Search results

Antenna mounting height, the higher the better? Learn how radiation pattern change, and decide if you need an higher or a lower angle for your dx needs.

A 500-watt mobile antenna project details the conversion of an old 10m hamstick into a highly efficient, multiband "bugstick" for HF operation. The core modification involves replacing the original coil with 25 turns of 6 turns-per-inch, 1.5-inch diameter coil stock, fabricated from #14 wire. This design, intended for a 3-magnet mount on a vehicle cab, achieves resonance on multiple bands by shorting out specific turns on the coil, similar to a **bugcatcher** antenna. Measurements taken with an MFJ-259 analyzer on a GMC pickup show 0 turns shorted for 20 meters (14.2 MHz), 10 turns for 17 meters, 16 turns for 15 meters, 19 turns for 12 meters, and 23 turns for 10 meters. The construction emphasizes using UV-resistant tie-wraps and #14 solid wire with crimp lugs for robust RF connections, bypassing the fiberglass rod for current flow. A bonus section details a 40-meter version, utilizing 48 turns of 8 TPI, 2-inch diameter coil stock.

This article presents a method of controlling preamps, antenna switching and polarization switching remotely without the use of control cables.

Backpacking, boating or mountaintopping ? Invest your time and pack this novel directional gain antenna on your next expedition

This document details the design and construction of a Vinecom 6N4 dual-band Yagi antenna for the 50MHz (6-meter) and 70MHz (4-meter) amateur radio bands. The antenna features 9 total elements (4 elements for 50MHz, 5 elements for 70MHz) on a 4.236-meter aluminum boom. Computer simulations using MMANA software predict 7.21 dBd gain on both bands with front-to-back ratios of 16.01dB (6m) and 15.37dB (4m). The design uses 12.7mm diameter elements mounted on a 32mm square boom, weighing 5.7kg total. Practical measurements with an MFJ-269 analyzer confirmed good SWR performance across both bands after element length adjustments.

K0EMT mobile antenna mast mount

A 50-ohm 10W resistor forms the core of this portable QRP antenna, designed by _K0EMT_ for convenient operation on 160m and 80m. The construction involves soldering the resistor to a BNC connector, with one lead to ground and the other to the center conductor, then insulating the assembly. This minimalist design aims to provide a highly portable solution for low-band QRP operations, acknowledging the inherent trade-offs between antenna size and efficiency. Testing with an antenna analyzer revealed low SWR on both 160m and 80m, with a Yaesu FT-817 confirming good matching. While 40m and 30m showed higher SWR, the primary focus remains on the lower bands. The author successfully tested the antenna with **2.5W CW** output, demonstrating its practical application for QRP field operations where ease of deployment is paramount, even if it means sacrificing some **gain** compared to full-sized antennas.

A homebrew Magmount for 2m antenna

Using our components you can build a rotating tower with greater capability than 3-4 static towers. A rotating tower allows common rotation of HF stacked arrays, VHF and UHF arrays, and antennas mounted at optimum heights. Component design also allows tower shunt loading and end support for wire antennas

An inverted triangle Delta Loop Antenna for the 40 meter band made with aluminium pipes, each element is 14,2 meters including a home made aluminium mount.

Article on mobile antenna mounting methods by Firestik

Deploying robust antenna infrastructure for both fixed and portable operations often requires specialized support structures capable of withstanding environmental stresses while providing optimal radiating element placement. SMC offers a range of solutions, including pneumatic masts and push-up masts, designed to facilitate rapid deployment and reliable long-term support for various antenna types. Their product line encompasses antenna mounts, poles, and complete antenna systems, addressing the critical need for stable and efficient RF communication. The company's offerings extend to HF antennas, including dipoles and _NVIS_ (Near Vertical Incidence Skywave) antennas, which are crucial for short-range regional communications on bands like 80m and 40m. These systems are engineered for durability and performance, ensuring signal integrity across diverse operating conditions. With over **65 years** of experience, SMC has established itself as a global manufacturer in this niche. Their product portfolio also includes antenna support towers, catering to more permanent installations requiring significant height and load capacity for multiple arrays.

Spanish radio dealer offer accessories, antennas and battery chargers, mounting accessories, cables and connectors, radio kits, power supply, pmr, vhf/uhf radios, all products for CB, ham radio and SWL.

This antenna is designed to be mounted off the side of a tower. Works on 136-153 Mhz range but also on 70 cm band

Guide to ground mounting antennas, notes on efficiency, elevated installations, metal towers and masts, other mounting schemas, moble homes and rv, lightning protections, artiche by Bencher

manufacture and sell unique, high quality, amateur radio products like HF and VHF antenna mounts

Demonstrates the adaptation and construction of a 7-element DK7ZB Yagi antenna for the 4-meter band (70 MHz), utilizing components from a defunct 2-meter CUE DEE Yagi. The resource details the modifications made to the original DK7ZB design to fit the shorter CUE DEE boom length, specifically adjusting element lengths for 6mm rod elements while reusing existing mounting holes for the reflector and last director. It provides precise element lengths for the reflector, dipole (12mm aluminum tube), and five directors, along with a note on cutting elements for transport. The article includes a 4NEC2 simulation file for performance analysis and an SWR plot, confirming the antenna's electrical characteristics. It also specifies the calculation for the quarter-wavelength matching cable using SAT752F coaxial cable, resulting in a 909mm length. Practical application is shown with the finished antenna in operation at JO20XC, listing several activated Maidenhead squares such as JO56PA and JP40KS, validating its effectiveness for portable 70 MHz operations.

This PDF document details the construction of a **70 MHz** Big Wheel antenna, a horizontally polarized omnidirectional array. The design utilizes three full-wave loops, each approximately **2160 mm** in diameter, arranged in a triangular configuration. The resource provides mechanical dimensions for the antenna elements and a comprehensive bill of materials, specifying component quantities and types, such as M8 stainless steel bolts, 15x15x1.5 mm square aluminum tubing for spacers, and 8 mm aluminum rod for the arcs. The central hub is constructed from two 160x160x8 mm aluminum plates, with four 40 mm long polyamide insulators supporting the radiating elements. The feed system incorporates a 50 mm diameter aluminum pipe for mounting and a matching stub constructed from a 120x20x2 mm aluminum sheet, connected via M8x10 mm bolts. The resource includes a diagram illustrating the mechanical dimensions and assembly points, including the N-connector fixing point and the center conductor attachment. The project was published on May 25, 2011, by Peter OE5MPL and Rudi OE5VRL. DXZone Focus: PDF | 70 MHz Big Wheel | Mechanical Dimensions | **2160 mm** loop diameter

Antenna dealer, antenna masts, towers, mounts, antenna rotators, steppir and optibeam inrad dealer

The RoadTrek design presents some unique challenges to us hams. Here an example of a VHF and HF antenna installation on a VAN

Ever need a way to estimate the amount of wire to add to or remove from a center-fed wire dipole antenna to achieve resonance at a desired frequency? This article help to determine correct wire lenght.

An interesting article on how to make copper cactus J-Pole antennas

Specialist in the design and supply of Radio Communications Equipment and Systems. West Sussex England. Antennas, traps and baluns inline isolators, Outbacker Antennas, Mobile Mounts and Accessories

Mounting on Roof or at Ground Level? Why ground plane antenna works better at lower level.

In this PDF article Zack Lau describe how to homebrew a four element yagi beam antenna for 50 MHz band, including how to build mounting blocks and tubing clamps to hold elements.

Manufacturing distributor of infrastructure products for the telecommunications industry; antenna mounts, ice bridge, cable ladder, ground bars, weatherproofing, exothermic, safety equipment.

A step by step approach for a ham radio vertical antenna mount using only a hole, gravel and a piece of plumbing pipe

Telecom Product Profiles is a manufacturers' rep firm specializing in factory direct Nello Towers, monopoles, antenna mounts, shelters, and more. Factory direct Cellular, PCS, and Wireless Broadband equipment such as antennas, radios, and more. Installation, financing, and leasing options available.

Crank-up(telescopic) and tilt-over tower, Ring rotator for mounting an extra antenna, from 16m to 42m, Strong safe and smooth, Radio communication and commercial tower.

Homemade Jeep Tailgate Antenna Mount for use with a Swing Out Tire Carrier

Benelec Pty Ltd specializes in the design and manufacturing of **antennas** and RF components, covering a broad frequency range from 0.002 GHz to 8 GHz. Their product line includes Land Mobile Radio Antennas, such as HF 2-30MHz, VHF 40-180MHz, and UHF 200-520MHz models, alongside specialized Military Antennas for dismounted, UxS, C2, and EW applications. The company also produces Cellular Antennas, including 4G/5G and GPS/GNSS types, and Marine Antennas for both vessel-mounted and fixed-site installations. Additionally, Benelec offers a comprehensive range of coaxial cables, connectors like N-Type and SMA, and various radio accessories. The company's offerings extend to RF components such as duplexers, diplexers, and 50 Ohm loads, as well as DAS components like directional couplers and hybrid combiners. Benelec provides EMP and lightning protection solutions, including 1/4 Wave Stub protectors and replaceable GAS capsules. Their product catalog also features P25, DMR, and FM Analog radios, along with portable and mobile radio accessories like batteries, chargers, and cabled headsets. The company supports various sectors with robust communication solutions.

A NEC Model Comparative Analysis of Physical Orientation and Performance. The small magnetic loop is a useful compromise antenna for limited space and portability. For this reason, the magnetic loop antenna is a practical high frequency antenna solution for the restricted space of apartment dwellers

Antenna Systems & Solutions, Inc. carries antenna mounts, antenna guyed towers, antenna self-supporting towers, four legged towers, BX towers, poles, tower hardware, and wall mounts.

Demonstrates a range of specialized radio frequency equipment and consulting services for amateur and professional applications. The offerings include _Vector-Finder_ direction finding antennas, various test equipment such as _gate dip meters_ and RF sniffers, and communications receiving adjuncts. Additionally, the company produces satellite antennas for weather satellite reception, voice amplification devices like the _Flex-Mike_, and custom prototype circuit boards. The company's product line addresses needs for precise RF measurement, signal detection, and specialized antenna systems, particularly for direction finding and satellite communications. Their historical association with National Radio (HRO) suggests a legacy in radio technology. The site also highlights a subsidiary, Sierra Mountain Products, which offers outdoor recreational gear, indicating a diversification beyond core RF manufacturing.

Accessories, Antennas and Battery chargers. Radiators, Repeaters, Yagi, Mag, Car, Tetra, Marine, Multiband, Brackets, Mounting accessories, cables and connectors, radiokits, special cables etc. Based in Finland

The **Solarcon A99** vertical antenna, a half-wave over a quarter-wave variable mutual inductance design, primarily serves the 11-meter CB band but also finds use on 10 and 12 meters for amateur radio operators. Its simple construction, consisting of three fiberglass sections and a 16 AWG radiating element, makes it an accessible option for new operators or those seeking an easy-to-install base station antenna without complex mounting requirements. Despite claims of 9.9 dBi gain being widely considered exaggerated, and a manufacturer rating of 2000 watts power handling often viewed with skepticism (with 300 watts suggested as a practical limit), the A99 maintains popularity due to its low cost and ease of deployment. It typically tunes to a 1.2-1.3 SWR out of the box, requiring minimal adjustment via its two tuning rings. Its high angle of radiation allows for effective local communication even when mounted at low heights, such as 8-10 feet off the ground. However, the A99 is known for significant RF bleed-over issues, particularly when operated with higher power or mounted close to residential electronics. While its internal design is often described as cheap, the antenna exhibits remarkable durability, frequently lasting a decade or more in various weather conditions. Its affordability and straightforward setup continue to make it a go-to choice for many radio enthusiasts.

A portable swiss quad antenna project made with components and parts that can be dismounted, in German

A frame antenna for the 80 meters band, built to be folded and to be easy to be mounted and dismounted. This antenna is suitable for indoor and QRP use, bandwidth is just 10kHz and should be observed a proper distance while transmitting due to high voltage.

Mounting antenna close each other. Distance calculations and tips on setting up antennas by KB9VBR

How to have a way of elevating an antenna connected to the mobile rig in your car or truck.

NVIS antennas, also known as Near Incident Vertical Skywave antennas have a high angle of radiation. Something on the order of 60 degrees, to straight up to 90 degrees. A portable, easy to setup and cheap nvis antenna project.

Simple 6 Metre DX Antenna based on an article by LB Cebick in QST May 2002 on a Quad Turnstile antenna. This antenna is basically two full wave loops mounted at right angles fed 90 degrees out of phase to produce an omni-directional horizontally polarized pattern

A vehicle mounted portable antenna mast.

Antenna element holders, antenna parts, aluminium tubing, fiberglass tubing, connectors and antenna mounts and hardware by Eidolon AS

PL-259, Motorola & N connectors, Coax Seal, universal adapter kit, TNC, Mini-UHF, SMA, F & BNC connectors, audio connectors,antenna mounts and antennas

Performance of an unloaded ground mounted vertical as a multi-band HF antenna.

Operating a ham station often involves encountering radio frequency interference (RFI), RF feedback, or RF burns, which are frequently misattributed to poor equipment grounding. This resource meticulously dissects these assumptions, asserting that RF grounds on the operating desk often merely mask more significant system flaws. It identifies five primary causes for RF problems, including antenna system design flaws, proximity of the antenna to the operating position, DC power supply ground loops, equipment design defects, and poorly installed connectors or defective cables. The content emphasizes that issues like "hot cabinets" or changes in SWR when connecting a ground indicate substantial RF flowing over wiring or cabinets, a phenomenon known as common-mode current. The article provides detailed explanations of common-mode current generation, particularly from single-wire fed antennas like longwires, random wires, and OCF dipoles, which inherently present high levels of RF in the shack. It also illustrates how vertical antennas, lacking a perfect ground system, can excite feed lines with significant common-mode current. Through simulations, the author demonstrates how a dipole without a proper _balun_ can cause RF problems at the operating desk, showing current patterns and voltage distributions on feed line shields. The discussion extends to the proper application of _RF isolators_ and _ferrite beads_, clarifying their role in modifying common-mode impedance on cable shields and cautioning against their use as a band-aid for fundamental system defects. The resource advocates for correcting the actual source of RF problems, such as antenna system issues or poor connector mounting, rather than relying on internal shack grounding or isolators. It highlights that properly functioning two-conductor feed lines, like coaxial or open-wire lines, should result in minimal RF levels at the operating position, even without a desk RF ground. The author shares personal experience, noting that his stations since the late 1970s have operated without RF grounds at the desks, relying instead on proper antenna system design and feed line integrity.

This article serves as a beginner-friendly guide to constructing a simple VHF dipole antenna for 2 meters, perfect for novices in the hobby. With an emphasis on affordability and simplicity, it explains the basics without overwhelming technical details. Recommendations for coaxial cable and mounting methods are provided, offering practical solutions for effective communication. By following these instructions, novices can build a functional antenna without breaking the bank.

Converting a little Radio Shack CB mobile magnet mount antenna to a VHF ham radio antenna

A project for a ground mounted 4 square antenna by DM9EE