Ribbon Dipole

Over 1,000 stations in approximately 60 countries were worked using this modified twin-lead folded dipole, demonstrating its effectiveness with just 4 watts on 20 meters. This design, adapted from an ARRL Handbook concept, eliminates the shorting strap found in traditional folded dipoles, simplifying construction while maintaining performance. It utilizes readily available 300-ohm TV antenna feeder ribbon, making it a cost-effective solution for radio amateurs.

The antenna's robust construction allows it to handle up to 100 watts without issues, even without a balun. The inclusion of a variable trimmer capacitor at the stub provides flexibility for tuning across different frequencies within a band, a practical feature for operators using transceivers like the Icom 735.

Formulas are provided to calculate the precise dimensions for any desired operating frequency, enabling customization for various HF bands.