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The **Extended Double Zepp** (EDZ) antenna, a simple wire design, is presented as a means to achieve 3-4 dB of gain on 10 meters, with an overall length of just 43 feet. This resource, authored by WB3HUZ, details several gain antennas suitable for the 29 MHz AM segment, all modeled using EZNEC software at 30 feet above ground. Other designs include a compact rectangular loop, offering more gain than the EDZ and a lower take-off angle, and the **Lazy H**, a bidirectional antenna providing 6 dB gain, which is also workable on 20, 17, 15, and 12 meters. The Bisquare, a diamond-shaped open-top loop, is also featured, providing approximately 4 dB gain and requiring only a single support. These designs are primarily fed with ladder line or open-wire line to simplify matching, though a coax feed option for the EDZ is shown for 10-meter-only operation. The Lazy H, for instance, requires about 16 feet of open-wire line for its half-wavelength elements spaced a half-wavelength apart. An enhanced EDZ Lazy H variant is also discussed, achieving an additional 1-2 dB gain by extending element length to 1.28 wavelengths and increasing spacing to 0.64-0.75 wavelengths. The Bisquare, while primarily a 10-meter antenna, can be adapted for 20 meters by closing the top connection.

The project details a DIY SWR/Wattmeter designed around an _Arduino Uno_ shield, providing capabilities to measure RF power from 2 to **200 watts** and Standing Wave Ratio (SWR) for HF amateur radio bands. This construction features a compact design, integrating the measurement circuitry directly onto a custom PCB that interfaces with the Arduino Uno microcontroller. Key components include a directional coupler for sensing forward and reflected power, precision rectifiers, and analog-to-digital conversion for processing RF signals. The Arduino firmware handles calibration, calculations, and displays the results on an integrated LCD, offering real-time feedback on antenna system performance. The design prioritizes simplicity for homebrewers. Performance specifications indicate accurate readings within the **2-200W** power range, suitable for typical QRP to medium-power HF operations. The project provides schematics and a basic overview of the software logic.

Demonstrates the construction and on-air performance of the _NB6Zep_ antenna, a modified 20-meter Extended Double Zepp design optimized for multi-band operation from 40 through 10 meters. The resource covers basic design principles, including dimensions of 66 feet horizontal and 5 feet vertical elements, and specifies open ladder line or TV twin lead for the transmission line. It details material selection for low-cost wire antenna construction, such as 18 AWG wire for the legs and ceramic or plastic insulators, along with practical tips for soldering connections and insulating against moisture. The author, NB6Z, shares insights from extensive _EZNEC_ modeling to optimize the antenna's total length for a 40-meter half-wave dipole footprint and feed line length for direct tuner connection. The article presents field results, including successful _PSK31_ contacts from Oregon to the East Coast on 40 and 30 meters with 50 watts, even at a low height of 6 feet. It provides detailed performance characteristics for each band, noting the _NB6Zep_'s highest gain (over 3 dB) and sharp, medium-angle lobes on 20 meters, which yielded strong DX reports to locations like Korea, Japan, and Argentina. For 17 and 15 meters, it describes a butterfly-like pattern with broad lobes, while 12 and 10 meters exhibit narrow, directional lobes in an "X" configuration. The author also shares personal experiences operating successfully for over a decade in an antenna-restricted environment using the NB6Zep and other stealth wire antennas.

Selecting an appropriate antenna system for shortwave broadcasting involves evaluating various types based on performance, cost, and operational parameters. This resource details the critical specifications for broadcast antennas, including average and peak power ratings, directivity, takeoff angle (TOA), horizontal beamwidth, and gain, emphasizing that a 100-kW transmitter requires an antenna rated for 150 kW average and 400 kW peak. It clarifies that low TOA signals travel thousands of kilometers, while high TOA is for local coverage, and nearly all modern shortwave broadcast antennas are horizontally polarized. The article explores specific antenna types, such as Log-Periodic Antennas (LPAs), which offer wide frequency ranges (e.g., 2-30 MHz) and directional patterns with 11 dBi gain, costing from $20K to over $100K for multi-curtain versions. Dipole arrays, also known as curtain antennas, are prevalent in international broadcasting, featuring steerable beams (±15° and ±30°) and mode-switching capabilities to alter TOA, with high/low pairs costing over $1 million. Fan dipoles are noted for omnidirectional patterns, smaller size, and lower cost for low-power applications, while rhombics, though simple, require resistive termination and incur several dB of I2R losses. Balun considerations are crucial, as most communications baluns are not rated for the higher average and peak powers of AM broadcast transmitters. Modern shortwave antennas utilize durable materials like Alumoweld wire rope for radiators and support elements, avoiding copper, fiberglass, or materials prone to stretching or deterioration. Feeder systems for high-power stations often require tapered-line baluns to convert 50-ohm unbalanced power to 300-ohm balanced for connection to the antenna.

A 10-meter J-Pole antenna, detailed in QST February 1950, offers a straightforward solution for hams operating with restricted space. This design, originally presented by W1BLR, is a **half-wave radiator** fed by a quarter-wave matching stub, providing a low-angle radiation pattern beneficial for DX. The article describes building the antenna from readily available materials like copper pipe, emphasizing its simplicity and effectiveness for **single-band operation**. The J-Pole's inherent design provides a good impedance match to 50-ohm coaxial cable without the need for an external tuner, a significant advantage for portable or minimalist stations. Its nondirectional pattern ensures coverage in all directions, making it a versatile choice for general operating on the 28 MHz band. The construction plans are clear, allowing even those with basic workshop skills to assemble a functional antenna.

The **NW3Z** optimized wideband antenna designs, originally presented at Dayton 2001, detail Yagi configurations for the 20-meter, 15-meter, and 10-meter amateur radio bands. This resource provides access to the design files, likely containing critical parameters such as element spacing, element lengths, and boom dimensions, which are essential for replicating these directional antennas. The designs focus on achieving wide bandwidth, a desirable characteristic for contesters and DXers operating across a significant portion of each band. The content specifically references "nw3z-Antenna-DesignsDownload," indicating that the core information is available as a downloadable file, presumably in a format suitable for antenna modeling software or direct construction. Such files typically include **NEC models** or similar data, allowing for performance analysis and optimization before physical construction. The emphasis on "optimized wideband" suggests design considerations for SWR bandwidth and gain characteristics over a broader frequency range than typical narrow-band Yagis. The resource serves as a direct source for specific, proven antenna designs from a known amateur radio antenna designer, offering practical data for hams interested in building high-performance Yagi arrays for HF.

This PDF document, authored by KT4QW in October 2004, details the construction and modeling of a dual-band, horizontally polarized hanging rectangular loop antenna for **10 and 17 meters**. The design, adapted from *The ARRL Handbook*, utilizes _NEC4WIN95_ software for scaling and optimization, targeting a 50 ohm feedpoint impedance. The resource includes a bill of materials, step-by-step construction instructions, and a discussion of the antenna's radiation characteristics. It presents NEC-generated elevation and azimuth patterns, comparing the loop's performance to a half-wave horizontal dipole at the same height and frequency. The 17-meter element is centered at 18.140 MHz for low SWR across the phone band, while the 10-meter element is centered at 28.500 MHz. Construction involves 14-gauge stranded copper wire and Schedule 40 PVC spreaders, with the total wire length calculated by the formula: Length in feet = 1005/MHz. The feedpoint impedance can be adjusted by modifying the rectangular aspect ratio. The document specifies hoisting the antenna to at least a half-wave above ground for testing. It notes that a balun was tested and found to have no measurable effect on SWR or radiation characteristics. A 2-meter scale model is presented to illustrate the physical design, and a "rotator" string is incorporated for directional adjustment up to 90 degrees.

The document details the optimization and construction of the _Maria Maluca_ antenna, a compact 6-band (20m-6m) directional beam. It presents a comparative analysis of shortwave antenna principles, highlighting the efficiency gains achieved by using an open feeder line and tuner as a resonant unit, contrasting this with the losses associated with traps or capacitive loads in multiband antennas. The resource specifically revisits an older South American 2-element design for 10, 15, and 20 meters, applying modern NEC-based software to develop a six-band version. Performance data is meticulously tabulated, showing impedance, free space gain, gain at 12m height, elevation angle, and front-to-back (F/B) ratio for each band from 20m through 6m. For instance, on 15m, the antenna achieves 5.1 dBd free space gain and 13.72 dB F/B ratio. The construction section provides practical guidance on element assembly using aluminum pipes and hose clamps, detailing the use of a heavy-duty glass fiber reinforced polyamide rod for electrical separation and bending strength. It also specifies the use of 450-ohm _Wireman_ line CQ 552 for the transmission line. The document includes diagrams for rod fixing, an air-wound balun, and a vertical elevation diagram for the 15m band, illustrating its DX qualification. It also discusses the antenna's suitability for portable and expedition operations, noting its compact transport dimensions (max 1.50m length, 12 lb weight) and quick assembly time (under 15 minutes). The author, Dipl.Ing. Helmut Oeller, DC6NY, is identified as a source for material kits.

JJ0DRC's HF multi-band delta loop antenna project, initially conceived during the waning peak of Cycle 23, addresses the common challenge of achieving effective DX operation from a small residential lot in Japan. Dissatisfied with a ground plane antenna's performance in SSB pile-ups, the author sought a beam-like solution without a tower, drawing inspiration from a JJ1VKL article in CQ Ham Radio Sep. 2000. The antenna, constructed in October 2000, employs two 7.2-meter fishing rods (37% carbon fiber, reinforced with cyano-acrylate glue and aluminum tape) and 1mm enameled wire, fed by an Icom AH-4 external antenna tuner. While the exact beam pattern remains unmeasured, JJ0DRC observed a significantly higher callback rate compared to dipole antennas, particularly on higher bands. The system's circumference length of 15-20m is crucial for maintaining a good beam pattern across HF bands, though performance on lower bands like 80m, 40m, and 30m becomes less directional as the length deviates from a full wavelength. Ongoing maintenance addressed degradation issues, including aluminum tape cracking and wire breakage at connection points due to strong winds (often exceeding 10-15m/s in winter). The author reinforced rod connections with IRECTOR PIPE SYSTEM components and INSU-ROCK ties, and improved wire attachment methods using Cremona rope and epoxy bond to enhance durability.

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.

This project outlines the construction of a 3-element reversible quad antenna specifically designed for the 40-meter band. The materials required include pushup towers, pressure-treated posts, insulated wire, and various electrical components such as relays and a balun. The construction process is straightforward, beginning with the installation of the posts in a straight line, followed by the assembly of the antenna elements and their elevation to the desired height. The antenna's design allows for directional signal reception, making it ideal for operators looking to enhance their communication capabilities on the 40-meter band. The project includes detailed instructions on tuning the antenna for optimal performance, ensuring that operators can achieve the lowest SWR possible. Additionally, the design can be adapted for other bands by extrapolating dimensions, providing versatility for amateur radio enthusiasts. Overall, this reversible quad antenna project is suitable for both beginners and experienced operators, offering a practical solution for improving signal strength and directionality in 40-meter communications.

Presents the design and performance of a 4-element wire Yagi antenna for the 40-meter band, building upon VE3VN's earlier 3-element switchable wire Yagi. The resource details the antenna's evolution, highlighting the transition from a 3-element to a 4-element configuration and the resulting improvements in gain and front-to-back ratio. It provides specific insights into the antenna's construction and expected operational characteristics. VE3VN shares insights from field results, noting the antenna's performance on 40 meters. The discussion includes the antenna's pattern and matching characteristics, crucial for any DXer or contester looking to optimize their signal on this popular HF band. The author's experience with the previous 3-element design informs the enhancements made to this 4-element iteration. The article includes a visual representation of the antenna's current view, offering a practical perspective on its physical layout. It serves as a valuable reference for hams considering a directional wire antenna for 7 MHz operations, demonstrating a practical approach to achieving enhanced directivity and gain.

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.

Demonstrates the construction of a 144 MHz turnstile antenna, detailing its design for omnidirectional, horizontally polarized VHF operation. The resource outlines the physical dimensions and materials required, including specific lengths for the radiating elements and the use of _RG-58_ coaxial cable for phasing. It covers the assembly process, emphasizing the critical spacing and connection points to achieve the desired radiation pattern and impedance matching for the _2-meter band_. The article presents measured _SWR_ performance across the 144-146 MHz segment, showing a low SWR of 1.2:1 at 144.5 MHz, which is suitable for general VHF use. It compares the turnstile's performance to a 9-element Yagi, noting the turnstile's advantage in providing consistent signal strength from all directions without requiring a rotator. Practical application for local FM simplex and repeater operations is implied, offering a simple yet effective antenna solution for fixed or portable stations.

This antenna is intended for the 20-meter Band. There are two Voltage Fed Helical Dipoles, made with 2 slinky that fed with phase shift in 90 degree

This PDF document details the construction of a **70 MHz** Big Wheel antenna, a horizontally polarized omnidirectional array. The design utilizes three full-wave loops, each approximately **2160 mm** in diameter, arranged in a triangular configuration. The resource provides mechanical dimensions for the antenna elements and a comprehensive bill of materials, specifying component quantities and types, such as M8 stainless steel bolts, 15x15x1.5 mm square aluminum tubing for spacers, and 8 mm aluminum rod for the arcs. The central hub is constructed from two 160x160x8 mm aluminum plates, with four 40 mm long polyamide insulators supporting the radiating elements. The feed system incorporates a 50 mm diameter aluminum pipe for mounting and a matching stub constructed from a 120x20x2 mm aluminum sheet, connected via M8x10 mm bolts. The resource includes a diagram illustrating the mechanical dimensions and assembly points, including the N-connector fixing point and the center conductor attachment. The project was published on May 25, 2011, by Peter OE5MPL and Rudi OE5VRL. DXZone Focus: PDF | 70 MHz Big Wheel | Mechanical Dimensions | **2160 mm** loop diameter

Simple 6 Metre DX Antenna based on an article by LB Cebick in QST May 2002 on a Quad Turnstile antenna. This antenna is basically two full wave loops mounted at right angles fed 90 degrees out of phase to produce an omni-directional horizontally polarized pattern

Constructing a compact directional antenna for the 17-meter band, this resource details the build process for a Moxon rectangle, a two-element Yagi variant with folded-back elements. It covers the antenna's evolution from the _VK2ABQ beam_ and provides specific dimensions for a version built using fishing pole whips. The content includes a discussion of the antenna's radiation pattern, feedpoint impedance, and its inherent front-to-back ratio, which is often superior to a standard two-element Yagi. Practical considerations for element spacing and material choices are also addressed, alongside a visual representation of the antenna's physical layout. Performance data presented includes a comparison showing the Moxon rectangle's **2.5 dB gain** over a half-wave dipole and a front-to-back ratio of **20 dB**. The resource also touches upon the antenna's relatively wide bandwidth for a two-element beam and its suitability for portable operations due to its compact footprint. It offers insights into optimizing the design for specific operating conditions and discusses the advantages of its lower take-off angle compared to omnidirectional wire antennas, making it effective for DX contacts on the 17-meter band.

A 7 dB directional gain is reported for this portable VHF Yagi antenna design, which utilizes cut metal tape measure sections for its elements. The resource details the construction process for a 2-meter band antenna, emphasizing its ease of build and portability. It specifically mentions the design's suitability for radio direction finding (RDF), fox hunting, and communication with satellites and the International Space Station (ISS), highlighting its practical applications for amateur radio operators. The construction cost is estimated at under $20, with potential for even lower expense if salvaged materials like old tape measures and PVC pipes are used. The article references _Joe Leggio's_ (WB2HOL) original design, noting specific alterations made by the author. It also compares this design to other DIY Yagi antennas, including _FN64's_ 2-meter band and _manuka's_ 70-cm band tape measure Yagis, underscoring its unique combination of simplicity, portability, and effective performance with a 1:1 SWR achievable on the 2-meter band.

A moxon antenna for the 50 MHz build with 19 feet of 14 AWG copper wire, and based on a set of PVC pipes. This is an easy to build project that will give you an efficient directional antenna on 6 meters band with low SWR on more than 1 MHz bandwidth.

A QST Article published in November 1922 is about the origin of Beverage antennas, an unidirectional antenna type that was discovered and experimented for the first time in that period. This article is the introduction to beverage antenna theory, by the homonimous autho H. H. Beverage.

The 80-meter Skyloop antenna, a top-performing HF antenna, excels in weak signal work, low-noise operation, and omnidirectional coverage. Ideal for fixed stations, it delivers strong performance at low power, outperforming many alternatives, including 80m half-wave end-fed antennas. Requiring significant space for deployment, it’s well-suited for NVIS and groundwave use. Though not portable, it’s cost-effective and durable, with minor maintenance needs. Tuning may require adjustments for optimal resonance. It’s a standout for base stations, though a lighter portable version could enhance its versatility.

The Beverage on Ground (BOG) antenna offers ham radio operators a compact alternative to traditional Beverage antennas, requiring less space and fewer support structures. This implementation, optimized for 1.8-7 MHz bands, describes ideal parameters: lengths of 60-90 meters, height of 2-10 cm above ground, and specific load resistances based on configuration. The article details experimental methods for determining optimal load resistance and presents matching systems to convert BOG impedance to 50 ohms. While less effective than classic 200-300 meter Beverages, the BOG provides directional reception in limited space, though performance varies with ground conditions and weather changes.

This article presents a novel Top Loaded End-Fed Half-Wave (TLEFHW) antenna design for 20-meter ham radio operation. The antenna features a compact 14-foot vertical radiator with a capacitance hat configuration, eliminating the need for radials or ground systems. Using EZNEC modeling and field testing, the design achieves a 1.5:1 SWR across the 20m band with a 4.11 dBi gain. Key features include quick deployment, lightweight construction, and directional radiation pattern with 110-degree beamwidth. The design, while requiring a 45-foot footprint due to the top hat, offers an effective portable solution for amateur radio operators seeking a no-ground, no-tuner 20m antenna option.

This is a 50 MHz WebSDR receiver, located in Ashford, CT, USA FN31VU using a deltaloop turnstile horizontally polarized omnidirectional antenna.

Delta loop antennas, particularly the 30 meter variant, offer unique advantages in terms of vertical polarization and omni-directional coverage. The construction process detailed by VE3VN highlights common mechanical and electrical challenges faced by amateur radio operators. Key design considerations include minimizing interaction with existing contest band antennas, achieving low elevation angles for DX chasing, and ensuring the antenna remains off the ground for agricultural clearance. The article provides specific measurements, such as the loop's height and feed point impedance, which are critical for optimizing performance. The use of NEC modeling software illustrates the importance of accurate resonance calculations, revealing how proximity to the tower affects both pattern and impedance. This practical account serves as a resource for hams looking to build effective antennas while navigating typical construction hurdles.

This article discusses the design and implementation of a 2-element wire beam antenna for the 20 meter band, suitable for field day operations with 4 Switchable Directions. The antenna is configured with sloped wires in an inverted V shape, with a specific design to achieve directional properties. The author tested the antenna design using MMANA and NEC2 software, based on a solution published in QST. Detailed diagrams and instructions are provided for constructing the antenna on top of a 12 meter mast, with specific wire lengths and positioning to ensure optimal performance. This resource is valuable for hams looking to build a directional antenna for the 20m band and improve their field day setup.