Portable Antennas
Portable Antennas
Portable antennas are essential for operators who enjoy ham radio activity away from their fixed stations, whether for field day events, SOTA activations, or casual outdoor QSOs. These antennas prioritize quick deployment, light weight, and compact size, allowing hams to set up a functional station almost anywhere. Many designs focus on multi-band operation to maximize flexibility across the HF and VHF bands, often with QRP power levels.
This category features numerous homebrew antenna projects, including various magnetic loops like the Light Loop or the Portable Magnetic Loop, and wire antennas such as the Slink-ette or inverted L designs. Operators can also find comparisons of commercial portable HF antennas, like those compiled by ON4SKY, to evaluate options for their specific needs. Resources also cover practical aspects like telescopic masts and mounting solutions for supporting wire antennas in the field.
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A portable VHF home-made Yagi-Uda antenna, that is extremely easy to build and very cheap. Moreover this antenna, while dismounted is just 1 meter long, and the total weight is just 100 grams. -
A portable dual band j-pole antenna for VHF/UHF operations. -
Hammock 2 element wire Yagi antenna for 3 bands 20-15-10 based on VE7CA project -
Pictures comments and detail on a 2 elements antenna for 2 meters band -
2 Meter Antenna for Bicycle Mobile Operation -
Portable wire antenna for 40 and 80 meter made with a RF Chocke. Can be adapted to work on 160 meters by adding additional 6.9 meters wire at its end. -
UHF 3 element portable antenna with gamma match by ON6MU -
A vertical portable antenna system by W0SJS that will work on 40, 30, 20, 17 and 15 meters -
A suitable high gain 70cms antenna for SOTA operation by Richard Price GW0VMW -
The web page provides detailed information on a portable 10/20/40 meter vertical antenna designed for mobile operations, including modifications for 20 and 40 meters. It includes images and descriptions of the antenna setup in a car. The content is useful for amateur radio operators looking to enhance their mobile communication capabilities. -
A portable antenna for mode B and J satellites -
Described here is a simple multi-band magnetic loop antenna designed for 20, 30 and 40 metres, but by changing the overall length of the wire coverage of other bands is feasible -
A brick, some PVC tubing and a few other common hardware store items can be transformed into an effective Quick and Dirty RF-launcher for less than $25! By Michael Atlas, N7FC -
HF Wire Yagi antenna with notes and eznec file on original article of a Portable 3-Band Yagi antenna for 10-15-20 meter band made with wire elements. Include link the original to QST article. -
This end fed type of antenna was marketted in the UK and is a useful system for the portable set-up. Being a half wave, no radials or counterpose wires are needed. -
The following are the opinions expressed by various amateurs -
What is the best balcony antenna? what antenna would you recommend for use on typical hotel balcony? Read some answers here -
WA5FRF VHF mobile antenna for bicycle installation -
A handy solution to have a half wave antenna for fieldwork on a 12m fishing rod. -
A Low -Power, Distributed Capacitance Twisted Loop , indoor portable HF antenna by Monty Northrup, N5ESE -
A 4 yagi beam VHF antenna made with PVC easy to carry in a backpack for portable operations -
A small antenna for 2m and 70cm -
HF VHF UHF antenna ideas to be used for field days. All antennas are quick to set up and take down and offer proven performance and flexibility. Presentation offered by Mahoning Country ARES -
A 4 elements handitenna for 70 cm band. This is my version of the K5OE Handitenna. This one is a four Element instead of three, as I had less of a crunch on space than he did. The 1st three elements (Reflector, Driven Element, and Director 1) are the same dimensions as his were. -
Here is a high-performance hand-held beam antenna that is easy to build and guaranteed to improve your downlink from the LEO satellites over ANY rubber duck or mobile whip -
A vertical monoband that's small, light and portable, needs no counterpoise and performs as well as a home antenna -
Homebrewing portable antennas for field day operations -
Have you ever thought of setting up a portable HF station for an activity ? -
Have you ever thought of setting up a portable HF station for an activity like the Field Day ? -
Homemade 40 through 6 meter HF portable multiband antenna, an aluminium antenna construction article, with plan, drawings and photos -
A pedestrian antenna is considered to be a lightweight antenna that can easily be carried to the shootout by one person in a backpack or bag. -
This is a low cost homebrew two band travel antenna for 20 and 40 meters. It is based on the B&W Travel Antenna concept with a telescoping whip and a loading coil -
W3FF article about the buddistick portable vertical antenna in a PDF file -
This page shows a homebrew vertical antenna based on the Pac-12 antenna design. -
Suitable antenna for owners of an IC706 or FT817, 857 and other HF portable transceivers. You can an be QRV in a few minutes on all ham-bands from 80m to 6m and even on 2m by PA0FBK -
An 87ft inverted L portable antenna working on 80 40 30 20 15 meters band -
A small multiband antenna for vacation in french -
M1IOS Wonder Whip antenna - The M1IOS Wonder Whip A 10 dollars QRP Portable Multiband Antenna for HF, VHF and UHF A variation on the Miracle Whip and Wander Wand. This antenna tuning unit will get your SWR really low on telescopic whips, mobile 3/8th antenna and long wires. A remarkable little tuner that really works! -
Build a 2m 8db collinear for portable use -
Telescopic antenna mast for portable usage by PE1OPM -
A mobile setup using a dipole antenna for 10 to 80 meters band in italian -
A simple base loaded quarter wave vertical, which can be used on a car or portable by G3YCC -
Build the PAC-12 Antenna a multi-band portable vertical designed by KA5DVS, here's an award-winning, easy-to-homebrew, multi-band portable vertical antenna designed by long-time antenna aficionado James Bennett, KA5DVS. He's documented the design and construction plans for a portable antenna -
This antenna allow transmission and reception on all bands between 7Mhz and 28 Mhz. Similar in concept to the Miracle Whip by VK3YE -
Ideal for QRP operations on 10 meters band in french -
A Portable 2 element Triband Yagi antenna that can work on 10 15 20 meter band by VE7CA -
Building a 2 metre 144MHz VHF Yagi beam antenna, designed for portable use. -
144 Mhz portable 4 elements quand antenna by N1LO -
A suitable high gain 70cms antenna for SOTA operation was sought that did not have the drawbacks of a long Yagi antenna, principally a narrow beamwidth and bandwidth. -
Article on portable HF antenna where author diverge about antenna efficiency versus size based on his personal experience on using HF antennas during portable operations -
Excel sheet containing technical comparisons of commercial HF portable antennas compiled by ON4SKY. Includes pictures, manufacturer, db gain, band coverage, F/B ratio, price, weight and dimensions. -
This loop it is small and light enough to carry while operating, it disassembles into small but rugged pieces that fit easily in a backpack or gym bag, and it can be tuned from 14 MHz to 30 MHz. This tunable magnetic loop antenna is my contribution to the well established art of amateur loop making. Can be tuned from 14 MHz to 30 MHz. -
A simple multi-band magnetic loop antenna designed for 20, 30 and 40 metres, made from 16 feet of RG58 coax cable. The performance is impressive for its size but not meant to replace a Yagi. The antenna features a tuning head, matching unit, tuning capacitors, band change switch, and matching transformer. The feedpoint is at the bottom of the loop. The document provides detailed instructions on assembly and operation. -
This handy and cheap portable dipole can be folded and backpacked, carried in use, and adjusted to a very wide range of frequencies by KV5R -
A home made portable vertical antenna, that with a single 1/4 wave counterpoise wire is possible to achieve less than 1.5:1 SWR on 40, 30, and 20 meter bands. It is basically a center load, shortened ground plain vertical antenna. -
Portable Vertical Antenna for 75m and 40m featuring Low radiation angle for DX, easy to install and to match 50 ohms -
W4ZT used this antenna for Field Day and other portable applications. He built them for all bands between 160 meters and 6 meters. You can make them easily using whatever wire you have available and make the insulators from scrap plastic -
A 3 and 5 element portable yagi antennas for 2 meter band -
This is a collection of articles, generally from QRP-L, about QRP operations and portable antennas. However, anything that looks interesting to me might end up here. These articles are posted here primarily for my own use; however, all are free to browse. -
Operate 160 and 80 meters in portable with this small antenna by K0EMT -
A magnetic loop made just of wire. Suitable for portable usage and for QRP operations. -
A quick vertical for 160 meters portable use -
A short HF antenna by SM0VP0 -
Here is a circuit that will resonate a short whip antenna for the HF Bands. -
A portable dipole for six meters band -
A Slinky-based doublet or loaded vertical QRP antenna tested for 40 meters band -
Supporting wire antennas with squid poles -
A portable swiss quad antenna project made with components and parts that can be dismounted, in German -
A Portable VHF-UHF Roll-up J-pole Antennam that resonates on both bands but actually performs as a half wave radiator on both bands -
A portable dual-band antenna working principally on 10 meters but also close to the 30 meter band. It's compact, light, economical and doesn't need any radial. -
KD5FX, 20 through 6 meters, QRP to full legal power, lightweight, easy to carry -
HF multiband mini delta compact and easy assembling antenna that cover from 20 to 10 meters by GM3VLB -
The Little Stick antenna is an aluminium version of the Vertical Bazooka design which was made from coax. -
the multiband Notebook Antenna, so called because the entire antenna will fit easily inside a 1" thick 3-ring binder -
The RDF 10 second fold-out Yagi especially for fox hunting. have more fun stuff on this page. PD0G -
The Vee Beam antenna project presents a versatile solution for hams, enabling operation across all eight High Frequency bands (80m to 10m) with significant gain on 20m to 10m. This easy-to-construct antenna utilizes two long wires at an angle, enhancing directional performance and minimizing ground losses. With a low visual profile, it is discreet and effective for various applications. The design allows for optimal leg lengths and included angles, ensuring robust performance while maintaining simplicity in construction and operation. The V Beam antenna is an aerial that you can use on all eight High Frequency amateur bands (80, 40, 30, 20, 17, 15, 12 and 10m) with an antenna tuner, and which gives significant gain on the five bands from 20 to 10 meters band. -
PA11019 Travel loop antennas, these antennas cover 6.300 to 29.200 mHz , handle 35 Watts and have a packing size of 43 cm, ideal for fieldwork, or mobile operations. -
A portable dualband dipole robust and compact antenna usable for horizontal and vertical polarisation by ON6MU -
A Versatile Innovative Portable Multi-band Tunable Antenna can work HF VHF and UHF ideal as portable or balcony antenna -
This is the antenna w3ff designed for his walking portable station. It is a dipole constructed out of the plastic plumbing pipe CPVC. There are telescoping whips at the ends of each side of the dipole, and these whips are adjusted to bring the antenna into resonance on each of five HF Bands 10, 12, 15, 17, and 20 Meters -
Building the WB2HOL foxhunting beam antenna -
Interesting article on how build your own field day antenna -
Picture collection of a whip antenna similar to the Whip Miracle, in italian -
An attempt to build a 2m antenna. Consist of a 4 element yagi antenna for SOTA activities -
This 2 meter 3 element cubical quad antenna is small, light weight and portable. A backpack antenna that is easy to put together in just minutes and parts store inside the boom making it ready for travel or storage. -
144MHz 2m Portable Yagi VHF Beam Antenna. This page contains construction details on a 2 metre 144MHz VHF Yagi beam antenna, designed for portable use. -
An homemade portable vertical antenna with a trap near the mid point of the main element. The trap is made with 42mm diameter PVC pipe with 9 turns of wire on it -
Ultra-lightweight 2m Yagi for SOTA -
Handmade drawing of a 3 bands single loop, portable quad antenna used by the author during his dx pedition in Kenya as 5H3FM. This antenna is done using 3 telescopic spreaders and the spreader kit for 1 element quad by spiderbeam. -
A portable three element 6M yagi for less than twenty pounds -
In the quest for an ideal field portable antenna, the author recounts experiments involving various wire configurations. While a previous candidate, a 41ft random wire, proved effective but lacked stealth, the search led to a surprising rediscovery of a design previously rejected—the Rybakov Antenna. With a focus on simplicity, rapid deployment, and multiband capability, the author explores the versatility of a 26ft Rybakov, avoiding the halfwave trap. The article delves into the antenna's performance and its potential as a discreet, resonant solution for field operations, addressing the challenges encountered during a POTA activation. Additionally, the Unun/Balun design used in conjunction with the Rybakov Antenna is discussed, providing insights into achieving a balanced system. -
A simple portable antenna for SOTA VHF is described in this article dedicated to portable operations -
Homebrewing a Lightweight linked dipole HF antenna for portable SOTA operations -
A portable VHF yagi antenna designed for SOTA operations based on the orignal DK7ZB concept. -
For every radio amateur who loves to travel by car, a mobile installation soon becomes a necessity. While in inhabited areas there is usually some coverage of VHF repeaters, in many other places VHF radios are useless. In these very places, HF can provide reliable contacts, and a lot of fun, from anywhere. -
Main High Frequency Antennas from the 2009 LARC FARL Field Day, Ford Amateur Radio League. A document comparing antenna performances and flexibility among a G5RV an Carolina Windom and a Cushcraft R7 vertical antenna. -
Theory and origins of W4RNL Asymmetrical Hatted Vertical Dipole AHVD for portable operations. -
The antenna handles 250 watts and covers 40 through 10 meters, with an optional add on coil for 80 and 60 meters. The author in this pages includes an interesting video in which describes the antenna setup, and the importance of the shunting coil on lower bands like 40 and 80 meters. SWR curves diagrams are also included and demonstrate the influence on resonating frequency of the shunting coil. -
A multi-band portable vertical antenna can be built with relatively ordinary components obtained from the local hardware store, including replaceable loading coils -
Learn how to build the PAC-12 Antenna, a multi-band portable vertical designed by long-time antenna aficionado James Bennett, KA5DVS. This award-winning antenna is easy to homebrew using common components from a hardware store, with replaceable loading coils. Perfect for hams looking for an efficient and portable antenna for field trips. Discover the design and construction plans, as well as the author's journey to create the ideal travel antenna for lightweight and packable use. -
An experimental prototype of an asymmetrical hatted vertical dipole antenna that can work on HF bands 20 to 10 meters band. The AHVD Vertical dipole is an upside-down T design -
A home made RDF 3 elements Yagi that can be used for fox hunting. The particularity of this antenna is that it can be folded, in order to save space while travelling. In Dutch. -
Discover how the author, KK4Z, has perfected his Frankentenna over the years for portable operations, especially for Parks on the Air (POTA). Learn about the components sourced from different companies like Buddipole and Chameleon, allowing for versatility as a vertical antenna, endfed with a counterpoise, or even a dipole. The article also covers specific tweaks and modifications made to enhance performance. Ideal for hams looking to optimize their portable station setup with a reliable and lightweight antenna solution. -
An easily transportable vertical antenna for 20 meters collapsible to 4 feet -
Here is a well documented plan of a 20m-10m compact magnetic loop antenna. Article includes lots of pictures and technical details published by KP4MD -
This project details building a multi-band antenna for park activations. The author constructs a random wire antenna with a 9:1 UnUn for improved performance. Winding the toroid core proved challenging, but the completed antenna shows promising results in initial tests with an analyzer. Further field testing is planned for a future activation. -
Cheap and light portable 2m Yagi -
A no ground antenna solution for backpackers, balconies or plastic car bodies, like RV or other portables uses where is difficult to find a good counterpoise by PD7MAA -
A review of some portable antennas for SOTA operations, including linked dipoles, end-fed, verticals -
A Multiband Slinky Coil for the PAC-12 portable Antenna, can be used also as a dual PAC-12 dipole by James Bennett -
The no counterpoise antenna -
A simple kit for temporary, lightweight, wire tactical antenna systems is essential for any field Ops. Described in this article a kit as it fits in a standard US Military M-1956 Butt Pack -
The author explores a portable version of the half-square antenna, typically a single-band structure. Using a 9:1 unun for versatility, they describe construction with speaker wire, deployment using collapsible poles, and field tests, achieving successful contacts on multiple bands. The article suggests efficient matching methods and concludes with the antenna's integration into the author's portable options. -
This article describes a project of asymmetrical hatted vertical dipole, a portable antenna that can be used for field day operations, sota, campings or even for fixed installations. This is a freestanding 20-10m antenna that is really easy to build, easy to tune and relatively easy to carry. -
A multi band portable link dipole antenna for 20 30 and 40 meters band -
A lightweight inverted vee antenna that can be supported by a 10 metre long fiberglass squid pole. The antenna is designed to cover 10, 15, 20, 40 and 80 m bands. -
Ground Plane - 1/4 wave vertical, J-Pole, 3 Element Yagi Beam and simple antenna supports -
This document describe serveral wire antennas, from the folded dipole, to the common halfwave monoband antenna for those who want to make HF portable operations in holiday. -
This PDF document reviews the POTA PERformer Antenna by KJ6ER, providing insights and details about its performance and features. The content is aimed at hams looking for information on this specific antenna model to help them make an informed purchasing decision. It contains technical specifications, user experiences, and possibly recommendations for optimal use. The review is valuable for hams interested in portable operation and seeking a reliable antenna solution for Parks on the Air (POTA) activations. -
Learn how to choose the right portable antennas for backpacking as a ham radio operator. Find out the factors to consider, including weight, performance, and reliability. Understand the trade-offs involved in selecting the best antenna for your needs, based on the purpose of your trip and distance to be covered. Discover different options available and how they can help you make contacts while on the go. Get insights into one ham radio operator's portable antenna kit and the factors that influenced their choices. Explore the importance of band selection and adaptability in creating a successful antenna system for backpacking adventures. -
Dipole antennas are some of the simplest antennas to build in addition to being very efficient and solid performers. I wanted to make a simple dipole antenna for QRP portable operation that could be used on multiple bands. -
Build A Shortened 40 Meter Vertical antenna For POTA / SOTA Activations. A project for a portable wire antenna for 40 meters band suitable for POTA or SOTA operations. -
A light portable 2 element Delta beam antenna for 14 MHz. It is basically a two element delta loop wire antenna made for portable usage providing good directivity and a 4.2 dBd gain -
The GAWANT Antenna, or Shinagawa Antenna is an half-wave vertical end-fed in a FT817-friendly package -
A loop antenna made with common RG-213 coax and rests on a cross made of 6 mm fibreglass rods anf a 6.5- 30MHz tune -
A lightweight ham radio antenna for Summits On The Air (SOTA) that deploys easily and is highly compact. -
This article explores the evolution of antenna choices for DXpeditions, focusing on the shift from mono-band VDAs to a multi-band solution. It details the design and construction of a lightweight, versatile 20-17-15m VDA, utilizing readily available materials like fishing rods and IKEA breadboards. The author discusses challenges, adjustments, and offers guidance for replication. -
A lightweight portable vertical antenna for 40m -
In this post by N6CTA, discover the conversion of the Yaesu ATAS-120A screwdriver antenna for portable use. The author details the creation of two sets of radials, 16 and 32 in 16ft lengths, aiming to optimize the efficiency of ground-mounted antennas. Additionally, insights are shared on attaching male quick disconnect blade tabs, with potential plans for a radial plate kit. -
A simple drawing schematic of a portable field dipole for 14 MHz with dimensions in meters and instruction for setting up the antenna and to store the radial for easy transportation