How long do I cut the limbs for PMR 446?

[Lightspeed]

Difficult at many levels NR :-)

First this dipole centre is really for 3/8" threaded antenna elements, like DV27s for CB. It is a huge lump for use on 446Mhz.

I'd measure from the point at which the dipole leg ( threaded section ) meets the contacts on the SO259 plug.

Wire used for the antenna elements makes virtually no difference.

BUT.... I would strongly suggest getting yourself an SWR meter that is rated for 446 Mhz to check for correct matching. At UHF frequencies, adjustment for matching is extremely fine.

Like on CB, a bad SWR match from the antenna will damage / kill your transmitter.

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Maybe it'd be easier to make a dipole following this instruction:

http://www.delboyonline.co.uk/pmr446/446...ntenna.htm