Building a UHF duplexer is a fun DIY project that saves money and provides a sense of accomplishment. This guide outlines the necessary steps to build a simple but effective duplexer.
Materials needed include two 40mm PVC pipes, two L-shaped aluminum elbows, two 3-way ball valves with springs and handles, two spring washers, two nuts and bolts, four screws with washers, and two plastic end caps. The longer the pipes, the higher the frequency range of the duplexer.
Tools required are a PVC cutter or pipe cutter, an aluminum cutting saw or drill, a tape measure, square, hammer or drill for nuts and bolts, and a screwdriver or pliers for screws.
To build the duplexer, cut two 40mm sections of PVC pipe to your desired length. Drill the elbows in half along the straight edge, then attach the ball valves to each end cap on one end of the pipe and connect the second ball valve to the other end. Join the two pipes together at the ends using nuts and bolts, then test the duplexer by connecting your antenna to one ball valve and testing it out. Adjust the other ball valve until interference disappears.
Building a UHF duplexer is an educational project that allows experimentation with different frequency ranges. With this simple guide, you can build your own effective and affordable duplexer safely.
