10m Vertical Antenna for Small Footprint
Build a low-cost, space-saving 10m half-wave vertical antenna from hardware store parts.
Description
A 10-meter half-wave vertical antenna, designed by Thomas 4L/G8BAG, offers a practical solution for hams with limited space and materials. This "flower pot" design utilizes common hardware store items such as 60mm plastic drain pipes and 75 Ohm coax cable, demonstrating that effective HF operation doesn't require specialized components. The author details the coax preparation, including stripping the outer sleeve and braid at specific measurements like 2510 mm and 2450 mm, and integrating it into the pipe structure.
The construction emphasizes simplicity and low cost, providing an accessible path to getting on the air on the 10m band, especially when a horizontal beam is not feasible. The article notes an SWR of 1.5:1 with 75 Ohm coax, managed by an MFJ 258 for impedance matching. This temporary solution proved robust, withstanding various weather conditions and achieving contacts across continents, including W, VK, BG, G, JA, and VR2, using 100W SSB from Georgia.