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The 144-430 portable j-pole antenna is designed for amateur radio operators seeking a lightweight and efficient solution for VHF and UHF communications. This antenna is particularly useful for portable operations, allowing hams to set up quickly in various locations while maintaining excellent performance. Constructed from readily available materials, it can be easily homebrewed, making it an ideal project for both beginners and experienced operators alike. The j-pole design offers a simple yet effective configuration that provides a good match across the 144 MHz and 430 MHz bands. Its vertical polarization and omnidirectional radiation pattern make it suitable for local communications and simplex operations. This antenna can be deployed in various environments, whether in the field or at home, and is well-suited for mobile applications. With proper construction techniques, operators can achieve optimal performance, enhancing their ability to make contacts during contests or casual QSOs.

Presents a practical design for a **crossed-dipole turnstile antenna** specifically engineered for 2-meter Amateur Radio Direction Finding (ARDF) events. The author, WB6RDV, details a robust, omnidirectional, horizontally-polarized antenna, addressing the international ARDF rules requiring such characteristics at a height of two to three meters above ground. This contrasts with the vertical polarization often used in Southern California, highlighting the design's adherence to specific event requirements. The electrical design employs a classic crossed-dipole with a 75-ohm phasing section, resulting in a slight impedance mismatch and an SWR of approximately 1.3:1 with a 50-ohm feedline. Construction utilizes readily available and inexpensive PVC plumbing components and 1/8-inch bronze welding rod for elements. The guide provides step-by-step instructions for mechanical assembly, including drilling element holes at precise 90-degree spacing and preparing the RG-179 matching section. WB6RDV shares insights from his own build experience, discussing the use of plated brass versus aluminum spacers for element attachment and the effectiveness of crimping as an alternative to soldering. The document also covers final assembly, including the integration of ferrite beads as a choke balun and options for weatherproofing and alternative mounting configurations, emphasizing the adaptability of the design for other VHF bands through scaling.

Autotena, a Taiwanese manufacturer, offers a diverse product line focused on RF communication antennas and related accessories. The resource details various antenna types, including **4G/3G LTE wideband high-gain low-profile antennas**, land mobile wideband antennas, fiberglass omnidirectional designs, and GPS mobile and marine antennas. Specific amateur radio offerings include NMO VHF load coil gain antennas, VHF whip gain antennas with PL-259 connectors, and UHF NMO mount antennas with 3dB/5dB gain. The company also produces antennas for CB and 10-meter amateur bands, such as aluminum broadband 26-30MHz antennas and big copper coil broadband 26-30MHz antennas. Additionally, the site showcases **RF amplifiers** for CB, HF, VHF, and UHF bands, including professional-grade base station amplifiers with 100% EIA duty cycle. Handheld antennas, PL-259 type mobile antennas, magnet mount antennas, and external CB speakers are also presented, alongside various mounting kits and cable assemblies.

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 DIY guide details constructing a 5-element Yagi antenna for VHF frequencies. Yagi antennas offer directional signal transmission/reception compared to omnidirectional ones. The guide covers material selection (aluminum, screws, etc.), design using software or formulas, and step-by-step assembly including cutting elements, drilling holes, and attaching the coaxial cable. While calculations are provided for a 146 MHz design, adjustments are necessary for different frequencies. Safety precautions and potential result variations are emphasized.

This page offers a tool for hams to design vertical antennas for portable use on different HF/VHF/UHF bands. Vertical antennas provide omni-directional transmission and reception, making them ideal for DX contacts. By adjusting the antenna's dimensions and viewing radiation patterns and VSWR charts, hams can optimize performance in various terrains. The tool also accounts for the impact of sloping ground on elevation radiation patterns. Perfect for hams looking to enhance their portable radio setups and improve long-distance communication.

Operating amateur radio satellites presents unique challenges, particularly concerning antenna design and signal propagation. Juan Antonio Fernández Montaña, EA4CYQ, recounts his three-year journey into satellite communication, starting with initial guidance from EB4DKA. His early experiments involved a portable 1/4 wave VHF antenna with four 1/4 wave ground planes, designed for hand-held use to adjust polarity. This setup, paired with an FT-3000M transceiver, allowed full-duplex operation on **VHF** transmit and **UHF** receive, proving effective for early contacts on satellites like AO27, UO14, and SO35. EA4CYQ's experience highlights the critical role of coaxial cable loss and antenna polarization. After encountering significant signal degradation with longer RG213 runs, he experimented with a 1/2 inch commercial cable, noting improved reception but persistent fading due to varying satellite polarities. This led to the construction of an **Eggbeater II** antenna, an omnidirectional UHF design offering horizontal polarization at the horizon and circular right polarization at higher elevation angles. Subsequent modifications resulted in the directional **TPM2** antenna, which provided sufficient gain for LEO satellites with a wide 30-degree lobe, enabling consistent contacts from his home station. The article concludes with practical insights on the performance of the Eggbeater II for both UHF and VHF, and the TPM2 for UHF, emphasizing their utility for portable and fixed operations. EA4CYQ's journey underscores the iterative process of antenna development and the importance of adapting designs to overcome real-world propagation challenges in satellite communications.