Carbon fiber is resistive, thus it would absorb energy and dissipate it in the form of heat. It would likely be a negligible loss, but thats what it would do. In the ARRL Antenna handbook (considered a BIBLE on the subject of antennas) there is NO discussion of making an antenna in this manner, which speaks volumes to me. If you wish to know why VHF and UHF antennas are made of tubing rather than a solid conductor (and you should); learn about "SKIN EFFECT" at UHF and VHF frequencies. In my days at KCRW-FM, the coaxial cable used from the transmitter to the antenna had an inner conductor of 3/4 inch copper tubing, rather than solid wire. The tubing itself needed no further rigidity. The coaxial cable was filled with pressurized nitrogen to keep it dry and non-conductive inside the cable and between the conductors. This also applied to the antenna elements, they too were sealed and pressurized in order to keep extraneous losses to a minimum. I believe the carbon fiber would do more harm than good,as it ADDS extraneous loss. Try a plastic or fiberglass rod instead. Better yet, just use some aluminum parts from an old thrown out TV antenna. If you want a good antenna, MATCH IT to the Transmitter/Feed Line for the best radiation on a field strength meter, or lowest SWR (Standing Wave Ratio) on an inline SWR meter. And as I mentioned before, use a good LOW LOSS Transmission line (see my previous post). Keep it SIMPLE.
Glenn Martin N5PQ GROL KR2 N1333A 13238 Hudson-Krohn Rd Biloxi, MS, 39532 rep...@martekmississippi.com
