Elk Log Periodic Antenna Handle

This is a more compact handle designed specifically for the Elk 2m/70cm log periodic antenna, which I designed to be smaller than the PVC-based handle that it comes with from the manufacturer. This makes it handle a lot more like the Arrow II Yagi that is its main competitor for satellite contacts. I enjoy using both antennas for different things but the Elk in particular with this handle is very flat and easy to store leaning up against a wall or lay in a car trunk for easy access.

To get this handle into place requires removing the plastic spacer between the two main elements of the antenna near the handle, and then it just slips over and is secured with the original antenna bolt and nut. The gray plastic pieces that are used to mount the PVC 90-degree elbow pieces for the handle are no longer necessary, but you can leave them on for extra rigidity (I don't). 

I designed this with a long round section specifically to put a foam handle on (again, like the Arrow antennas). It was designed for these handles specifically but others would probably work: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GBIY8JY. Getting the handle on requires some dedication and wiggling, it is a tight fit.

I am not the first to come up with this concept, Soren AK4WQ created something very similar for several satellite operators several years ago but lost the design files over time. I'd like to thank Kevin N4UFO and Mark KI5QNE for getting me started with the initial draft of the design, which I iterated several times on before arriving at this version.