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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.

Vertical transportable HF antenna by CT1BYR

Optimizing antenna portability for QRP field operations often involves trade-offs between efficiency and physical footprint. The PAC-12 antenna project addresses this by presenting a **multi-band portable vertical** design, specifically tailored for amateur radio operators who travel frequently and utilize compact QRP transceivers like the Elecraft K1/K2 or Yaesu FT-817. This design emphasizes ease of homebrewing using readily available hardware store components, allowing for customizability and repair in the field. The project details the construction of a sectional aluminum rod base, interchangeable loading coils for various HF bands, and a telescoping whip. Key components include 1/4-inch aluminum rod, PVC risers for coil forms, and a BNC feedpoint insulator. The design prioritizes a breakdown length of 12 inches or less, making it highly packable for travel, while still achieving competitive efficiency, as demonstrated by its first-place finish in the HFPack antenna shootout at Pacificon 2001 against a 1/4-wavelength wire vertical. Comprehensive instructions cover whip preparation, **loading coil construction** with specific dimensions for bands from 40m to 10m (with an untested 80m approximation), base section fabrication, and feedpoint insulator assembly. The resource also includes guidance on radial deployment, threading aluminum rod, and showcases various PAC-12 builds by NJQRP Club members, illustrating its adaptability and widespread adoption among QRP enthusiasts.

The G3JVL 6 Meter ground plane vertical is a compact antenna that is ideal for portable operations. If needed, it can be disassembled into a very small bundle no longer than the longest element.

The Flower Pot Antenna project details a portable dual-band antenna primarily operating on 10 meters, with secondary resonance near the 30-meter band. Construction involves winding RG58 coaxial cable uniformly around a large plastic flower pot, approximately 70cm high with a 60cm top diameter. The design eliminates the need for radials, contributing to its compact and lightweight nature. Key construction steps include soldering the inner conductor to the shield at one end of the wound cable and connecting the wound cable's shield to the rig cable's inner conductor at the base. An LC network, comprising a variable capacitor (0-200pF) and an inductor (10 coils, 5cm diameter, 2mm wire), is inserted between the wound cable's inner conductor and the rig cable's shield. Tuning is performed with an antenna analyzer, adjusting cable length and the variable capacitor for optimal impedance on 10 meters. The antenna performs effectively when installed horizontally.

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

M1PAF's 20 Meter Vertical Moxon antenna design, based on Pete Mills' EZNEC model, utilizes a push-up GRP mast and Tufnol plate for mounting cross arms, minimizing metallic elements within the beam. Hydraulic pipe clamps, also plastic, secure the tube clamps, with only two bolts and a plate being metallic. Dog bone insulators with Kevlar line and snap links facilitate quick wire element attachment, ensuring tension in all dimensions. The antenna's support structure includes Tufnol guying rings for Kevlar guys, providing stability against high winds. The cross arms are constructed from three 1-meter sections, allowing for convenient packing. This portable setup was successfully deployed adjacent to the ocean, enabling over 4500 QSOs in six days with 100W, achieving easy contacts into Japan and Asia. The design emphasizes ease of erection by a single operator and robust performance in challenging environments. Components for the cross arms were sourced from Spiderbeam. Further information is available via M1PAF's QRZ.com details.

This project details three variants of a vertical half-wave antenna design for the 4-meter (70MHz) amateur radio band. The antennas use end-feeding with a parallel-tuned circuit for impedance matching to 50-ohm coaxial cable. The first variant uses suspended flexible wire for portable use, the second employs a fiberglass rod with internal wire for permanent outdoor installation, and the third utilizes aluminum tent poles for quick mobile deployment. Despite the narrow bandwidth of the matching circuit, this suits the narrow 4m FM allocation well. The design offers an effective omnidirectional radiation pattern and can be constructed with readily available materials.

Examines the practical considerations and technical challenges of deploying mobile antennas for 10-meter operation, particularly for operators on the move. It addresses the inherently _lossy_ nature of shortened, loaded vertical antennas typically used in mobile configurations, encouraging hams to view these limitations as engineering challenges. The resource provides actionable advice on safeguarding vehicle electronics, selecting appropriate cabling like _RG-213_, and properly grounding antenna mounts to the vehicle chassis. Specific mounting strategies are detailed, including roof, trunk lip, and side-mounting for trucks and vans, along with their respective advantages and drawbacks. It emphasizes the importance of a robust ground plane and suggests methods for improving grounding beyond simple set screws. The article also touches on antenna choices, mentioning "bugcatchers" and "Hamstick types" as viable options for 10 meters. Furthermore, the guide transitions to stationary mobile operation, where antenna options expand significantly. It outlines how to deploy portable dipoles or 2-element beams from a parked vehicle, offering practical tips for assembly, storage, and mast guying using simple materials like a concrete block. It notes that a 5/8 wavelength height, approximately **20 feet** on 10 meters, often yields good short-skip and DX performance, even with a take-off angle above **20 degrees**.

W3FF article about the buddistick portable vertical antenna in a PDF file

The K5OE 2-meter vertical mobile antenna design, detailed in this resource, employs a 3/8-wavelength vertical section complemented by four shortened radials, forming an off-center-fed vertical dipole. This configuration creates a self-contained lower half, enhancing efficiency compared to traditional 1/4-wave monopoles relying on vehicle bodies for a ground plane. The article specifies construction using PVC components, 10-gauge insulated wire for elements, and provides precise dimensions in both inches and centimeters for the 25-3/16" (64 cm) vertical and 7-3/16" (20 cm) radials. Performance data indicates an honest 3 dBi of gain at 6 feet elevation (2 dBi free-space), with a pattern favoring the horizon, suitable for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite communications. At 20 feet high, the same antenna exhibits almost 6 dBi of gain, with a nominal 50 Ohm feedpoint impedance at 146.850 MHz. Tuning instructions involve trimming element lengths, with the author achieving a 1.2:1 SWR by pruning the mast to 24-3/4" and radials to 7". The resource highlights the antenna's effectiveness for mobile LEO satellite uplinks, particularly at low elevations, and its suitability for fixed, mobile, or portable operations. The flexible wire elements allow for easy folding, making it a practical choice for backpacking. The original design by K5OE was previously hosted on aol.com.

A vertical monoband that's small, light and portable, needs no counterpoise and performs as well as a home antenna

End-Fed Half-Wave Antennas (EFHWAs) are analyzed for their utility in portable QRP operations, emphasizing their simplicity, efficiency, and predictable radiation patterns compared to other portable antenna types. The discussion contrasts EFHWAs with vertical antennas, random length wires, and center-fed dipoles, highlighting the common pitfalls of each, such as ground system dependency for verticals and feedline issues for dipoles. The article details the electrical half-wavelength calculation using the formula L (Ft) = 468/F(MHz) and explains how EFHWAs can be resonant on harmonic frequencies, enabling multiband operation. Various deployment configurations are presented, including the inverted L, inverted Vee, sloping wire, and vertical setups, each with specific advantages for radiation angle and polarization. For instance, a vertical EFHWA offers a low angle of radiation suitable for DX contacts without requiring an extensive ground system. The resource also addresses the counterpoise requirements, suggesting a quarter-wavelength wire or connection to a metallic structure for decoupling. A schematic diagram for a simple parallel-tuned circuit tuner, based on the _Rainbow Bridge/Tuner_ design, is provided, detailing component values for 30 and 40 meters, including a 6 microhenry toroidal inductor and a 20-100 picofarad mica compression capacitor. The tuner's adjustment process for SWR matching is also outlined.

Portable Vertical Antenna for 75m and 40m featuring Low radiation angle for DX, easy to install and to match 50 ohms

The Buddipole website showcases a range of portable amateur radio antenna systems, including the **Buddipole**, Mini-Buddipole, Buddistick PRO, and BuddiHEX, designed for rapid deployment and multi-band operation from 40 meters to 2 meters. Each product page details specifications, operational modes (dipole or vertical), and compatible accessories like tripods, masts, and baluns. The site also features portable DC power management systems such as the PowerMini 2 and PowerPlus, which include integrated battery chargers and solar controllers, catering to off-grid or field day setups. Instructional videos demonstrate antenna assembly, tuning, and deployment techniques for various configurations, including the VersaTee vertical and Mini-Buddipole. Customer testimonials and DXpedition highlights, such as operations from Montserrat (VP2M) and Dominica (J38), provide real-world examples of the equipment's performance in challenging environments. The company, established in 2001, emphasizes modularity, versatility, and efficiency in its product line, all manufactured in the USA. Shipping information, a 30-day return policy with no restocking fee, and contact details for their Heber City, Utah facility are clearly presented. The site serves as a direct sales portal, offering a comprehensive catalog of antennas, power solutions, and components for portable amateur radio enthusiasts.

The best way to describe a go-box is a complete amateur radio station in a box. An example is described in this article. The project describes building a portable amateur (ham) radio station, known as a "go-box," housed in a durable orange Pelican case. The go-box contains all necessary radio equipment except for external power and antennae, which are carried separately. It includes items like a Yaesu transceiver, power supply, antenna tuner, speaker, and a clock. The case is designed for mobility and visibility, with a vertical layout to allow in-vehicle operation. Future upgrades might include cooling fans, an LED lamp, and built-in antennae for better functionality in various conditions.

The document details the optimization and construction of the _Maria Maluca_ antenna, a compact 6-band (20m-6m) directional beam. It presents a comparative analysis of shortwave antenna principles, highlighting the efficiency gains achieved by using an open feeder line and tuner as a resonant unit, contrasting this with the losses associated with traps or capacitive loads in multiband antennas. The resource specifically revisits an older South American 2-element design for 10, 15, and 20 meters, applying modern NEC-based software to develop a six-band version. Performance data is meticulously tabulated, showing impedance, free space gain, gain at 12m height, elevation angle, and front-to-back (F/B) ratio for each band from 20m through 6m. For instance, on 15m, the antenna achieves 5.1 dBd free space gain and 13.72 dB F/B ratio. The construction section provides practical guidance on element assembly using aluminum pipes and hose clamps, detailing the use of a heavy-duty glass fiber reinforced polyamide rod for electrical separation and bending strength. It also specifies the use of 450-ohm _Wireman_ line CQ 552 for the transmission line. The document includes diagrams for rod fixing, an air-wound balun, and a vertical elevation diagram for the 15m band, illustrating its DX qualification. It also discusses the antenna's suitability for portable and expedition operations, noting its compact transport dimensions (max 1.50m length, 12 lb weight) and quick assembly time (under 15 minutes). The author, Dipl.Ing. Helmut Oeller, DC6NY, is identified as a source for material kits.

A portable dualband dipole robust and compact antenna usable for horizontal and vertical polarisation by ON6MU

A quarter-wave vertical antenna design for HF operation offers a practical solution for radio amateurs seeking a compact and efficient multi-band radiator. This project details the construction of a 5-band HF vertical, drawing inspiration from established commercial products such as the _DX COMMANDER_ and the MV6. The design emphasizes ease of assembly and disassembly, making it suitable for portable operations or installations with limited space. The article provides insights into various construction methods and offers practical tips for building a robust yet lightweight antenna. It highlights the benefits of a vertical configuration for DX contacts, particularly on the lower HF bands, and discusses real-world performance observations. The antenna is designed to cover multiple HF bands, providing versatility for various operating scenarios. Operators can achieve significant DX results with this type of antenna, often comparable to more complex arrays, especially when deployed with an effective ground system. The project aims to empower hams to build a capable antenna without significant financial outlay.

How to make a loading coil for the AD5X portable vertical antenna

An homemade portable vertical antenna with a trap near the mid point of the main element. The trap is made with 42mm diameter PVC pipe with 9 turns of wire on it

Presents the design and construction of the OK2FJ Bigatas, a portable, automatically tuned vertical antenna covering 80 through 10 meters. It details two distinct control systems: one utilizing BCD band data from Yaesu FT-857/897 transceivers, and another employing voltage level sensing for the Yaesu FT-817. The resource provides specific instructions for building the antenna's radiating element, loading coil with switchable taps, and the control circuitry, emphasizing the use of readily available components. The article outlines the physical construction of the antenna, including the use of duralumin tubes for the radiator and a PVC tube for the coil form. It specifies coil winding details, tap points, and the integration of radial wires for ground plane operation. The control electronics section provides schematics and component lists for both the BCD decoder (using a 74LS42 IC) and the voltage comparator (using an _LM3914_ bargraph driver), enabling rapid, automatic band switching without the minute-long tuning delays common in other systems. Crucially, the antenna achieves rapid band changes, with typical SWR values centered on common operating segments, such as **3.7 MHz** for 80m SSB. It also discusses modifications for CW operation on 80m and the trade-offs between antenna efficiency and full-range automatic tuning on higher HF bands, where manual adjustment of radiator length is suggested for optimal performance on 15m, 12m, and 10m. The resource includes construction photos and a discussion of cable requirements for reliable operation.

Demonstrates the construction of a base-loaded quarter-wave vertical whip antenna, suitable for both mobile and portable HF operations. This design utilizes a vehicle body as a ground plane for mobile use or a counterpoise for field deployment. The article details the selection of materials, such as a _glass fibre tubing_ former and 24 s.w.g enamelled copper wire for the loading coil, with specific turn counts suggested for 20m (around **30 turns**) and 40m (around **50-60 turns**). It outlines a practical tuning method using an SWR bridge and even an audible signal approach, emphasizing careful adjustment of coil turn spacing or whip length to achieve optimal SWR. The resource also mentions the use of an antenna analyzer for more precise tuning, contrasting it with the SWR method.

A 7 MHz vertical half-Moxon array, designed by F6IRF, is presented with its MMANA model, featuring a 20cm gap between the two horizontal elements. The design aims for a low take-off angle, crucial for DX work, and includes specific dimensions for the driven element and reflector, which are constructed from 2mm copper wire. The antenna's feedpoint impedance is approximately 50 ohms, allowing for direct coax feed without a matching network, and it is intended for portable or temporary installations. Field results indicate the antenna provides a **3 dB** gain over a quarter-wave vertical, with a front-to-back ratio of **10 dB** on 40 meters. The author notes successful DX contacts into _VK_ and _ZL_ from France, demonstrating its effectiveness for long-haul communication. The design emphasizes simplicity and portability, making it suitable for operators seeking a directional antenna solution for the 40m band without complex setup requirements.

Demonstrates the iterative design and construction of a **tapped HF/VHF mobile vertical antenna** by K0EMT, detailing four generations of development. The antenna supports operation on 80m, 40m, 30m, 20m, 17m, 15m, 12m, 10m, 6m, and 2m bands. Initial designs, like Generation 1, featured a 3/8" x 24TPI bolt in a PVC end cap with a 1" aluminum tubing mast, resulting in a 9'9" overall length and resonance around 6.9 MHz with the full coil. Subsequent generations refined the mast and coil forms, transitioning from aluminum to copper tubing (Generation 3, found too weak) and eventually fiberglass for the coil form (Generation 4, in progress). Coil tapping points were adjusted to achieve resonance without an external tuner in Generation 2. The project outlines material costs, totaling approximately $25, and mentions a successful 28 MHz QSO with EA3XA using an ICOM IC-706 mk II at 100 Watts. For 80m operation, an external wire with the maximum coil setting is used, or a 56" extender below the coil for stationary use.

A quick vertical for 160 meters portable use

A 3.5 Mhz top loaded vertical antenna built using 2 elevated radials by DJ9RB

Operational testing of a 10.07-meter portable HF vertical antenna, constructed from telescoping aluminum tubing (36, 32, 22, 17 mm diameters), yielded SWR measurements below 1.5 across multiple bands. Initial trials on 14.150 MHz showed an SWR of 1.6, while 7.075 MHz was problematic. Subsequent adjustments, including a 13 cm extension to the radiating element, improved performance, enabling operation on 6, 15, and 40 meters without a balun, and adding 12 meters with a balun. The design prioritizes portability, allowing transport in a standard vehicle and single-person deployment. Four 10.07-meter radials are connected at the base to enhance ground plane effectiveness. The article details the mechanical assembly, including custom adapters for tube transitions and a PVC sanitary tube sleeve for base insulation, ensuring robust field deployment. Final SWR measurements, documented with an _MFJ-259_ antenna analyzer, confirm operational ranges: 6.800-7.500 MHz (SWR < 1.5), 20.800-22.500 MHz (SWR < 1.5), and 48.800-51.500 MHz (SWR < 1.5) without a balun. With a balun, the antenna achieved SWR < 1.5 on 13.750-15.000 MHz and 24.890-28.350 MHz, demonstrating its versatility for portable _DXpeditions_.

A vertical portable antenna system by W0SJS that will work on 40, 30, 20, 17 and 15 meters

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.

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.

An easily transportable vertical antenna for 20 meters collapsible to 4 feet

This article describes a project of asymmetrical hatted vertical dipole, a portable antenna that can be used for field day operations, sota, campings or even for fixed installations. This is a freestanding 20-10m antenna that is really easy to build, easy to tune and relatively easy to carry.

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.

A simple and awesome wire monoband antenna, very usefull for portable and dxpeditions usage, consist of two elements, a driver and the reflector. This endfed halfwave gives a very low take off angle and is very suited for chasing DX.

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.

A multi-band portable vertical antenna can be built with relatively ordinary components obtained from the local hardware store, including replaceable loading coils

The SCOTIA Bandhopper, a multi-band mobile vertical antenna, offers a unique sliding coil design for rapid band changes across 10m to 80m. Drawing inspiration from the classic Webster _Bandspanner_, this design improves efficiency through near-center loading, theoretically achieving up to **2.25 times** greater radiation resistance than base-loaded counterparts. The antenna, extending to approximately 10 feet on 80m, utilizes a 5-foot fiberglass tube with an internal loading coil and a 57-inch tapered steel whip, allowing continuous tuning across bands without changing coils or whip sections. Field results from GM3VLB and the SCOTIA team, based on over 40 years of /M and /P operations, indicate the Bandhopper significantly outperforms shorter mobile whips. Its slim profile minimizes drag, making it suitable for sustained motorway speeds. The design incorporates a novel "fixed spring contact" arrangement for the variable inductance loading coil, with two sets of contacts for 10/12m and 15-80m. Construction details are provided, including materials like boundary marker poles and specific wire gauges, with an estimated build cost of **£20** or less, depending on junk box availability.

A lightweight portable vertical antenna for 40m

Ground Plane - 1/4 wave vertical, J-Pole, 3 Element Yagi Beam and simple antenna supports

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.

This resource details the construction of a portable antenna tripod designed for supporting small vertical antennas, utilizing readily available electrical metal tubing (EMT) or conduit. It outlines the necessary components, including a custom-fabricated _EARC tripod plate_, standard hardware, and a 10-foot section of 1/2-inch EMT cut into specific lengths for legs and a center support. The instructions cover assembly of the tripod plate, leg construction, and integration with a fiberglass fishing pole like the _Kwik Stix_ or _Shakespeare Wonderpole_ to support a vertical wire HF antenna. The project also describes an adaptation for using the tripod with 3/8x24 threaded mobile antennas such as _Hamsticks_ or _Buddisticks_, where the tripod structure itself contributes to the antenna's counterpoise system. A complete parts list is provided, along with ordering information for the specialized EARC tripod plate, which serves as a fundraiser for the Honolulu Emergency Amateur Radio Club. The document includes photos illustrating the assembled tripod and its use with a fiberglass pole.

Theory and origins of W4RNL Asymmetrical Hatted Vertical Dipole AHVD for portable operations.

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.

A review of some portable antennas for SOTA operations, including linked dipoles, end-fed, verticals

The **TransWorld Antennas TW2010 Traveler HF Portable Vertical Antenna** assembly video provides a visual walkthrough for deploying this popular portable HF antenna. It details the step-by-step process, from unpacking components to final setup, which is crucial for operators preparing for field day operations or DXpeditions. The video focuses on practical aspects, showing how to connect the various elements and secure the antenna for optimal performance. Operators often seek clear assembly instructions for portable antennas like the TW2010 to ensure quick and correct deployment in diverse environments. This visual aid helps clarify potential ambiguities found in written manuals, illustrating the proper handling of the antenna's radial system and telescopic elements. The video serves as a valuable resource for those aiming to achieve efficient operation with the **TW2010 Traveler** in a portable setting. Understanding the assembly sequence can significantly reduce setup time and prevent common errors encountered during initial deployments.

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.

A page describing how to home made a custom 9:1 balun for a common portable wire antenna. The author suggest to use 4C65 or FT140-61 toroids instead of the common Amidon T200-2

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

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.