FDOG Setup Guide

This page is for customers who have purchased a Folded Dipole On Ground Kit from Omni RF. It provides additional information on how to build and install your FOlded Dipole On Ground antenna. This page will be updated with various revision information and useful hints/tips.

Revisions

DateDetails
11/04/2024Page under construction. Check back soon!

Build Guide

Rev 1.0.1 (Latest) - Click to download

Package Contents

You package will contain some or all of the items below depending on which version was ordered.

Transformer kit, (50 Ohm version with BNC connector shown):


Transformer pre-built (75 Ohm version with F type connector shown):


Loop fittings (sent with transformer only orders):


Element, 60' or 100':

Spacers:


Ground pegs:


Assembly and install of the element

You can follow this guide if you ordered a pre made element or if you have made your own. The distances mentioned here are for a 60′ element (100′ element in brackets) so please adjust for any custom loop sizes. This guide assumes installation on soft ground like grass.

Locate a suitable space to install the antenna. This needs to be a straight line of at least 30′ (50′) long and 4" (6") wide. The feed point of the antenna must be in the middle of this area.

Although the antenna is omnidirectional, it does exhibit a small amount of directivity so take this into account when choosing the orientation. The maximum gain will be perpendicular with the 30' (50') length. For example, if the FDOG is placed with the element running from North to South, the maximum signal reception will be from the West and East.

Place the transformer on the ground at the chosen location then uncoil the element and lay loosely around the perimeter of your location starting from the transformer location.

Connect both ends of the element to the transformer via the stainless steel terminals. Remove the wing nut, place the ring terminal over the stud then replace and tighten the wing nut. Now is a also a good time to install your chosen coax and apply some self amalgamating tape or coax seal to the connection. I also suggest that you smear some Vaseline or lithium grease over the element connections to help keep them free from corrosion.


Place the transformer on the ground and fix in place using 2 of the supplied ground pegs.


Starting from the transformer, hold the loop element and walk along until you find the first marker. This is a short length of black glue lined heat shrink and is placed at the 15′ (25′) mark. Place an element spacer at this location so the heat shrink is in the middle of the spacer. Lay the element on the ground, and use one of the supplied ground pegs to fix the element in place through the hole in the spacer.

MORE TO COME!