Description
The difference between a J-Pole and a Slim Jim is simple: while both share the same design, the Slim Jim folds another 1/2 wave element over onto itself, turning the single half wave concept of the J-Pole into a double half wave, or ed fed folded dipole antenna. The folded dipole nature of the Slim Jim gives you about 3dbi of extra gain when compared to the standard J-Pole.
With a bit more gain than our standard 222 MHz antenna, this model will work great to catch those 222 Mhz repeaters that seem to be ‘few and far between’. Many of the hams that have purchased this antenna have put it to use for in situations such as:
- FM voice operations
- Remote base and repeater control
- Data and packet radio network stations
- Mil-Air frequency scanning and monitoring
Benefits
- Increased gain: compared to a standard J-Pole the Slim Jim has about 3dbi of gain
- More RF energy aimed at the horizon: with a take-off angle of about 7 degrees for the Slim Jim, compared to 20 degrees for the J-Pole
- Compact size: the VHF land-mobile Slim Jim is still only 38 inches tall
- Hear weaker stations: lower noise floor than a wire antenna will help you hear more and capture distant signals better.
Specs
- 38 inches tall, end-fed folded dipole design
- Gain: 6 dbi, 7 degree takeoff angle
- Bandwidth: 7+ Mhz
- Pretuned to 222 MHz: Just connect the coax and transmit
- Heavy duty construction out of 1/2 inch copper tubing
Looking for a military-airband aviation monitoring antenna? The 222 Mhz Slim Jim can fill that need. The mil-air band sits just above the 222MHz amateur radio band, so this antenna also makes a great military aviation scanner antenna.
Craig Douglas (verified owner) –
This is my 2nd purchase of an antenna from KB9VBR. The 222 Slim Jim Antenna works excellent! Mounted on the highest point of the roof of my home, I’m able to hit 220 repeaters throughout the Los Angeles and Orange County area here in California and also get good reports on my signal. I would highly recommend this antenna.
NHSkyWatch (verified owner) –
Fantastic! I happen to sit under a MILAIR refueling track and have always enjoyed listening to the partial track I could pull down with homebrew antennas. With this new antenna and some decent LMR400 equivalent feed-line, I can hear the entire track now (74Mhz off the antenna’s tuned center freq). I’m also picking up W105 more consistently as well which sits about 180 clicks to the south…just beyond the horizon for my rig and the birds I follow. Count me a satisfied customer.
Joe KJ7MCN (verified owner) –
Recently purchased and installed the KB9VBR 222 Slim Jim at my home. Due to the fact that I live in a mobile home park with antenna restrictions, my installation was with the base of the antenna only a few feet above my roof. The nearest 220 repeater is 35 miles away with a large hill completely blocking the line of sight path between my home and the repeater site. Using a BridgeCom 30 watt mobile radio as a base, I was expecting the worst, but was surprised when I was easily able to hit the repeater and get excellent reports. I painted my Slim Jim with a flat gray paint similar to the color of my Navy Ship to make it less noticable from the street. The antenna works flawlessly, and I imagine it would even work so much better if I was able to add some height to the mast. I highly recommend the KB(VBR 222 Slim Jim to anyone wanting to work 222 Mhz.