How-To Guide: 1/32 German Star Antenna/Aerial

[PanzerArm]

So I had to make one of these for a Panzerbefehlswagen III ausf. M I am working on. I wasn't very productive on much else with that tank today, but I though I'd at least take an hour and show you guys how I did it. Here is what you'll need:

-Soldering Iron
-Solder
-Measuring device (ruler)
-Scissors
-Pen/Pencil
-Note Card or other sturdy paper
-Circle drawing device (compass or otherwise)
-Tape
-.010" brass rod
-.016" brass rod
-Pin Vise (not pictured)



STEP 1

1. Draw a large diameter circle on the notecard. I did a 2 1/4" one.


STEP 2

2. Draw a line from the edge of the circle to it's center





STEP 3

3. Cut out the circle and cut along the line drawn to the center of the circle.





STEP 4

4. Fold the cut line edge over adjacent edge creating a flattened cone (not an ice cream cone!) Secure this using tape/staple and then draw 6 lines from the apex creating "pizza slices". This will be where you secure the small star antennas that branch off the main mast.





STEP 5

5. Take the pin vise and put a tiny hole (I used the smallest bit I had) in the apex of the cone. Feed a length of .016" brass rod through the hole. It should sit pretty straight up. Now cut small pieces of the .010" brass rod and secure them with tape at the lines you drew previously. Solder them at the point where all the rod comes together at the cone's apex and enjoy!








-Kevin

[flyboy_fx]

Awesome job mate!!!

[Jnewboy]

where do you get the brass at?

[PanzerArm]

A company called K&S Engineering makes it. Their products are sold at a few retailers; I bought mine from Hobby Lobby.

-Kevin

[plasticboy]

That's great tip for antenna!!!

[MG-42]

* Impressive work + good tutorial too


- MG

[Jnewboy]

What type of soder is that? what size??

[pickelhaube]

That is a very novel idea and looks to be easy to do.

I make my 1/18th scale star antennas the complete opposite.

I made a cup out of PVC to put mine into and superglue them in place.

Neat idea and thanks for the tutorial.