How did they tackle the loop antenna? Injection moulded?
1 Like
The base is plastic with the loop being a piece of PE you bend into an oval.
1 Like
I would have preferred an injection moulded part. Is there a bending jig included?
1 Like
No, but it is a big oval so, easy to bend into shape.
1 Like
Can you please copy the instructions for me to see how they made the loop antenna?
1 Like
Not the best solution in my eyes. 
I am sure that bending the part to the requested is VERY difficult. And a 3D print might be too fragile.
1 Like
Definitely. I think PE is the best option as an injected part would be too brittle as well.
1 Like
Snan that page of the instructions and print it on paper. Glue the paper to some cardboard. Cut out the shape. Add another layer of cardboard and cut out the shape. Repeat until you like the thickness. I would also run a cardboard strip around the edge to make it really nice. Now you have a jig for the antenna. You can sandwich the jig between two more pieces of cardboard if you want a channel type jig.
2 Likes
Thanks! I will see when the kit hits my bench.
1 Like
That is a good method. I would be tempted to take the instructions and trace the pattern onto some wood either to create a groove channel or to cut out a jig. As pe is 2d, you can use wire to replicate the pattern twice.
1 Like
No matter what you do, the likelihood of the PE retaining the shape of any jig is slim.
Even when you anneal it, which I will, PE will always spring out a little after curving. I am simply going to curve it around a paint jar (or similar) that is of slightly less radius than necessary. I’ll work it around the same form with more or less pressure to get the varying radii necessary. This is the way I’ve always worked brass, and it works well for me.
3 Likes
Good news - you don’t need jigs or patterns to do the antenna.
Use the method I described above. A Testors liquid cement bottle is exactly the right diametr for the left hand portion in the drawing - which means you need something about 1/4 inch less than that.
First, insure you clean off the little nubs before you start:
Anneal the piece. Make a circle smaller than what you need. It will spring back as I said. Then do the right side with something even smaller. Flatten where needed. (I’ll flatten it a tad more - it “unsprung” a bit)
YMMV
5 Likes