Here's a really easy and cheap way to make a top-performing VHF/UHF antenna that you can hang from a tree, or a truss-rafter up in your attic.  Similar to the JayBird Special, using the amazing MFJ-1412 ($28 at Gigaparts), but without the aluminum plate.  Great for field-work where you don't have a vehicle close by for a mag-mount.  This whip has some real gain  -  kicks a J-pole's ass !!

 

The base can be either a 1/2" pipe-flange, or a square or round electrical-box cover.  The cover will require a couple of large flat-washers, as the hole is too big for the SO-239 bulkhead connector.  And you'll need four 8-32 machine-screws with nuts to attach the radials.  I used solder lugs for the wires, but you certainly don't have to. 

 

The tip of the radial wires (16-18awg) should be 19.3" from the base of the antenna (so the wire-length itself will be a couple of inches shorter than that). 

 

26-pound fishing-line (our favorite for anything antenna) or string, tied at the top of the whip, makes it easy to hang from anything available.  Just be sure those radial ends are above eye level !!   They can be either horizontal or slightly-downward sloping.

 

If you want to mount this on a stick or wood pole, you can replace one of the machine-screws with a wood screw.