Quarter Wave 20 Meter Vertical Antenna Construction and Performance Data

The 1/4 wavelength vertical antenna project, initially designed for 20 meters, has evolved into a versatile portable solution covering 10 through 60 meters. K0BXB details its construction, emphasizing a bottom-loaded design with a tapped loading coil and four 10-foot counterpoise wires. The author shares personal experiences and field results, including 18 QSOs during a park activation on 17m and 30m with 10 watts, and a 2,435-mile contact with a contest station in Bonaire on 20m using 5 watts. Comparisons are drawn to commercial offerings like the Wolf River Coils TIA and QRPGuys Triband Vertical, highlighting the DIY antenna's small footprint, light weight, and ease of tuning for POTA activations. The resource includes insights into using test equipment such as the NanoVNA for SWR optimization and discusses various radiator lengths, from 17-foot wire to a 102-inch whip, demonstrating adaptability for different portable setups. Construction tips cover coil winding, tap placement, and connecting feedlines and radials using common components.