One of my purposes in making this AP was to show that an antenna can be done on a very tight budget that performs admirably well. Everything on this antenna was purchased at Home Depot. Some things, like the roll of tape, and the aluminum flat stock, cost more than the figures to purchase, but the cost is prorated to reflect the amount of each that went into the project. While i might would replace the tubing with aluminum tubing if I wanted maximum durability over the long haul, that in no way means that this homebrew AP is taking a backseat to any other antenna performance-wise for those who need a budget product.
cost of materials:
top hat rods ----------------- 4.00
aluminum plate ------------ 3.50
u-bolts ------------------------ 5.00
screws ----------------------- 0.75
PEX tube --------------------- 2.50
CPVC tubes ----------------- 4.65
CPVC tees ------------------- 2.00
Aluminum tape ------------- 2.00
3/8"x4' fb rod ----------------- 1.00
________________________
total ---------------------------- 25.40
The center mast pipe is what ever mast you use. I already had it and the fellow who gets this antenna will get his own or pay me to replace the pipe i have.