Budget-Friendly 5-Element Quad Antenna Design

Constructing a 5-element quad antenna, the author aimed for low cost and simplicity, resulting in an effective design with 11 dBi gain and SWR of 2:1 or better across the 2-meter band. Using wood and dowels, the antenna costs under $8 and takes less than two hours to build with basic tools.
The model predicts excellent performance, confirmed by ARRL Lab measurements. Practical field results demonstrate improved communication, even in simplex mode.