The best antenna is the one nobody sees (shadow slot antenna build)

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 Do you want a stealth antenna for your vehicle?

You can make one following the instructions contained in this video from Ben Eadie (VE6SFX).

Ben calls this hidden mobile antenna "The Shadow Slot Antenna."

You can make this antenna with a few basic materials and tools.

This experimental antenna is fun to make and enjoyable to use without drawing unwanted attention to your vehicle.

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCebvZIMhwY.

Thanks for joining us today.

Russ (KH6JRM/AL0HA).

Here are some comments from Ben (VE6SFX):

Fara-J VHF Antenna for 2M - Lightweight Faraday Tape Antenna Yes (+$15 USD)
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Fara-J JPole Antenna for 1.25M - Lightweight VHF Yes (+$15 USD)
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Fara-J Rescue Band VHF (148–160 MHz) Yes (+$15 USD)
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Fara-J Antenna for GMRS - Lightweight Faraday Tape Antenna Yes (+$15 USD)
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Fara-J Antenna for 2M - Lightweight VHF Faraday Tape Antenna Yes (+$15 USD)
vfcomms.com/products/fara-j%E2%84%A2-antenna-for-70-cm-1?variant=42393878888510&country=US&currency=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&srsltid=AfmBOor8d-XEyF3LcbkPDafA2qZupaziQan8EDni9k52G3VnhopgGhQjKdU

Updates (Bonus: you get a PDF Plan for the low power shadow slot when you sign up): https://mailchi.mp/vfcomms/shadow-slot Build video    • This Antenna Shouldn’t Work… But It Does (...   Links to past slot videos:    • Slot antennas   I wanted vertical polarization without the mast, the ground plane, or the "look" of a traditional radio antenna. This led me to experimenting with slot antennas. In this video, I dive into the physics of how a slot antenna works as a magnetic radiator, why precision in geometry matters for high-Q antennas, and the lessons learned from using different materials. We see what happens when you push too much power through thin conductive tape (spoiler: it gets hot!) and how moving to Aluminum Composite Panel (ACP) solves the heat and stability issues. Whether you're looking for a stealthy dashboard mount or a lightweight solution for QRP and SOTA, the slot antenna is a predictable and efficient alternative. In this video: The problem with traditional antennas and ground planes. How a slot antenna creates an electric field across a gap. Testing cheap materials vs. precision aluminum. High-power testing (and what happens when things catch fire). Tips for building your own with Faraday tape or cloth. I need your help! How would you mount this to the roof of a car, especially on non-magnetic surfaces? Let me know your ideas in the comments. 73, Ben (VE6SFX)

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