Fan Dipole Antenna: Efficient Multiband Design
Build Your Own Fan Dipole
Fan dipole antennas are versatile multiband designs featuring multiple half-wave elements sharing a single feedpoint. This configuration allows operation across various bands, typically from 80m to 10m, without requiring additional tuners. The antenna's bandwidth can be optimized by adjusting the element lengths and spacing, which also influences the impedance at the feedpoint. Height above ground affects the radiation pattern and overall performance, making placement critical for effective communication. Users often report reduced SWR and improved signal clarity when properly tuned and installed. Practical applications include DXing and contesting, where reliable multiband operation is essential.
To build a fan dipole, you will need materials such as insulated wire, a balun for impedance matching, and a sturdy support structure. Common components include PVC for the feedpoint and various connectors for the feedline. It's advisable to use an antenna analyzer or VNA to assess SWR and ensure optimal performance. Consideration of common-mode currents on the feedline is crucial, and implementing a choke can mitigate potential noise issues.
-
The 20 thru 10 meter dipole is constructed from stranded insulated wire available in most hardware stores. The feedpoint uses an 8 inch long section of 2 inch diameter PVC pipe. A section of wire joins the elements at either side of the feedpoint to avoid the inductance of square knots used on lower frequencies. -
An homemade fan dipole antenna for 20 30 40 meter bands, setup in a 15 meter wide garden. The longest leg for 40 meter is folded to fit in the 7.5 m -
The Fan dipole antenna offer a easy to setup and efficient HF multiband antenna that does not require tuners or antenna switches, diagram by YC8PVU. -
Modeling an 80/40/20M Fan Dipole for DX by Larry Banks, W1DYJ -
How to build Fan-Dipoles by DK7ZB. Experiences with various band combinations. Not all combinations are working properly. If the frequencies are to close together the impedances will lead to a very bad SWR. This happens with the bands 10-12-15m or 15-17-20m. -
Interesting article on multiband fan dipoles. This article give an overview on designing this wire antenna, and planning a robust installation and proper feed line. Includes notes on setting up a commercial fan dipole antenna and on how diy your own. -
A three-frequency multi-band dipole that can be extended easily to additional bands. This article includes a multiband fan-dipole antenna for 80-40-20-10 meter band. -
Attic Fan dipole antenna that allow to operate QRP from 40 metres to 10 metres, specifically 40, 20, 17, 15 & 10 meter band -
The fan dipole antenna as an alternative to the paralled dipole antenna, to achieve a larger bandwidth and a better tuning by decreasing elenment influences.A project based on the W6HDG original concept. -
The FFD is a multiband antenna, quick, easy and cheap. This antenna is designed to work on 80, 40, 20, 17, 10 and 6 meters and to be placed in a backyard. -
The Fence Fan Dipole a quick, easy and inexpensive multiband dipole antenna -
How to build a multi-band dipole antenna with a single coax feed. Instructions for a 160M antenna that will fit in the space that a 75M dipole will with almost as good of results as a full size 160M dipole. -
Author describes in this post a unique copper pipe fan dipole that he created and that provides fantastic results -
Two find dipoles one for 75/40/20 and the other for 20/15. These 2 dipoles are at right angles to each other and the 20/15 dipole is located about 6 feet below the 75/40/20 fan dipole. -
Extension to an existing fan dipole originally modeled for 40 20 and 6 meters. This modification will add 80 15 and 10 meter bands. -
There are a large number of antenna designs for HF. One choice out of many is the fan dipole. The ability to transmit of multiple bands without needing a tuner (and even more with a tuner) is a very desirable factor in choosing a versitle antenna for HF. -
This PDF guide provides detailed instructions and diagrams for constructing a fan dipole antenna, a popular choice among hams for multiband operations. The guide covers the design, materials needed, and installation process, offering step-by-step guidance to help hams set up an effective antenna system for their radio operations. -
A fand dipole antenna home made for the 7,14,50 MHz. This article descbribes how to homebrew the antenna, hot to setup and some SWR measurements. -
Amateur Radio 40m 20m 15m Half Wave Fan dipole antenna project with part list, pictures and drawing. Includes the option to expand the antenna to cover the 80 meters band -
An interesting presentation of a real multiband Fan Dipole antenna, optimized for better DX operation performances, considering the terrain, position, DX destination path and other influencing factors -
A multiband shortened fan dipole. This page offers and online calculator that can be really useful if you plan to homebrew a multiband dipole for low HF bands and you don't have all needed space for the full lenght. It combines multiband dipole with loading coild for selected bands. -
The antenna in this project is a modification of the techniques used to design a multiband fan type dipole with little or no tuning involved having a total space of 105 feet -
A multiband Fan Dipole that works on 40 20 15 meters band, making a folded dipole for 7 MHz band and additional element for the 21 MHz and 14 MHz -
Multiband dipole antenna working on 80-40-20-15m, a 3 element antenna, 15m being a 3rd harmonic of 40.