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For radio amateurs considering homebrew antenna projects, this resource details several designs from WE6W, an experienced operator. It covers the construction and characteristics of a _160 Meter QRP Loop Antenna_ optimized for high voltage, along with standard and folded variations of the double bazooka antenna. The site also presents a unique Field Day antenna design and instructions for building a Sterba Curtain, a directional array known for its gain. Each design includes practical insights from the author's building experience. The author provides comparative data, such as the performance of a standard bazooka against a traditional dipole, offering real-world context for antenna selection. The Sterba Curtain section includes notes on its beamwidth and gain, crucial parameters for directional operation. These designs are suitable for hams looking to experiment with cost-effective, high-performance antennas for various bands and operating scenarios, from QRP on 160m to directional DXing with a Sterba Curtain, which can offer significant forward gain, often exceeding **10 dB**.

Details the construction and optimization of antenna systems for amateur radio satellite operations, focusing on practical, homebrew solutions for VHF/UHF bands. It covers building _groundplane antennas_ from salvaged materials, recycling old beam antennas into new configurations like a 2-meter crossed yagi, and constructing a 10-meter horizontal delta loop. The resource also explains antenna matching techniques, including folded dipole driven elements and quarter-wave transformers, along with the importance of accurate SWR measurements and minimizing coax loss. Demonstrates how to achieve a **1:1 SWR** by carefully trimming elements and adjusting radial angles on groundplane antennas. It provides insights into selecting appropriate coax and connectors, highlighting the benefits of Belden 9913 for low loss and the proper installation of _N-connectors_. The article also addresses RFI mitigation from computer birdies and presents a design for a silent triac antenna control circuit, offering practical solutions for common satellite station challenges.

A Moxon rectangle antenna projects for the 6 10 15 17 and 20 meter band but include drawings, plans, statistics and homebrewing statistics.

Details a practical QRP wattmeter construction, leveraging a simplified SWR meter design by JA6HIC. The project focuses on a forward-only power measurement circuit, providing a functional instrument for RF power levels from milliwatts up to 5 watts. It maintains a 50-ohm input and output impedance, suitable for typical QRP transceivers and antenna systems. The resource includes the schematic for the "VSW" (Very Simple Wattmeter) and outlines a six-step alignment procedure. This calibration process involves using a known RF source up to 5W, setting full-scale deflection, and marking power increments. It also addresses minimizing frequency effects on readings with a 100pF trimmer capacitor, noting that measurement error is highest at the lower end of the scale. Construction notes mention using a piece of RG-213 coaxial cable for the inductance and coupler, with the wattmeter assembled in early 2003. The author provides an example measurement showing 0.8W into a dummy load and 1W into a 3-element beam.

How to homebrew an hex beam antenna for 20 17 15 12 10 meters band by VA7ST

Presents a comprehensive guide for constructing a broadband Hex Beam antenna, a popular directional array for HF operation. This design offers a compact footprint and excellent gain characteristics, making it suitable for limited space installations while providing significant performance advantages over omnidirectional antennas. The resource details the specific dimensions for a five-band Hex Beam covering 20, 17, 15, 12, 10, and 6 meters, emphasizing the critical element spacing and wire lengths required for proper resonance and pattern. It outlines the construction of the center post, spreaders, and wire elements, along with the feed point assembly, ensuring proper impedance matching. The project aims for a forward gain of approximately **5.5 dBi** on most bands, with a front-to-back ratio often exceeding _20 dB_. Building this antenna requires careful measurement and assembly, but the resulting performance provides a substantial upgrade for DXing and contesting.

A two element beam antenna for ten meters band. This home-brew two-element beam is the perfect introduction to rolling your own gain antenna