Posted this on the JET, and ClubFocus and even FocusFanatics. So if you havent seen it or done it yet. Here you go.
So you guys want a shorty attenna but dont want to dish out the $20 + shipping on ebay for one. Well, theres good news and even more greater news. You can make one yourself, and no it wont mess up your radio signal strength(*added* for the most part not noticable).
*note* If signal stregnth is a concern for you. You can purchase a GAsFet pre-amp for under $100 that will boost the strength. Again only if you THINK YOU need to boost the signal strength.
Shorty Attenna Mod
Tools:
Ruler
Marker (sharpie)
Tape
Large Pot (the kind to cook in)
Water
salt
Garden Shears (or dremel)
Heres a view of the attenna
1. Measure the attenna to the desired length you want it to be and mark it with your sharpie (marker). Remember the attenna tapers from top to bottom. So dont make it too short. I measured mine to be about 13inches.
2. Next tape off the section so you know exactly which part to cut.
3. Then use your garden shears (or dremel) and cut in the area you just marked. If your are using gardening shears that you cut fast and quickly for a clean look.
4. Now comes to boiling the rubber end (rubber cap). Fill your pot with about just enough 4inches of water. Then add your salt. Add about 2-3tbl spoons full. This will make water boil at a higher temperature, thus reducing cook time. Then put in the rubber end (cap) into the water and wait to boil. This process can take up to about 15 minutes, the rubber cap just needs to get soft enough to be pulled out.
5. Periodically check on the rubber end and trying to pull it out. Be sure not to be forceful about it. Eventually it will just be easy to remove. Once it comes off, put back the rubber tip into the boiling water. This will soften it up even more. Now take the other half of the attenna and apply the softened rubber cap.
Now just clean up. This should hopefully give you a pretty good result.
Hope this has helped. Please give me some feedback. Post your pictures of your attenna mods. The more the better.
Last edited on Tue Oct 26th, 2004 02:33 am by FadedFocus
konaboy wrote: I don't have a pic host but I can email a pic to you if you want to PM me with your email address.Kona, You can use the attachment feature below the post box or use this quick and easy host. http://freeimageupload.net/
Thanks Rick. It was a huge pain trying to get the pic down to under 80K, but here's what's left of it. You can still make out the rainforest green tip on the antenna though. Kinda like a little green nipple, and who doesn't like green nipples?
