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Query: portable 2 meter antenna
Links: 151 | Categories: 4
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A vertical portable antenna system by W0SJS that will work on 40, 30, 20, 17 and 15 meters
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W4ZT used this antenna for Field Day and other portable applications. He built them for all bands between 160 meters and 6 meters. You can make them easily using whatever wire you have available and make the insulators from scrap plastic
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Constructing a portable, high-gain antenna for _AO-40_ satellite operations presents unique challenges, particularly regarding mechanical stability and parabolic accuracy. This resource details the build of a 1.2-meter "brolly dish" antenna, utilizing a non-conducting fiberglass umbrella frame as its foundation. The project outlines a method for achieving a parabolic shape using stressed aluminum fly screen mesh, guided by practical geometry and a temporary dowel template. Key steps include selecting an appropriate umbrella with a suitable f/D ratio (ideally >0.25), removing the original fabric, and precisely cutting and attaching eight segments of fly screen to the struts to form the reflective surface. The construction process, which took approximately five hours for the author, _G6LVB_, resulted in a dish with an f/D of 0.27 (depth=270mm, diameter=1160mm, f=310mm). The article also describes a modification to a _TransSystem AIDC_ feed, incorporating a PCB reflector behind the dipole for easier mounting. Performance tests at a squint angle of 15 deg and a range of 50,000km yielded a signal-to-noise ratio of 33dB on the S2 beacon and 23dB for SSB signals, indicating strong reception. The author notes that the modified umbrella may not close fully without risking surface disfigurement.
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Compact and efficient magnetic loop antenna that cover from 40 to 10 meters project by G8ODE published by RSARS
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A 20-meter vertical _Moxon_ antenna, designed for portable operation, is detailed with specific dimensions for its driven and reflector elements. The project outlines the construction process, including the use of PVC pipe for the frame and #14 AWG insulated wire for the elements. The antenna's compact size and directional characteristics make it suitable for field day operations or limited space environments, offering a gain of approximately 5.5 dBi and a front-to-back ratio of 20 dB. Testing revealed a 1.2:1 SWR at 14.250 MHz, demonstrating good impedance matching across the target frequency range. The _Moxon rectangle_ design provides a clean radiation pattern with minimal side lobes, which is advantageous for reducing QRM from unwanted directions. This build offers a practical solution for hams seeking a lightweight, easily deployable directional antenna for 20 meters without the complexity of a full-sized Yagi.
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The resource details the construction of a 6-meter _Moxon_ antenna, presenting two distinct versions: one horizontally polarized for 50-51 MHz CW/SSB and another vertically polarized for 52-54 MHz FM. It specifies the use of 5/8 inch OD and 1/2 inch OD aluminum tubing, with 3/8 inch OD solid aluminum for corners, and provides a comprehensive material cutting schedule. The design aims for robust, portable construction, with all materials costing under $100. Detailed drawings and EZNEC models are referenced for precise dimensions and assembly, ensuring accurate element spacing and impedance matching. The EZNEC model for the H-POL version predicts a gain of **11 dBi** and a front-to-back ratio of **25 dB** at 50.5 MHz, while the V-POL version shows a gain of **6.7 dBi** and a front-to-back ratio of **36 dB** at 53 MHz. The article includes practical SWR measurement advice, noting the impact of coax length and loss on analyzer readings. Field tests during a tropical storm demonstrated the antenna's durability and performance, yielding numerous contacts across significant distances, including California, Colorado, and Texas, on SSB and PSK.
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Whether we are tuning up homebrew equipment, checking antenna VSWR, adjusting a linear amplifier, or just monitoring output power during a contest, almost all aspects of ham operation can use a power meter. Paul Wade W1GHZ
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An easily transportable vertical antenna for 20 meters collapsible to 4 feet
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The **2M Moxon antenna** design presented operates at 144 MHz, providing a compact, directional solution for VHF communications. Construction involves aluminum tubing for the elements, with specific dimensions for the driven element and reflector to achieve optimal performance. The design aims for a good front-to-back ratio and a relatively low SWR across the 2-meter band, making it suitable for portable or fixed station use where directivity is beneficial. Element lengths are critical for proper resonance and pattern. The driven element measures approximately 38.5 inches, while the reflector is slightly longer at 40.5 inches. Spacing between the elements is 12 inches, forming the characteristic Moxon rectangle. This configuration yields a gain of about 5.5 dBi and a front-to-back ratio exceeding 20 dB, which is advantageous for reducing interference from unwanted directions. Feedpoint impedance is close to 50 ohms, allowing direct connection to coaxial cable without complex matching networks. The antenna's lightweight structure, typically under 2 pounds, facilitates easy deployment and rotation, making it a practical choice for field operations or as a compact home station antenna.
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Backpacking, boating or mountaintopping ? Invest your time and pack this novel directional gain antenna on your next expedition
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You can make your own 2-meter "rubber duckies" that will likely perform much better than many commercial units.
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Manufacturer of single band and multiband transceiver bandpass filters for HF. High pass filters, two radoi headphones mix and switch, 6 meter portable antenna, antenna remote switching and steering.
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Building a 2 metre 144MHz VHF Yagi beam antenna, designed for portable use.
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An homemade portable trapped dipole antenna for 40 and 80 meters band with an optional extension for the 20 meters.
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Demonstrates the construction of a 144 MHz turnstile antenna, detailing its design for omnidirectional, horizontally polarized VHF operation. The resource outlines the physical dimensions and materials required, including specific lengths for the radiating elements and the use of _RG-58_ coaxial cable for phasing. It covers the assembly process, emphasizing the critical spacing and connection points to achieve the desired radiation pattern and impedance matching for the _2-meter band_. The article presents measured _SWR_ performance across the 144-146 MHz segment, showing a low SWR of 1.2:1 at 144.5 MHz, which is suitable for general VHF use. It compares the turnstile's performance to a 9-element Yagi, noting the turnstile's advantage in providing consistent signal strength from all directions without requiring a rotator. Practical application for local FM simplex and repeater operations is implied, offering a simple yet effective antenna solution for fixed or portable stations.
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A 2-meter Moxon beam antenna, designed for the _144 MHz_ band, is detailed, originating from a desire to participate in the PW 2m QRP contest. The design, based on a Moxon Rectangle, offers a compact directional solution for VHF portable operations. The author, G0KYA, constructed the antenna using readily available materials like 15mm plastic conduit for the frame and 1.5mm copper wire for the elements. Initial testing with an MFJ-259B antenna analyzer showed a **1.2:1 SWR** at 144.300 MHz, indicating good resonance. The antenna's compact size, approximately 70cm x 40cm, makes it highly suitable for portable QRP work, providing a significant advantage over an omnidirectional vertical. The project includes practical advice on element spacing and construction techniques, emphasizing ease of assembly for field deployment. Field results from a local hilltop demonstrated the Moxon's directional characteristics, allowing for effective nulling of local noise and improved signal reception from specific directions.
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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.
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This is a simple portable 2-meter J-Pole antenna. You start with a piece of 450-Ohm Ladder Line
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A lightweight portable vertical antenna for 40m
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EF0603S is a 3 element portable yagi antenna for six meters band by YU7EF
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The X80 multi-band HF vertical antenna, a commercial iteration of the Rybakov design, exhibits a physical length of 5.5 meters, or approximately 18 feet, and is constructed from aluminum tubing. It operates as a non-resonant vertical, requiring an external antenna tuner for impedance matching across its intended operating frequencies. The antenna's design incorporates a 1:4 UNUN at its base, facilitating a nominal 50-ohm feed point impedance for the coaxial cable. Performance observations indicate effective operation on 40 meters, 20 meters, 15 meters, and 10 meters, with reduced efficiency on 80 meters and 160 meters due to its relatively short electrical length for these lower bands. Comparative analysis with a G5RV dipole and a half-wave end-fed antenna reveals the X80 offers a lower take-off angle, beneficial for DX contacts, particularly on the higher HF bands. Field tests conducted with an Icom IC-706MKIIG transceiver and an LDG AT-100ProII autotuner demonstrate the X80's ability to achieve acceptable SWR across 80m through 10m. The antenna's compact footprint and ease of deployment make it suitable for restricted spaces or portable operations, though its performance on 80 meters is noted as a compromise compared to full-size resonant antennas.
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Designing and constructing portable wire antennas for HF operations, this resource explores several configurations including the _foldback dipole_ for space-constrained setups and an inductively shortened dual-band dipole for 20m and 40m. It details the calculation of inductance for shortened elements, providing a Visual Basic 6.0 program screenshot that illustrates determining coil parameters like turns and length for a **25.5 uH** inductor. The document emphasizes practical considerations such as adjusting wire lengths for optimal SWR, noting that a dual-band dipole achieved SWR below 2:1 on both 20m and 40m, with careful adjustment bringing it under 1.5:1. Further, the resource describes a half-wave antenna matched with a coaxial stub, a method often referred to as the _Fuchskreis_ in German amateur radio circles, to transform the high feedpoint impedance to 50 Ohms. This monoband solution, for a 20m application, uses a stub length of **2.98m** (0.216 lambda multiplied by coax velocity factor) and a shorted stub of approximately 48cm. The coaxial stub design is highlighted for its resilience to ground proximity, allowing it to be rolled up or laid on the ground with minimal SWR impact, making it highly suitable for portable QRP operations.
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Antenna tuners are crucial for matching the impedance of antennas to the 50 ohm output impedance of transmitters. The _LDG Z-11 Pro_ is an automatic antenna tuner designed to handle up to 125 watts, making it suitable for a wide range of amateur radio applications. Its compact form factor allows it to pair well with transceivers like the _FT-857D_, providing a portable solution for operators who frequently change locations or setups. The tuner covers the 80 through 6 meter bands, offering a broad impedance match capability. Although it struggles with some loads, it performs well with typical ham antennas, even managing to load an 80 meter dipole on 6 meters. One of the standout features of the _Z-11 Pro_ is its 8000 memory slots, which enable it to remember successful matches and quickly retune when revisiting frequencies. This memory function significantly reduces tuning time, often to less than half a second. The unit is well-constructed, with improved pushbuttons and a sturdy metal case that offers good shielding. However, users should be aware of potential RFI issues and the lack of a power switch, which requires disconnecting the power cord to turn off the unit completely. Overall, the _LDG Z-11 Pro_ is a user-friendly and cost-effective tuner, offering advanced features that enhance its utility in various amateur radio setups.
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A multi band portable link dipole antenna for 20 30 and 40 meters band
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Presents construction details for Moxon antennas, specifically focusing on 10-meter and 17-meter band configurations. It covers practical aspects of building these directional wire arrays, including element spacing, feedpoint considerations, and material choices for optimal performance. The resource emphasizes homebrewing techniques suitable for amateur radio operators. Discusses the advantages of the Moxon rectangle design, such as its compact footprint compared to a full-size Yagi and its favorable front-to-back ratio. It provides insights into achieving proper impedance matching and structural integrity for portable or fixed installations. The content includes photographic examples of constructed antennas. Explains the iterative process of tuning and optimizing Moxon antennas for specific frequency segments within the 10m and 17m bands. It offers guidance on minimizing SWR and maximizing gain, drawing from real-world building experiences to assist constructors in replicating successful designs.
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The **KC0KJF** personal amateur radio page provides a collection of resources for fellow hams, particularly those interested in operations within southwest Missouri. It offers detailed listings for **Missouri repeaters** on both 2 meters and 70 centimeters, serving as a practical reference for local VHF/UHF communication. The site also includes information about the operator's station setup and antenna projects, such as a dipole and a bazooka antenna, which can offer insights into basic antenna construction and deployment. Beyond local repeater data, the page features links to the FCC Part 97 rules, essential for understanding amateur radio regulations. The operator, licensed as a Technician Class since April 16, 2001, shares his journey from Citizen's Band Radio to amateur radio, driven by a lifelong fascination with shortwave listening. This narrative provides context for the resource's focus on practical operating information and foundational regulatory knowledge. Additional content covers specific equipment like the 2-meter/70-centimeter Arrow Antenna, useful for hams considering portable or fixed station VHF/UHF setups.
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Amateur SSTV from MIR, a 2 meter antenna for bicycles, working the AO-27 satellite portable, and photographs.
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During a club's "Filetto Day" event, a comparative field test was conducted between a **Buddipole** antenna and a homemade 20/40-meter wire dipole. The author, IW5EDI, performed this personal evaluation from a mountain top at 1500 meters above sea level, utilizing a Yaesu FT-857D transceiver to switch between antennas. The observations on the 20-meter band indicated that the wire dipole consistently delivered significantly stronger signals compared to the Buddipole. Additionally, the Buddipole exhibited higher levels of **QRM** during the listening tests. The commercial Buddipole, known for its multiband capability and compact size with a self-supporting tripod, was contrasted with the simpler, larger wire dipole, which required a fiberglass fish pole for support. This direct comparison highlights practical differences in performance and deployment between a popular portable commercial antenna and a basic wire antenna in a real-world operating environment.
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The Buddipole Deluxe, a portable HF/VHF antenna system, receives a practical assessment from IW5EDI after a month of field use. The author, constrained by antenna restrictions, highlights the system's crucial role in enabling portable operations, even managing sporadic digital activity from a balcony. Direct comparisons to a fixed 3-band dipole reveal surprisingly comparable signal reports on 15, 17, and 20 meters, underscoring the Buddipole's effectiveness in real-world scenarios. Tuning the Buddipole proves straightforward on bands down to 20 meters, though the review notes significant challenges with SWR on lower bands like 40 meters, where achieving better than 3:1 SWR was problematic. Observations also include SWR variations with dipole rotation and mast height, suggesting environmental factors play a role. The overall manufacturing quality of the antenna and its accessories, including the tripod and carry bag, is deemed good, despite a minor issue with a pole connector. Looking ahead, the author plans to construct a homemade Buddipole version, possibly optimized for the 30-meter band, specifically for PSK31 operations from an apartment. This personal project reflects a common amateur radio practice of adapting commercial designs for specific needs, further extending the utility of portable antenna concepts.
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KD5FX, 20 through 6 meters, QRP to full legal power, lightweight, easy to carry
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The TransWorld Antennas TW4040 The Adventurer Monobander™ is a portable HF antenna designed for rapid deployment in field operations, including **SOTA** and **POTA** activations. This manual details the antenna's assembly, tuning procedures, and operational guidelines for optimal performance on the 40-meter band. It outlines the specific components, such as the telescoping whip and base unit, required for proper setup. Instructions cover mast erection, radial wire deployment, and impedance matching to achieve a low **VSWR** across the designated frequency segment. The document also provides guidance on antenna orientation and environmental considerations for portable use. It specifies the antenna's power handling capabilities and physical dimensions when fully deployed and collapsed for transport.
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A dual band portable inverted V antenna for 80 and 40 meters band with dimensions for other bands and several assembling instruction
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Constructing a compact directional antenna for the 17-meter band, this resource details the build process for a Moxon rectangle, a two-element Yagi variant with folded-back elements. It covers the antenna's evolution from the _VK2ABQ beam_ and provides specific dimensions for a version built using fishing pole whips. The content includes a discussion of the antenna's radiation pattern, feedpoint impedance, and its inherent front-to-back ratio, which is often superior to a standard two-element Yagi. Practical considerations for element spacing and material choices are also addressed, alongside a visual representation of the antenna's physical layout. Performance data presented includes a comparison showing the Moxon rectangle's **2.5 dB gain** over a half-wave dipole and a front-to-back ratio of **20 dB**. The resource also touches upon the antenna's relatively wide bandwidth for a two-element beam and its suitability for portable operations due to its compact footprint. It offers insights into optimizing the design for specific operating conditions and discusses the advantages of its lower take-off angle compared to omnidirectional wire antennas, making it effective for DX contacts on the 17-meter band.
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The Superantennas MP-1 portable HF antenna is analyzed for its design and field performance, particularly its high-Q loading coil and 3/8-inch mounting. The review details the antenna's construction, including an 8-inch vertical section, a large-diameter loading coil tuned by a sleeve, and a 4-foot whip that disassembles into six rods for transport. Initial testing with the supplied 10-foot ribbon cable "ground plane" yielded poor SWR and RF hot conditions, indicating an inadequate ground system. Further experimentation with longer radials and resonant counterpoises for each band improved matching and eliminated RF hot issues, but introduced significant operational complexity. The author notes the difficulty in optimizing both counterpoise length and coil setting without an antenna analyzer, and the sensitivity of the MP-1 to counterpoise deployment. The review also discusses the recommendation to tune for maximum received signals rather than minimum SWR, often necessitating an external ATU due to the antenna's typical low impedance. The **MP-1**'s critical dependence on resonant counterpoises for effective operation, especially when elevated, is highlighted as a major drawback for portable use. The author ultimately sold the antenna, concluding that despite its sound technical design, its fussy nature and the need for extensive counterpoise management or an ATU detract from its portability and convenience compared to simpler, less expensive dipole solutions. The **Superantennas MP-1** is deemed a flawed portable antenna, requiring considerable effort to achieve its claimed performance.
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Constructing a directional antenna for the 6-meter band (50 MHz) can significantly improve signal strength and reduce QRM during local ragchews or **Field Day** operations. This project details the assembly of a Moxon rectangle antenna, known for its compact size and respectable gain, making it a practical choice for portable or fixed station use on the magic band. The design utilizes readily available materials such as 14 AWG copper wire for the radiating elements and PVC pipe for the frame, ensuring an inexpensive build. The article provides specific dimensions and construction steps, allowing radio amateurs to replicate the antenna with confidence. It emphasizes achieving a low **SWR** across a bandwidth exceeding 1 MHz, crucial for efficient power transfer from the transceiver. Performance characteristics include a reported 5.5 dBi gain and a front-to-back ratio of 20 dB, offering effective directivity. The project also highlights the antenna's suitability for Field Day, where quick deployment and reliable performance are paramount for maximizing contacts.
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A simple drawing schematic of a portable field dipole for 14 MHz with dimensions in meters and instruction for setting up the antenna and to store the radial for easy transportation
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A 7 dB directional gain is reported for this portable VHF Yagi antenna design, which utilizes cut metal tape measure sections for its elements. The resource details the construction process for a 2-meter band antenna, emphasizing its ease of build and portability. It specifically mentions the design's suitability for radio direction finding (RDF), fox hunting, and communication with satellites and the International Space Station (ISS), highlighting its practical applications for amateur radio operators. The construction cost is estimated at under $20, with potential for even lower expense if salvaged materials like old tape measures and PVC pipes are used. The article references _Joe Leggio's_ (WB2HOL) original design, noting specific alterations made by the author. It also compares this design to other DIY Yagi antennas, including _FN64's_ 2-meter band and _manuka's_ 70-cm band tape measure Yagis, underscoring its unique combination of simplicity, portability, and effective performance with a 1:1 SWR achievable on the 2-meter band.
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Documents the construction of a **VHF/UHF** antenna addition for the Buddipole HF antenna system, leveraging the existing Versa-Tee component. The project details the fabrication of a custom antenna mount from angle aluminum, including specific drilling and tapping for 3/16"-24 bolts, and the creation of radials from Simpson Strong Tie Insulation Supports. It specifies radial lengths for 70 centimeters (6 inches from the center stud) and 2 meters (19 1/4 inches), noting the use of wire nuts for safety. The resource outlines the construction of a mast from 1/2" ID PVC conduit, connected with 3/8"-24 connecting nuts and bolts, mirroring the Buddipole's modular design. It describes the integration of a mobile dual-band antenna with a 3/8"-24 mounting stud and the custom coax setup with BNC and **PL-259** connectors. Field testing with an FT-817ND and a separate dual-band SWR meter confirmed good SWR on both 2 meters and the 440-450 MHz section of 70 centimeters, with positive reception reports during Field Day activities. Further, the article describes the creation of a custom carrying solution, including a 22-inch tripod bag and a fabric roll-up, to emulate the portability of the original Buddipole system.
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The OZ1CX center-loaded mobile antenna project details the construction of a compact **80-meter** antenna, specifically designed for mobile, portable, and stationary operations. It features a loading coil wound on a 50 mm PVC pipe with 1.5 mm copper wire, comprising 100 turns over 150 mm length, resulting in an inductance of 150 µH. The design incorporates a 1.5-meter whip and a 1.5-meter base section, with the coil positioned at the center for optimal performance on the 3.5 MHz band. Performance measurements indicate a **VSWR** of 1:1.2 at 3.7 MHz when mounted on a vehicle, achieving a bandwidth of 30 kHz for VSWR below 1:2. The antenna's efficiency is compared to a full-size dipole, showing a signal strength reduction of 3-4 S-units, which is typical for compact mobile HF antennas. Practical application notes cover tuning adjustments by varying the whip length and coil tap points, emphasizing the importance of a good ground plane for effective operation.
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A 50.200 MHz Moxon antenna for the 6-meter band is detailed, providing practical construction guidance for amateur radio operators. The design utilizes 3/4" aluminum angle stock for the elements, joined with wood molding and 1/4 x 20 hardware. Key components include an SO-239 connector for the feedpoint and a **choke balun** made from coiled RG-58 coax, ensuring proper impedance matching and minimizing common mode current. The antenna measures approximately 29 inches deep by just under 7 feet long, making it suitable for portable operations. Specific dimensions, based on **Cebik's nomenclature**, are provided for the driven element and reflector. The resource also offers modeling hints, suggesting an effective element diameter of 1 inch for software simulations and emphasizing element sizing based on corner screws rather than end-to-end measurements.
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The F5GIT blog documents the amateur radio pursuits of Tony, F5GIT, offering insights into his DXpedition experiences and contest operations. It presents detailed accounts of his participation in events like the _CQ WW DX Contest_ and the _IARU HF Championship_, often including specific callsigns worked and operational strategies employed. The resource covers various aspects of station setup, antenna configurations, and radio equipment used for achieving contacts across different bands. Content includes discussions on antenna performance, such as a **2-element Yagi** for 10/15/20 meters, and operational challenges encountered during remote or portable setups. The blog also serves as a personal log, chronicling significant QSOs and providing a historical record of his amateur radio journey. It details specific locations operated from, like _Île de Ré_, and the unique challenges presented by such environments. Furthermore, the blog provides practical information on optimizing station efficiency and maximizing contact rates during high-intensity operating periods. It reflects a dedicated approach to improving radio skills and contributing to the global amateur radio community through active participation and sharing experiences.
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A great and efficient monoband VHF portable antenna. The article consist of two version of a 12.5 Ohm 3 elements yagi beam antenna plans for the two meter band, a full sized and a shortened version expecially designed for the SSB and CW on 144 MHz.
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Presents field test results for an **elevated SuperAntenna MP-1** portable antenna, configured on a tripod for HF operations. The resource details the antenna's setup and performance during a portable activation, focusing on its use across the 40-meter, 20-meter, and 17-meter amateur bands. It includes observations on signal reports and operational considerations for this specific portable antenna configuration. The content provides practical insights into deploying the MP-1 antenna in a non-ground-mounted setup, which is often a point of interest for portable and QRP operators. It documents the author's experience with the antenna's tuning and effectiveness for making contacts under real-world conditions, offering a user-perspective review of its capabilities. The article also features photographic evidence of the antenna's deployment, illustrating the tripod mounting and the overall portable station setup.
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The MFJ-971 portable antenna tuner, as stock, lacks a bypass switch and sufficient inductance for efficient 1.8 MHz operation. This modification addresses these limitations by integrating a DPDT switch for direct signal bypass, enhancing operational flexibility. Furthermore, the guide details the addition of a T130-2 iron powder toroid, wound with **29 turns** of enamelled copper wire, to augment the tuner's internal inductance. This increases the maximum inductance from approximately 17µH to around **27µH**, enabling effective impedance matching on the _160-meter band_. The modification involves cutting the wire after the 'L' tap on the original inductor and inserting the additional toroid, ensuring the entire original coil plus the new inductance is engaged when 'L' is selected. This preserves the functionality of other inductance settings while extending low-band performance. The article also highlights a potential RF burn hazard from the variable capacitor nuts on the MFJ-971, even at QRP power levels.
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A portable (15.5 foot diameter) NVIS loop for 3.5 to 7.3 MHz. Performs well at high and low takeoff angles, and has smaller footprint than most NVIS antennas.
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An experimental prototype of an asymmetrical hatted vertical dipole antenna that can work on HF bands 20 to 10 meters band. The AHVD Vertical dipole is an upside-down T design
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The Shoddytenna is a 160 meters band vertical antenna intended for portable use. This antenna takes just 15 minutes to erect on site, can be carried by hand and is ideal for local groundwave work.
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A home made portable vertical antenna, that with a single 1/4 wave counterpoise wire is possible to achieve less than 1.5:1 SWR on 40, 30, and 20 meter bands. It is basically a center load, shortened ground plain vertical antenna.
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Presents an alternative construction method for isolated element Yagi antennas, specifically for VHF/UHF operation. The technique utilizes commercially available vibration damping clamps (resin support blocks) to isolate 1/4-inch aluminum rod elements from a 1-inch square aluminum boom, simplifying the build process by eliminating the need for custom-machined insulators. This approach is demonstrated through the construction of 6-element Optimized Wide-Band (OWA) Yagis for the 2-meter, 1.25-meter, and 70-centimeter bands, which are well-suited for portable contesting arrays due to their light weight and decent gain. The document provides detailed specifications for element and boom materials, along with step-by-step procedures for cutting, drilling, and tapping. It also covers the fabrication of a feedpoint bracket for a direct 50-ohm SO-239 coax connection and discusses considerations for horizontal versus vertical polarization, including mast placement. The resulting 6-element models achieve an average free-space gain of 10.2 dBi and a 25 dB front-to-back ratio, with the construction technique being scalable for higher gain designs. Included are parts lists with sources, detailed mechanical drawings for each band, and EZNEC data for the 2-meter and 70-centimeter designs, showing both free-space and 30-foot elevation performance. The designs are optimized from W4RNL's original concepts using HAMCALC, ensuring good gain, passband characteristics, and front-to-back ratios for wideband Yagi operation.
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A simple portable dipole antenna for the 40 meter band using a total lenght of 18 meter. It can be used for 80 to 10 meters coverage using a antenna tuner.