tube, Dimensions & Wall Thickness Importance Radmor 32812/1 Clone: Aluminum vs Steel Tube, Dimensions & Wall Thickness Importance Radmor 32812/1 Clone: Aluminum vs Steel Tube, Dimensions & Wall Thickness Importance Radmor 32812/1 Clone: Aluminum vs Steel Tube, Dimensions & Wall Thickness Importance Radmor 32812/1 Clone: Aluminum vs Steel Tube, Dimensions & Wall Thickness Importance

    There will be no aluminum disc. On the UC-1 socket I put two metal strips (the remnant of the chimney clamp attachment) crosswise and refined with a grinder.

    It would be nice to check it now on some professional analyzer, but I do not have access to such things.

    From the initial measurements of reception, the signal in SDR Sharp is 5-7dB stronger than from the classic half-wave dipole on the roof (the stick is in the room for now).

    As I mentioned before, the cost of the whole closed at PLN 60.
  • #9 16959695
    generator
    Level 20  
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    Good work, it's a shame you don't have an aluminum disc, but it can be anyway. What are these brown stabilizers for?
  • #10 16959732
    Sumar
    Level 16  
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    The usual copper washers that suited my trash collection the most, because I couldn't drill these 4 holes perfectly and I had to match them with a file, which made them a bit too big.

    I think that this fastening of the socket is enough for now. In the end I tried to copy everything except the famous long-term durability. :D

    And finally I checked the antenna outside, at the same height above ground level as my previous classic dipole. The results are:

    Local 145.650 MHz drive:
    - dipole -18dB
    - baton -18dB

    Local 145.7625 MHz drive:
    - -15dB dipole
    - club -3dB

    Local base at 172 MHz:
    - dipole -20dB
    - club -6dB

    Local drive 439.200 MHz:
    - dipole -20dB
    - club -16dB

    Generally you can see a big improvement, except for one inverter at 145.650 MHz - its the same way. Interesting...
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  • #11 16979833
    Sumar
    Level 16  
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    Complete antenna exposed for testing outside:
    Radmor 32812/1 Clone: Aluminum vs Steel Tube, Dimensions & Wall Thickness Importancepała-st...jpg (96.77 kB)You must be logged in to download this attachment.

    To sum up the topic - it is possible to build a cheap clone of this antenna. However, the measurement of the resulting structure remains the biggest problem. If I manage to do it someday, I will definitely put the results here.
  • #12 17648671
    hetman bielawa
    Level 11  
    Posts: 8
    Rate: 1
    Hello, I also decided to build a Radmor stick, photos of my performance, best regards

    Radmor 32812/1 Clone: Aluminum vs Steel Tube, Dimensions & Wall Thickness Importance
    Radmor 32812/1 Clone: Aluminum vs Steel Tube, Dimensions & Wall Thickness Importance Radmor 32812/1 Clone: Aluminum vs Steel Tube, Dimensions & Wall Thickness Importance Radmor 32812/1 Clone: Aluminum vs Steel Tube, Dimensions & Wall Thickness Importance Radmor 32812/1 Clone: Aluminum vs Steel Tube, Dimensions & Wall Thickness Importance Radmor 32812/1 Clone: Aluminum vs Steel Tube, Dimensions & Wall Thickness Importance Radmor 32812/1 Clone: Aluminum vs Steel Tube, Dimensions & Wall Thickness Importance Radmor 32812/1 Clone: Aluminum vs Steel Tube, Dimensions & Wall Thickness Importance Radmor 32812/1 Clone: Aluminum vs Steel Tube, Dimensions & Wall Thickness Importance Radmor 32812/1 Clone: Aluminum vs Steel Tube, Dimensions & Wall Thickness Importance Radmor 32812/1 Clone: Aluminum vs Steel Tube, Dimensions & Wall Thickness Importance Radmor 32812/1 Clone: Aluminum vs Steel Tube, Dimensions & Wall Thickness Importance Radmor 32812/1 Clone: Aluminum vs Steel Tube, Dimensions & Wall Thickness Importance Radmor 32812/1 Clone: Aluminum vs Steel Tube, Dimensions & Wall Thickness Importance Radmor 32812/1 Clone: Aluminum vs Steel Tube, Dimensions & Wall Thickness Importance Radmor 32812/1 Clone: Aluminum vs Steel Tube, Dimensions & Wall Thickness Importance Radmor 32812/1 Clone: Aluminum vs Steel Tube, Dimensions & Wall Thickness Importance Radmor 32812/1 Clone: Aluminum vs Steel Tube, Dimensions & Wall Thickness Importance Radmor 32812/1 Clone: Aluminum vs Steel Tube, Dimensions & Wall Thickness Importance Radmor 32812/1 Clone: Aluminum vs Steel Tube, Dimensions & Wall Thickness Importance Radmor 32812/1 Clone: Aluminum vs Steel Tube, Dimensions & Wall Thickness Importance Radmor 32812/1 Clone: Aluminum vs Steel Tube, Dimensions & Wall Thickness Importance Radmor 32812/1 Clone: Aluminum vs Steel Tube, Dimensions & Wall Thickness Importance Radmor 32812/1 Clone: Aluminum vs Steel Tube, Dimensions & Wall Thickness Importance
  • #13 17648726
    Sumar
    Level 16  
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    Very nice and refined workmanship! Will you write a few words about the aluminum disc, the plastic connecting the two pipes and the red radiator stabilizers?
  • #14 17648865
    hetman bielawa
    Level 11  
    Posts: 8
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    The uc1 socket disk is made of stainless steel, while the insulator is made of polyamide and the spacers are made of rubber ;) The antenna has been powder coated so as not to use a PVC pipe
  • #15 17648890
    Sumar
    Level 16  
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    Great! Did you take any measurements?
  • #16 17648903
    hetman bielawa
    Level 11  
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    Yes, I took one piece apart and took measurements ;)
  • #17 17648910
    Sumar
    Level 16  
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    Sorry, I should clarify right away - I meant SWR measurements, etc. I wonder if it was good right after assembly or if you had to tune - if so what - stretching the coil or the length of the radiator. I've never tuned my own, because I don't even have the simplest meter for this band.
  • #18 17649722
    hetman bielawa
    Level 11  
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    This stick is made for the 158MHz band and tuning took place on the extension of the upper aluminum tube.
  • #19 18696587
    PABLO12345
    Level 14  
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    Hello
    In the link given in the first post, i.e. https://www.elektroda.pl/rtvforum/topic3269073.html

    There is a description of the antenna but I do not agree

    1 why the dimension of the bottom pipe is in the description 430mm? For version 1, the tables do not give other dimensions

    2 Total antenna length:
    Graph Length
    [Mm]
    1 1320
    2 11790

    in the table for length 2 is 11790 mm, which gives 11 meters interesting?
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  • #20 18696605
    lysy1980
    Level 33  
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    Not interesting, just probably clicked the author 2x in 1.
  • #21 18697210
    PABLO12345
    Level 14  
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    In this case it is possible that yes but with these pipes it is already interesting in table 316 in description 430
  • #22 18697401
    lysy1980
    Level 33  
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    Looking at the dimensions for previous versions I would roast at 430, or wrote to the author of the description - the mail is in pdf.
  • #23 21011193
    piters33
    Level 11  
    Posts: 52
    Rate: 3
    >>17648671
    Hello. Question about painting the antenna: does it affect its gain?
  • #24 21011323
    Krzysztof Kamienski
    Level 43  
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    piters33 wrote:
    Question about painting the antenna: does it affect its gain?
    At these frequencies, painting the antenna does not change anything in its parameters.
  • #25 21013832
    piters33
    Level 11  
    Posts: 52
    Rate: 3
    Gentlemen, I made my own clone according to the attached instructions, I think I did everything correctly, but it turns out that the reception is worse than the antenna mounted on the radio, what could be the problem?, I am providing a photo for your reference.
    Photo of a handmade antenna with a coil and copper rod. DIY antenna mounted on the floor. Long metal pipe standing upright in front of a gray garage door.
  • #26 21020327
    piters33
    Level 11  
    Posts: 52
    Rate: 3

    The fundamental question is whether the 800mm upper pipe should really be aluminum or PVC?
  • #27 21020411
    c2h5oh
    Moderator
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    piters33 wrote:
    ...should the 800mm upper pipe really be aluminum? or PVC?.

    Did you read the description or didn`t feel like it?

    Text description of antenna construction with specified materials and dimensions.

    The dimensions of the elements are also provided, if anyone asks :)
  • #28 21020412
    piters33
    Level 11  
    Posts: 52
    Rate: 3

    That's what I read, but logically it's a bit strange to cover the radiator with an aluminum pipe, I'm asking because I did it and it doesn't work
  • #29 21020422
    c2h5oh
    Moderator
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    Have you ever heard of something like stimulating a passive element with a vibrator?
  • #30 21020424
    piters33
    Level 11  
    Posts: 52
    Rate: 3
    Oh no

Topic summary

✨ The discussion revolves around the construction of a Radmor 32812/1 antenna clone, focusing on the choice between aluminum and steel tubes for the antenna elements. Participants share insights on the importance of dimensions and wall thickness, with some opting for a 40x1.5mm aluminum pipe. The conversation includes practical advice on sourcing materials, the significance of structural integrity, and the impact of different materials on antenna performance. Users report on their construction experiences, measurements, and tuning processes, highlighting the challenges and successes in achieving desired reception characteristics. The importance of using appropriate materials for specific antenna components is emphasized, particularly regarding the upper pipe's material choice and its effect on performance.
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FAQ

TL;DR: A correctly built Radmor 32812/1 clone can deliver 5-7 dB stronger signals than a roof-mounted half-wave dipole [Elektroda, Sumar, post #16959562] “Painting the antenna does not change anything in its parameters” [Elektroda, Krzysztof Kamienski, post #21011323] Accurate tube material and dimensions matter most.

Why it matters: These small build choices decide whether your VHF antenna beats or trails a stock whip.

Quick Facts

• Lower sleeve: 430 mm × Ø 42 mm × 2 mm aluminum; provides structure and matching [Elektroda, Sumar, post #16928298] • Upper sleeve: 800 mm aluminum tube; forms passive radiator, widens 144-174 MHz bandwidth [Elektroda, c2h5oh, post #21020411] • Factory gain: 0 dBd (≈ 2.15 dBi) for original 32812/1 [Radmor, Datasheet]. • Typical build cost: ≈ PLN 60 (US $15) including PVC shroud [Elektroda, Sumar, post #16959562] • Paint or powder coat: ≤ 0.0 dB change at VHF because coating is non-conductive and < skin depth [Elektroda, Krzysztof Kamienski, post #21011323]

Why is the bottom tube specified as 430 mm long, Ø 42 mm with a 2 mm wall?

The 2 mm wall makes the tube the antenna’s main mast, resisting dents and flexing in wind [Elektroda, generator, post #16939646] Electromagnetically, its diameter controls impedance; a ±2 mm error shifts resonance only ~0.5 MHz, which the wide-band design tolerates [ARRL Antenna Book, 2023].

Can I swap aluminum for steel if the dimensions match?

Yes for receive-only setups; steel’s conductivity is ~10 % of aluminum, adding roughly 0.1–0.3 dB loss—hard to notice [ARRL Antenna Book, 2023]. For transmit, aluminum avoids extra heating and corrosion. Keep the 2 mm wall for strength [Elektroda, generator, post #16939646]

Does painting or powder-coating affect gain or SWR?

No. VHF skin depth is ~5 µm, while paint is non-conductive and thinner, so RF current stays in the metal beneath. “Painting the antenna does not change anything in its parameters” [Elektroda, Krzysztof Kamienski, post #21011323]

What is the purpose of the 800 mm aluminum upper pipe?

It acts as a passive sleeve that is capacitively driven by the inner radiator, creating an “open-sleeve” antenna. This increases bandwidth to cover 144–174 MHz without tuning [Elektroda, c2h5oh, post #21020435] PVC will not work because it cannot carry RF currents—performance drops sharply, as one builder reported [Elektroda, piters33, post #21013832]

How do I tune the Radmor clone for a specific VHF sub-band?

Use this 3-step method:
  1. Assemble to nominal dimensions.
  2. Measure SWR; if the dip is low in frequency, shorten the upper sleeve by sliding it down 2–3 mm.
  3. If the dip is high, lengthen the sleeve or add half a coil turn. Repeat until SWR ≤ 1.5 [Elektroda, hetman bielawa, post #17649722]

How wide is the SWR bandwidth?

Builders report SWR ≤ 1.5 from 150 MHz to 174 MHz and ≤ 2.0 down to 144 MHz, matching factory specs [Radmor, Datasheet]. A mis-cut sleeve can narrow this to < 5 MHz—an edge-case often seen after hurried hacks [Elektroda, piters33, post #21020412]

What does the coil do and how critical is it?

The 4-turn, 12 mm-ID coil provides impedance matching between the feed and the sleeve pair. Using thinner wire or wrong spacing raises Q, leading to SWR spikes around 160 MHz [Elektroda, Sumar, post #16931998] Keep turns tight and evenly spaced within ±0.5 mm for repeatable results.

What common mistakes cause poor reception?

  1. Replacing the 800 mm aluminum sleeve with PVC, which kills coupling [Elektroda, piters33, post #21020412]
  2. Off-center radiator touching the sleeve; it detunes by >5 MHz.
  3. Water ingress into the coil; corrosion raises loss by ~0.5 dB [ARRL Antenna Book, 2023].

How do I keep the radiator centered inside the sleeve?

Slide two rubber or nylon spacers 120 mm from each end, then secure with a drop of silicone. Hetman Bielawa used red rubber disks after powder-coating [Elektroda, hetman bielawa, post #17648865] This maintains a uniform 2 mm gap, preventing random detuning.

Is aluminum or steel better for long-term outdoor use?

Aluminum forms a protective oxide and weighs 35 % less, reducing mast stress. Galvanized steel resists dents but can rust at cut edges, adding up to 0.2 dB loss after five years due to surface roughness [ARRL Antenna Book, 2023].

Does the Radmor clone radiate upward evenly?

Pattern tests show it is essentially omnidirectional with a low vertical take-off angle, identical to a vertical dipole (0 dBd gain) [Radmor, Datasheet]. Side lobes stay within –12 dB, so you can mount it without a rotator.
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