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A simple homebrew outdoor antenna to 2.4 GHz band.

I built a homebrew 75 meter Double Extended Zepp Antenna, And I needed a 4:1 Balun So I decided to Homebrew the Balun also. Here is how I did it!

This guide provides step-by-step instructions for constructing a tin can waveguide antenna, commonly known as a cantenna, for enhancing WiFi signal range. The project is budget-friendly, costing under $5, and utilizes easily accessible materials like a food can and basic electronic components. The design is suitable for 802.11b and 802.11g wireless networks, operating within the 2.4 GHz frequency range. To start, gather the necessary parts including an N-Female chassis mount connector, nuts, bolts, and a suitable can. The assembly process involves drilling holes in the can for the connector and mounting the probe. The guide emphasizes the importance of can dimensions and placement for optimal performance, encouraging experimentation for best results. This project is ideal for amateur radio operators and DIY enthusiasts looking to improve their wireless connectivity without significant investment. Safety precautions are advised, as the author does not hold electrical engineering credentials. Users are encouraged to take responsibility for their equipment and ensure proper assembly. With this simple yet effective antenna, users can extend their WiFi coverage and enjoy enhanced connectivity.

Details the construction of a **multiband vertical** antenna, specifically designed for stealth operation in a rented property, covering 80m, 60m, 40m, and 30m. The author, N3OX, leverages a 12m Spiderbeam telescoping fiberglass pole as the primary support, noting its sturdiness compared to typical fishing rods while remaining light enough for quick deployment and takedown. The radiating element is a 14 gauge Flex-Weave wire, attached to the pole's top with a rubber grommet, and fed by 27 bare 18 gauge radials spread across a 40-foot square backyard. N3OX describes the impedance matching solution, opting for custom-built L-networks over a remote tuner to enable fast bandswitching. Using an MFJ-259B and EZNEC modeling, base impedances were measured and component values calculated with G4FGQ's L_TUNER and SOLNOID_3 programs. The 80m coil is wound on a 3.5-inch PVC form, while the 30m, 40m, and 60m coils are air-wound, self-supporting #10 wire. Variable capacitors are incorporated for 40m and 30m shunt elements, with the 60m impedance matched by a series inductor. The project includes a **servo-controlled** homebrew band switch, utilizing a two-pole 12-position ceramic wafer switch for remote operation, addressing the limited 80m bandwidth. The entire matching network is housed in a weather-resistant shelter constructed from lumber and aluminum flashing. N3OX reports good DX results at 100W, estimating the total cost between $150 and $250, depending on existing parts.

The 144-430 portable j-pole antenna is designed for amateur radio operators seeking a lightweight and efficient solution for VHF and UHF communications. This antenna is particularly useful for portable operations, allowing hams to set up quickly in various locations while maintaining excellent performance. Constructed from readily available materials, it can be easily homebrewed, making it an ideal project for both beginners and experienced operators alike. The j-pole design offers a simple yet effective configuration that provides a good match across the 144 MHz and 430 MHz bands. Its vertical polarization and omnidirectional radiation pattern make it suitable for local communications and simplex operations. This antenna can be deployed in various environments, whether in the field or at home, and is well-suited for mobile applications. With proper construction techniques, operators can achieve optimal performance, enhancing their ability to make contacts during contests or casual QSOs.

Stuff for Homebrewer

For radio amateurs considering homebrew antenna projects, this resource details several designs from WE6W, an experienced operator. It covers the construction and characteristics of a _160 Meter QRP Loop Antenna_ optimized for high voltage, along with standard and folded variations of the double bazooka antenna. The site also presents a unique Field Day antenna design and instructions for building a Sterba Curtain, a directional array known for its gain. Each design includes practical insights from the author's building experience. The author provides comparative data, such as the performance of a standard bazooka against a traditional dipole, offering real-world context for antenna selection. The Sterba Curtain section includes notes on its beamwidth and gain, crucial parameters for directional operation. These designs are suitable for hams looking to experiment with cost-effective, high-performance antennas for various bands and operating scenarios, from QRP on 160m to directional DXing with a Sterba Curtain, which can offer significant forward gain, often exceeding **10 dB**.

Constructing a 2-meter 5/4 wave antenna, N1HFX details a design fully enclosed within 3/4-inch PVC tubing, addressing the significant velocity factor of PVC which necessitates a 19% reduction in physical length. The design incorporates a specific matching system using 300-ohm TV twin lead to counteract the highly inductive impedance component inherent in a 5/4 wave radiator. Key components include #18 stranded insulated wire for the radiating element, RG58/U coax, a PL259 connector, and a hardwood dowel for internal support, all carefully dimensioned for optimal performance within the PVC housing. The article provides precise cutting lengths for the twin lead and #18 wire, with the overall assembly measuring 77 3/4 inches, reflecting an approximate velocity factor of 0.81. Tuning instructions emphasize taking SWR readings with the antenna assembly inside the PVC, adjusting the #18 wire and twin lead in small increments to achieve a low SWR across the 2-meter band. The prototype antenna achieved SWR readings below 1.2:1 across the entire band, and N1HFX suggests an estimated 6 dB gain when properly mounted, offering a cost-effective alternative to commercial antennas.

How to easily home-brew baluns even in strange formats 1/1 - 2/1 - 4/1 - 6/1 - 9/1 - 12/1 et 16/1 for bands from 1.8 to 30 (50) MHz in french

A 9 dB gain 70cm collinear antenna construction is detailed, utilizing eight half-wavelength sections of _RG58/U_ coaxial cable. The design incorporates specific calculations for velocity factor (0.66 for RG58/U) to determine precise element lengths, such as 223mm for a half-wavelength at 444 MHz. A quarter-wave radiating element of #16 solid wire, 169mm long, is added to the top, and a 160mm aluminum tube acts as a quarter-wave counterpoise at the feed point. RF choke baluns, constructed from three _FT50-43_ toroids, are positioned a half-wavelength from the feed point to mitigate common mode current. Assembly involves soldering the coax sections in series, followed by SWR testing during construction and final mounting within a ¾-inch PVC pipe. The article suggests using four half-wave elements for a shorter antenna, noting a potential slight increase in SWR, which can be mitigated with quarter-wave ground radials. The design principles and formulas are scalable for other VHF/UHF bands like 6m, 2m, or 1¼m, providing a versatile homebrew solution for enhanced gain.

An homebrew antenna tuner project

Harry Lythall SM0VPO/G4VVJ homebrew web site, contains several projects, antenna notes and plans, receivers and transmitters plans, regularly updated.

Cannot find the inductors you need for an antenna, a tuner or amplifier ? Build your own it is easy!

Amateur radio operators often seek reliable equipment for various modes and bands, from QRP operations to high-power DXing. Historically, Ten-Tec has been a notable manufacturer in the amateur radio market, known for its range of products including HF and VHF transceivers, RF amplifiers, and antenna analyzers. Their product line also encompassed specialized items such as QRP transceivers and kits, catering to enthusiasts of low-power communication, and antenna tuners for impedance matching. The company's offerings included test equipment vital for shack setup and maintenance, like SWR meters and RF analyzers, which assist in optimizing antenna systems and ensuring efficient power transfer. Additionally, Ten-Tec provided various accessories and components, supporting both commercial products and homebrew projects. The brand was recognized for its _made in the USA_ manufacturing, appealing to operators who prioritize domestic production. While the website currently displays limited product information, it mentions upcoming items like the _MODEL 594 PHOENIX_ and the _Tune-A-Tenna_, indicating potential future product releases.

The website https://www.qsl.net/dl5dbm showcases homebrew projects related to KW, 2-meter, 6-meter, antennas, amplifiers, preamps, power supplies, and more. It provides information and resources for radio amateurs interested in DIY projects and experimentation.

PDF files describing how to homebrew a 1:2.5 balun

A collection of projects for Amateur Radio Homebrewing enthusiasts

Smart homebrew antenna-ELEVATOR system with linear actuator. The actuator is a cheap and heavy tool with high enough torque, ideal for elevation systems, but in practice it needs quite an effort in order to operate correctly in your homebrew antenna system. This page inform you of the actuator's secrets.

The project details a DIY SWR/Wattmeter designed around an _Arduino Uno_ shield, providing capabilities to measure RF power from 2 to **200 watts** and Standing Wave Ratio (SWR) for HF amateur radio bands. This construction features a compact design, integrating the measurement circuitry directly onto a custom PCB that interfaces with the Arduino Uno microcontroller. Key components include a directional coupler for sensing forward and reflected power, precision rectifiers, and analog-to-digital conversion for processing RF signals. The Arduino firmware handles calibration, calculations, and displays the results on an integrated LCD, offering real-time feedback on antenna system performance. The design prioritizes simplicity for homebrewers. Performance specifications indicate accurate readings within the **2-200W** power range, suitable for typical QRP to medium-power HF operations. The project provides schematics and a basic overview of the software logic.

Homebrew VHF Yagi 50MHz 144MHz 432MHz 1296MHz 2320MHz 6M 2M 70CM 23CM 13CM Yagis

Detailed plans of my homebrew receiver. Frequency coverage is from below 300kHz to 30MHz. Pictures, schematics, board layouts, parts lists and more can be found here.

Build your own multiband W3DZZ antenna resonating on 80 40 20 15 and 10 meters band

Here's an award-winning, easy-to-homebrew, multi-band portable vertical antenna designed by long-time antenna aficionado James Bennett, KA5DVS. He documented the design and construction plans for a portable antenna that can be built with relatively ordinary components

A G5RV plan for 10-160 meters, 10-40 and 10-80 meters band

Yagis for homemade with a new match-system, for 6m, 4m, 2m, 70cm and Shortwave

This page describes a homebrew QRP SSB transceiver built by WB9IPA.

Details the construction and optimization of antenna systems for amateur radio satellite operations, focusing on practical, homebrew solutions for VHF/UHF bands. It covers building _groundplane antennas_ from salvaged materials, recycling old beam antennas into new configurations like a 2-meter crossed yagi, and constructing a 10-meter horizontal delta loop. The resource also explains antenna matching techniques, including folded dipole driven elements and quarter-wave transformers, along with the importance of accurate SWR measurements and minimizing coax loss. Demonstrates how to achieve a **1:1 SWR** by carefully trimming elements and adjusting radial angles on groundplane antennas. It provides insights into selecting appropriate coax and connectors, highlighting the benefits of Belden 9913 for low loss and the proper installation of _N-connectors_. The article also addresses RFI mitigation from computer birdies and presents a design for a silent triac antenna control circuit, offering practical solutions for common satellite station challenges.

Homebrew a 5/8 wave ground plane antenna for 10 meter band. Interesting article with lots of pictures and homebrew details.

This resource, last modified in August 2000, provides a personal amateur radio web presence for N3LS Larry, focusing on homebrew project announcements and a curated list of amateur radio links. It mentions plans for 10 to 15 new homebrew projects, indicating a focus on DIY electronics construction. The page also offers guidance for aspiring amateur radio operators, including tips for obtaining study guides and links to testing practice sites, suggesting an educational component for newcomers to the hobby. The content primarily serves as a personal hub, with a strong emphasis on sharing homebrew endeavors and supporting new licensees. While specific project details are not present, the intent to add numerous homebrew projects highlights a practical application of electronics knowledge. The inclusion of study resources aims to assist individuals in preparing for amateur radio license examinations, making it relevant for those seeking to enter the hobby.

813 Linear Amplifier Project includes many schematics, drawind and assembling construction

Presents a collection of homebrew amateur radio projects and circuit ideas developed by EA5/G3PTO, a licensed operator since 1961. The resource details various transmitters and receivers constructed for frequencies ranging from 1.8 MHz to 10 GHz, emphasizing CW and BPSK31 operation. Specific projects covered include a "Bombproof 7Mhz Receiver" and several keying circuits, providing insights into designs that have proven effective over decades of use. The site also integrates personal photography, showcasing scenes from the West of England and Southeast Spain, reflecting the author's interest in connecting with other amateurs and visualizing their locations. Additionally, it offers a curated list of links to other home construction sites and DX information, serving as a hub for DIY enthusiasts and DXers. The content is distinctively personal, blending technical project documentation with a broader view of the amateur radio lifestyle and community engagement.

Homebrewing traps for the W3DZZ wire dipole Antennas. Article in Dutch with some interesting pictures

some interestig homebrew projects

An easy guide to "How to build your own magnetic loop" for 20 meters

3 elements VHF Yagi homebrew antenna designed with YAGIMAX 3. Maximum forward GAIN is about 8,17 DBi. This antenna offering an effective radiation power 4 times greater of the transceiver output by SV1BSX

This Delta Loop is a three-sided antenna suspended high in the air by vertical supports, such as tall evergreen trees. Recommended height is 40 feet or more at highest point, but higher is better.

How to build a to 1 balun by N1HFX

py2ohh homebrewing of receivers, transmiters and Test Equipment for ham and swl, using cheap, easy to find or surplus components

Build the PAC-12 Antenna a multi-band portable vertical designed by KA5DVS, here's an award-winning, easy-to-homebrew, multi-band portable vertical antenna designed by long-time antenna aficionado James Bennett, KA5DVS. He's documented the design and construction plans for a portable antenna

This homebrew legal-limit antenna tuner is based on the famous "Ultimate Transmatch" introduced by the late Lew McCoy, W1ICP. The Ultimate Transmatch was described in the "Beginner and Novice" section of the July 1970 QST (Page 24).

9Y4DD's Dave 14 MHz home-brew MOXON antenna project

QRP and Homebrew HAM Radio by DL2FI and DL7NIK QRP Made in Germany and more QRP Kits, qrp transceivers, accessories, mini keyers dealer for antennas, atu and more accessories

An interesting article about homebrewing antenna traps for multiband antennas by VE3GK

Homebrew a j-pole 2mt and 70 cm antenna project. Make it cheap. This article includes homebrewing instructions, parts lists, tools needed and printable documentation.

A 14 Mhz version of the vertical moxon antenna homebrewed.

The project details modifications to an ARK-40 QRP CW transceiver kit, specifically replacing its original thumbwheel frequency selectors with a **BASIC STAMP BS-II microcontroller** and an optical shaft encoder. The redesigned control circuitry outputs a BCD code to the ARK-40's synthesizer, enabling more convenient knob-type tuning. This modification significantly alters the user interface, moving from discrete frequency selection to continuous tuning. Operating frequency is presented on an LCD readout, offering two distinct display modes: a "bandspread dial" mode that simulates an analog dial scrolling across the display in 1 kHz increments, and a conventional digital readout with 100 Hz resolution. Pushing the main tuning knob toggles between these modes, providing both rapid band traversal and fine-tuning capabilities. The software for the BASIC Stamp is written in P-Basic, addressing the challenge of accurate analog dial simulation. Physical modifications include fabricating a custom PC Board for the STAMP, mounting it with an L-bracket to the optical encoder, and creating a new front panel. The front-mounted speaker was relocated to accommodate the new tuning knob and display, transforming the **ARK-40 transceiver** into a more user-friendly rig with its built-in CW keyer and 5 watts of power.

This is a tracking page for a tv tuners based homebrew spectrum analyzer project.

A bazooka antenna project for the 7 Mhz, includes dimension for to homebrew your own bazooka for HF bands

Presents a crystal-controlled CW transmitter design for the 40-meter band, delivering 5 to 7.5 watts output power. The circuit innovatively employs an _IRF510_ power MOSFET in the final amplifier stage, diverging from conventional bipolar transistors. This design offers high gain, nearly 90% efficiency, and robust resistance to high SWR, allowing 30-second key-down operation into an open circuit without damage. A critical aspect is the precise adjustment of the MOSFET gate bias via a 10K trimmer pot, _R10_, to maintain quiescent current between 5 and 10 mA, preventing thermal runaway inherent to bipolar devices. The prototype was constructed on a _Radio Shack universal board_ and achieved immediate operational success. The design requires a 15-volt Zener diode to protect the MOSFET gate from overvoltage. Component sourcing information is provided, including specific crystal frequencies (7.040 MHz or 7.122 MHz) available from _Dan’s Small Parts & Kits_ or Doug Hendricks. The fixed frequency can be slightly adjusted with a trimmer capacitor. A complete bill of materials, including resistor values, capacitor types, toroid specifications, and transistor part numbers, is detailed, alongside a clear schematic diagram.

A homebrew project of a quadruple helix antenna system based on G3RUH 16 turn helix antenna for 2.4 GHz.