Dipole Antenna Projects and Designs
Construction guides and plans for monoband, multiband, shortened, and vertical dipole antennas.
The dipole antenna is a fundamental building block for many ham radio stations, known for its simplicity and reliable performance across HF and VHF bands. Operators often choose dipoles for their ease of construction and adaptability, making them popular for both permanent installations and portable operations. Many hams start their antenna projects with a basic dipole, learning about impedance, SWR, and propagation in a practical way.
This category offers numerous designs for building and optimizing dipole antennas. You will find detailed guides for multiband dipoles, like the N3UJJ project, which eliminate the need for an antenna tuner, and shortened designs such as the W5VMs Shorty 40 for limited spaces. There are also resources covering specific construction techniques, including trap dipoles for WARC bands and innovative feeding methods like LA6PB's split dipole, helping hams achieve effective QSOs on their preferred frequencies.
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Indoor multiband dipole with EZNEC data files for simulation and analysis. Includes details on construction, tuning, SWR plots, and software usage. This page includes two different dipoles, a first version for 20-10 meters and an extended version covering 40-10 meters allowing a full coverage of most used ham radio HF Bands. -
Based on a simple project based on a 2 elements Yagi for 20m band, and then becomed a triband yagi with a open-sleeve feed system -
How to operate on 10 and 20 meters in limited space with this trapped dipole. -
Inverted vee dipole antenna for 20 meters band by VK1OD -
A Trapped dipole inverted V antenna for lower HF Bands. Construction details are for temporary installation. Permanent installations will require additional ruggedising and waterproofing however the basic electronics concepts remain the same. This project includes SWR plots for the three bands and pictures details of the homemade traps. -
Rigid Dipole antennas for 14 MHz band using PVC and Aluminium tubing -
It is very simple to build and you can tune it in your shack room -
Instructions to build a portable dipole for 20 meters -
An excellent all-around 40 meter antenna for those who don't have room for a multi element yagi antenna -
A 40 80 dipole antenna design by WA6ESC PDF File -
An easy to make trap dipole antenna for 40 and 20 meters -
A coil loaded dipole antenna for 40 and 80 meters band by I2CN -
An home made trapped dipole antenna for 40 and 60 meters band by 2E0HTS -
Homebrew project of a dipole for six meters band by KK5ID -
This article documents an unobtrusive antenna for operation on 7MHz, primarily for contacts with stations at up to 1000Km range. -
DL2HRF shortened dipole antenna for 80 meters band -
The best antenna is the simple Dipole. If you have height, you even can put up a quarter wave vertical or an inverted, but sometimes you may need shorten version by 4S7NR -
Easy to setup dipole antenna for 4 meters band by Tony Hawker G4CJZ -
A simple, cheap, efficient tv antenna that you can make yourself. -
A Co-ax Trap Dipole For 40, 30 and 20 Meters or at last that was the intention -
A double dipole for the 20 and 15 meters band in french -
A scanned PDF of this interesting book on HF Dipole antennas published by Stanford Research Institute -
The 75 meter dipole at K7ZB was put up to meet the need for making contacts with friends in the Southwest and Southern California. As usual, it had to be put up so no one can see it from the surrounding neighborhood. -
A vertical dipole for 7MHz and 21MHz by OH3GGQ -
Antenna suitable for all the HF amateur bands, including the so called WARC bands by vk6ysf -
A 3 band dipole for 10 15 and 20 meters band, easy to build, and that can be easily setup in any occasion, inclunding field days or portable operations -
This improved multiband trap dipole introduces a new trap design and a change in trap location. The antenna features double-coaxial-cable-wound traps having lower reactance and a higher quality factor (Q) than earlier coax-cable traps by W8NX -
What is a dipole antenna and why are they so popular ? Arrl PDF file -
Antenna modeling discussions about What happens if... a dipole is bent horizontally, laterally, vertically. Zig-zag, meander, catenary curve. Effect of sag, elevation, radials. OCF off-center feed, harmonics. Includes 4NEC2 antenna models for each study. -
Mesh constructed with enamelled wire 0.5 mm diameter For installing a support (plastic rope 2 mm) is needed. Antenna used on Solomon Isl in 1995 H44/DJ9RB -
A broadband travelling wave dipole for HF bands, whose VSWR is less than 2:1 from 3 to 15 MHz and does not exceed 2.6 to 1 from 2.3 to at least 30 MHz -
A rotateable dipole specifically for the 20m based on W3FF Buddipole design by ZR6KMD -
A vertical dipole for the 40 meters band made by using some buddipole parts and adding capacities on both ends by HB9MTN -
Described here is a simple omni-directional, vertically-polarized dipole for two meters. Made from coaxial cable, it can be rolled up and stored in a small container -
The Classic Multiband Dipole Antenna QST article. The open-wire feed line dipole antenna is easy to install and offers surprising performance on several bands. You can install it in almost any configuration; it does not have to be strung in the traditional horizontal flat top -
Coaxial Cable Dipole for 30 meters band by I2NDT with detailed pictures of his dipole antenna setup. -
A multiband coax trapped dipole for 10-80 meters bands by DF1PU -
German article on the multiband dipole by DG0KW. This antenna can be configured for several bands and can work in 3 or 4 bands mode. Can be used in restricted space lots. -
Overview, summary, tutorial about the dipole antenna or dipole aerial that is widely used on its own and as the basis for other antenna designs. -
Shortened dipole with traps for 40 meters band in portuguese -
Here is a very simple and practical way to make a short but efficient 40-meter dipole. The K4VX Linear-Loaded Dipole for 7 MHz -
How High should my Dipole be? Dipole Antennas and the effect of height above ground. The effectiveness of a dipole antenna is influenced by its height above ground, determined by the intended use such as DX work, local communication, directionality, omni-directionality, and feed point impedance. Through EZNEC modeling, the study evaluates a 40-meter dipole's performance at various heights, from 7 to 560 feet. Findings reveal that lower heights enhance omni-directional local communication, while higher placements favor DX work with low-angle radiation. The study emphasizes the importance of defining operational goals to optimize dipole height and performance. -
The simple dipole is perhaps the best antenna for consistent performance. Basic page on dipoles by G3PTO -
A simple dipole built for two-band operation can be used for portable use and operate 20 and 40 meter bands -
Two dipoles fed from the same coaxial line by n6bz for 20 and 15 meters -
Electrically shortened dipole antennas, article by Mark Connelly, WA1ION -
A trifilar folded dipole antenna for 80 meters band -
The half wave dipole antenna is a simple and practical antenna model that consists of a half wavelength long centre fed conductor. -
This is an 80 metre dipole that fits in a small spac -
This doubet antenna is a half wave dipole antenna easy to build, in french -
Home made wire dipole on a lenght of 30 meter 98.4 ft by PE1OPM -
Build a 10 Meter Technician Class Dipole antenna. Get on 10 Meters fast with this basic 10 Meter Dipole project by hamuniverse -
This document outlines the construction of a homebrew Buddipole antenna variant, designed for portable use and emergency services. The antenna utilizes telescoping whips and loading coils, enhancing its versatility across various HF bands. Key components include fiberglass rods, brass fittings, and Anderson Power Pole connectors, ensuring robust electrical connections. The design emphasizes non-inductive materials to minimize interference, while practical assembly techniques, such as epoxy and heat shrink tubing, are employed for durability. This variant aims to improve upon traditional Buddipole designs, offering greater strength and functionality. -
Homemade Loaded Coil Dipole ( w8010 diamond ) for 10, 15, 20, 40 and 80 meter -
All antennas that are situated close to the ground are affected by that ground to some extent. This article explain effects and benefits of counterpoise. -
It is very easy to create a simple 1/2 wave dipole, all you need is some lengths of wire such as the core of some mains flex or even a straightened out metal coat hanger, some co-ax cable and a connector for your scanners antenna input -
Installing your dipole end insulators, a beginner guide to proper setup wires to insultaors. -
Described is a simple inverted-V antenna which, when used with a balanced ATU, can be used on all the main Radio Amateur HF bands (80, 40, 20, 15 and 10m). The cental support is made in such a way that the wire can be coiled up for storage when the antenna is taken down. -
A french document about Inverted V dipole antennas -
This project will enable you to build a monoband long wire inverted vee with 3/4 wave length sides that will have a bit of gain -
This antenna consists of 4 resonate dipoles made from 12 insulated copper electrical wire. The dipoles are resonate on the following bands: 6 meters, 10 meters, 12 meters and 17 meters. -
Inverted V antennas is a dipole with the center raised on a mast and the endpoints near ground. Calculate dimensions online. -
A Center-Fed Half-Wave Dipole is probably the simplest of antennas to construct and use. It is usually suspended between two supports, from it's end insulators, and has the feedline hanging from the center. -
A new method of feeding a dipole with toroids. -
An economical dipole for simple QRP HF homebrew rigs -
A mobile setup using a dipole antenna for 10 to 80 meters band in italian -
Different band dipoles can be put together with a single feed, learn how by W8HDU -
A comparison of different multi-band dipole techniques -
A 40 ft vertical dipole antenna that can cover HF Bands from 80 to 10 meters winding a dipole in a 12m HD telescoping fiberglass pole -
A multiband 20/40/75/160 trap dipole antenna plan by KG0WX -
Construction details for a multiband trap-style Inverted-V antenna covering 80m, 40m, 20m, 15m, and 10m bands, including coil winding data. -
A multiband dipole antenna that can work on 15 20 and 40 meters band made with common materials -
Pictures of a multiband dipole, build with simple PVC T and standard electrical wire -
All about dipole antenna construction -
A modified twin-lead folded dipole antenna design, optimized for QRP operations, offering enhanced gain over a standard dipole. Includes formulas for -
A home brewed rotary dipole antenna for 12 and 17 meters band with pictures and construction details -
Drawings pictures and notes on a rotary dipole antenna for 30 and 40 meters band -
This article describes a simple, inexpensive, dipole antenna that will rival the performance of a ten-meter beam. -
The GM4JMU Shortened 7Mhz Dipole -
This short dipole antenna has been described by Nadisha, 4S7NR and may be of interest to anyone wishing to get on 80M (3.5MHz) that have limited space available. -
A three band short Vee antenna is feasible with two legs per side on a dipole. 10-15-20 meters by W8HDU -
Design your owm HF shiortened dipole. Includes a diagram of a lumped-constant loaded dipole antenna that is intended to fit in available space, rather than requiring a full 1/2 wavelength, at a specified frequency -
A shorten Dual-Band Dipole with overall length of about 11 m. For this antenna traps are substituted by inductors, in order to cover the 10 & 40 m. Bands. -
A shortened multiband dipole antenna by PA0FRI in Dutch -
Short dipole antenna for 40 meter ham band. Can be put up in the space required for a 20 meter dipole. -
The terminated tilted, folded dipole T2FD is a little known antenna that performs excellently. Compact in size compared to a half-wave dipole the T2FD provides signal gain, wide frequency coverage, and exceptionally low noise characteristics. -
This article explores the Cobra Junior linear loaded antenna for 80m to 10m bands. This antenna is a linear loaded dipole described by W4JOH in 73 magazine June 1997 -
The 4-band Fritzel model FD4 is a special version of a Windom antenna. It is a half-wave long on the lowest frequency, and is fed from a coax cable through a transformer inserted in the wire at one-third from one end -
A very short dipole with a good radiation efficiently plus a respectable bandwidth by S. C. Chuck Smith, WA7RAI -
If you are looking for an easy antenna for your favorite band, you can't go wrong with an halfwavelenght dipole, all you need is 3 insulators and some wire -
The N3UJJ antenna project,parallel-cage dipole a multi-band horizontal antenna, without the need of an antenna tuner. -
Diamond W8010 Multiband Dipole Modifications -
Diamond W8010 Multiband Dipole Modifications -
Build a space efficient trapped dipole antenna for 40-80-160 meter bands using RG-58 and PVC pipe. The document provides a brief guide on building a compact dipole antenna appropriate for the 40, 80, and 160-meter amateur radio bands. It explains the materials, building processes, and tuning methods required to provide best performance while preserving space. The paper also discusses theoretical elements of dipole antennas, such as impedance matching and feedline selection. -
This article explores a theoretical model for the losses of an 80m / 40m trapped inverted V dipole antenna system using a bootstrap coax trap, but does not examine the pattern of the antenna. -
A multiband vertical dipole antenna by ON4BAI -
A vertical dipole for 10, 15, 20 and 40 meters made adapting two Hustler Model 6-BTV antennas by w6sdo -
A portable dualband dipole robust and compact antenna usable for horizontal and vertical polarisation by ON6MU -
A multiband 80-40-20-15 meters dipole wire antenna that can be extended to cover 160 meters too. -
The multi-band trapped dipole is resonant on approx 3.7, 7, 14, 24 7 28.5 Mhz. The overall top length needs to be approximately 32.9 Meters -
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 -
A shortened dipole for 40 meters band by Martin E. Meserve -
The $4 Special all band wire antenna -
Inverted Vee antenna for 40m with simulation data by DF9CY -
ZZ Wave Net is a 40 & 80 meter full wave loop designed to fit on a city lot. ZZ Antenna is a folded dipole bent into an inverted V loop -
How to homemade a multi-band HF dipole using 100 meter of speaker wire, 2 strandsm including a homebrew 1:1 choke balun -
Experimenting a 20 40 meter short coil loaded dipole antenna with the goal to keep the total length under 40 feet so that the dipole can be mounted on two 20 foot fiberglass pole to make a 20/40 meter rotatable dipole. -
An homemade portable trapped dipole antenna for 40 and 80 meters band with an optional extension for the 20 meters. -
Schematic drawing and instructions for the construction of a simple portable dipole for use in low power and portable operations -
A dual band dipole antenna for 40 and 80 meters band. Total lenght of 26 meters, foreseen two coils at aprox 11 meters distance from center feed. -
A home made dipole antenna for 10m, 6m, 4m bands made with two sections of 450 and 300 Ohm ladder lines, cut to achieve acceptable SWRs on all bands -
A simple to build full length 20/40 dipole antenna to be used in inverted vee configuration -
Discussion about laterally bent-end dipoles. Bent by percentage of length and fine-tuned by angling the bent ends. -
This article serves as a beginner-friendly guide to constructing a simple VHF dipole antenna for 2 meters, perfect for novices in the hobby. With an emphasis on affordability and simplicity, it explains the basics without overwhelming technical details. Recommendations for coaxial cable and mounting methods are provided, offering practical solutions for effective communication. By following these instructions, novices can build a functional antenna without breaking the bank. -
Learn how an experienced ham radio operator rebuilt his trap dipole antenna for 30, 40, and 80 meters after a storm damage. Discover the process of upgrading to a short trap dipole for 40, 80, and 160 meters using double-wound traps made from RG-58 coax. Follow along for construction details and tips on building this unique classi. -
This is another alternative home-brew center connector for a dipole. The parts used are common PVC accesories found at the home supply store. -
A distributed capacity coaxial dipole antenna. The antenna is very broadbanded with a very flat swr on all band when setup of the antenna is done at the proper lenght and height. -
Antenna most often used by Hams around the world. Inexpensive, effective and easy to build, what more could anyone ask for in a home made antenna. -
Homemade dipole antenna for portable use -
Dipoles at the correct height are not only stealthy antennas, they work great -
The "DIY Telescopic-V Antenna £35" project showcases the creation of a budget-friendly, portable telescopic V-shaped antenna inspired by commercial designs. Using eBay-sourced telescopic whips and custom mounting solutions, the author documents their process, testing, and adaptations. Despite challenges like weather and missing tools, the antenna performed well across multiple bands, enabling successful QSOs. Future improvements include exploring loading coils and testing in better locations. The compact design offers versatility for amateur radio enthusiasts seeking an affordable and practical solution. -
This project outlines a simple, cost-effective 40m band HF dipole antenna design, ideal for beginners. Constructed with insulated copper wire and a 1:1 balun, it offers a 50-ohm impedance, suitable for both 40m and 15m bands due to the harmonic relationship. Calculations account for a K factor, ensuring optimal length and performance. Antenna modeling with 4NEC2 confirms practical access to both bands, though real-world results may vary. Lightweight materials and straightforward assembly make it an accessible and versatile amateur radio solution. -
The author explores the VP2E antenna, introduced by Ed Durrant DD5LP, for Portable Operations on the Air (POTA). Detailing its unique design, successful trials, and an unexpected propagation twist, the VP2E proves a promising addition to the author's portable antenna arsenal. -
Project with pictures and plans for an HF off center fed dipole by KB1NWH -
A 40/80 meters dipole made with two loading coils based on a project by IK1ZOY -
This is a standard calculation method that can help you while tuning dipole antennas, by adjusting wire lengths. This method can be used also when you need to add lenght to your wires, and can be additionally used to quarter waves vertical antennas -
This page delves into the Inverted V antenna, a source of myths among ham radio operators. The author explores the behavior of this antenna type with a focus on a 20m half-wave dipole positioned 10m above the ground. From Pythagoras to high school math, the article simplifies the calculation of dimensions and angles for setting up an Inverted V antenna. It includes a spreadsheet for calculating hypotenuse length and angles, crucial for antenna setup. Additionally, it provides insight into the radiation pattern of a 'flat' half-wave dipole at 10m height. Useful for hams planning to optimize their antenna setup. In Norwegian. -
A multi-band trapped dipole antenna working on 20, 40, 75 and 160 meters band. This project implement a 20 meter trap unadilla reyco KW-20, 40 meter trap Unadilla Reyco KW-40 and a HI-Q 1:1 balun feed. -
Make your own dipole for 40 and 80 meters band, assembling standard product parts like 40 meter traps, the 1:1 balun and insulators
