Search results

A home made J-Pole antenna for 50 MHz. This article describes how to build a J-Pole antenna for the 6-meter amateur radio band. It's a good choice for those who want an antenna with better performance than a simple wire dipole, but at a lower cost than buying a commercial antenna. The project requires soldering copper pipes and some specific materials, but can be built in a day

This article describes a simple but effective wide bandwidth six metre antenna

The best antenna is the simple Dipole. If you have height, you even can put up a quarter wave vertical or an inverted, but sometimes you may need shorten version by 4S7NR

This drawing shows a simple 10 meter wire J-pole antenna designed for 28.4 MHz. It is a vertical, end-fed Zepp-style antenna made from common materials and intended for easy home construction. The main radiating element is a straight length of stranded copper wire, either 14 or 18 gauge, cut to about 16.5 feet. At the top, the wire is supported by an insulator, allowing the antenna to be hoisted vertically. The matching section is made from 450-ohm ladder line, approximately 7 feet 9.5 inches long, and shorted at the bottom. This matching stub transforms the impedance so the antenna can be fed with coaxial cable. The feed point is tapped about 6 inches above the bottom of the stub, with the shield and center conductor connected at the proper points. A choke balun is formed with five turns of RG-58 coax in a 4-inch diameter loop to help reduce unwanted RF on the feed line. The drawing notes that this antenna has about 0 dBd gain, similar to a dipole, but offers an omnidirectional pattern and low-angle radiation when installed high. Its main advantage is practical performance, simple construction, and effective coverage for 10 meter operation.

Selecting an appropriate antenna system for shortwave broadcasting involves evaluating various types based on performance, cost, and operational parameters. This resource details the critical specifications for broadcast antennas, including average and peak power ratings, directivity, takeoff angle (TOA), horizontal beamwidth, and gain, emphasizing that a 100-kW transmitter requires an antenna rated for 150 kW average and 400 kW peak. It clarifies that low TOA signals travel thousands of kilometers, while high TOA is for local coverage, and nearly all modern shortwave broadcast antennas are horizontally polarized. The article explores specific antenna types, such as Log-Periodic Antennas (LPAs), which offer wide frequency ranges (e.g., 2-30 MHz) and directional patterns with 11 dBi gain, costing from $20K to over $100K for multi-curtain versions. Dipole arrays, also known as curtain antennas, are prevalent in international broadcasting, featuring steerable beams (±15° and ±30°) and mode-switching capabilities to alter TOA, with high/low pairs costing over $1 million. Fan dipoles are noted for omnidirectional patterns, smaller size, and lower cost for low-power applications, while rhombics, though simple, require resistive termination and incur several dB of I2R losses. Balun considerations are crucial, as most communications baluns are not rated for the higher average and peak powers of AM broadcast transmitters. Modern shortwave antennas utilize durable materials like Alumoweld wire rope for radiators and support elements, avoiding copper, fiberglass, or materials prone to stretching or deterioration. Feeder systems for high-power stations often require tapered-line baluns to convert 50-ohm unbalanced power to 300-ohm balanced for connection to the antenna.

This project started as a result of renewed interest in 40 meters coupled with the desire for an antenna system that would be more effective than the simple dipole.

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**.

Automatic Link Establishment (ALE) is a digital signaling protocol enabling HF radio stations to automatically establish communication links, crucial for emergency and disaster relief operations. HFLINK serves as a central international resource for ALE High Frequency Communications, HF Selective Calling (SELCALL), and general HF interoperability. The platform provides extensive information on ALE operation, including frequency networks, band plans, and software like _PCALE_ for amateur radio integration. It also documents significant events such as the _HF Interoperability Exercise (HFIE)_ and the _Global Simulated Emergency Test (GlobalSET)_, which allow ham operators to gain real-world experience in interoperable HF communications, often using specific frequencies like the USA 5 MHz ALE simplex frequency 5371.5 kHz USB. The site features articles on antenna types popular among ALE users, such as autotuners and broadband antennas like the _T2FD_ and the Broadband Butterfly Terminated Dipole (BBTD).

This article describes a simple, inexpensive, dipole antenna that will rival the performance of a ten-meter beam.

Calculate your dipole, 3 element yagi and a simple dipole

NC4JB Josh explain in this article how to setup a simple and cheap indoor dipole antenna that can be used on almost all HF bands

K4TR Manufacture and sell simple dipoles, half square 2 wire phased vertical arrays, end fed zepp antennas, G5RV antennas. 1:1 baluns

A Center-Fed Half-Wave Dipole is probably the simplest of antennas to construct and use. It is usually suspended between two supports, from it's end insulators, and has the feedline hanging from the center.

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.

It is very easy to create a simple 1/2 wave dipole, all you need is some lengths of wire such as the core of some mains flex or even a straightened out metal coat hanger, some co-ax cable and a connector for your scanners antenna input

There is a simple, homemade antenna that can pull-in your favorite station.

How to create a simple but effective half wave dipole, illustrated instrucions on how to build wire antennas

Simple DIY stealth apartment antenna for 20m and 40m. It is basically a ZigZag quarter wave dipole antenna

A 40 ft vertical dipole antenna that can cover HF Bands from 80 to 10 meters winding a dipole in a 12m HD telescoping fiberglass pole

The page describes the construction of a simple omnidirectional, vertically-polarised dipole antenna for two metres using coaxial cable. It can be used indoors or outdoors, with no extravagant gain claims. The project is low-cost and can be completed in about 20 minutes.

A simple, cheap, efficient tv antenna that you can make yourself.

Put up the longest dipole you can fit, feed it with open wire line, connect it to the balanced output of your tuner and poof! Instant multiband antenna. Is life really that simple?

D3+ High Performance Antennas for Field Day. This article describes versatile broadband wire antennas. These antennas will double your effective radiated power over a dipole, will be easy and inexpensive to build and install, and will be simple to match.

This article describes the design of an antenna for local contacts on 7MHz, including a simple and efficient matching system that presents a 50 ohm load to the transceiver.

The simple dipole is perhaps the best antenna for consistent performance. Basic page on dipoles by G3PTO

A simple beam antenna offering good performances on 3 bands by 9m2mso

The half wave dipole antenna is a simple and practical antenna model that consists of a half wavelength long centre fed conductor.

A simple online folded dipole antenna calculator

A simple 7 bands off-center dipole wire antenna designed to work on 80 meters band and that can cover also 40m 30m 20m 15m 12m 10m with acceptable SWR

A simple TRAP-dipole project for 20 and 40m bands includes EZNec simulations

This 4m Slim Jim Antenna is cheap and easy to build yet it greatly out performs the more usual dipole due to its low angle of radiation. An SWR of 1:1 is obtainable across the 4m ham radio FM band with a simple adjustment.

A simple center-fed dipole made just with a thin-wall PVC pipe, aluminum tape, and RG-8X coax

Centre fed half wave dipoles make great, simple and effective antennas for the HF bands. Sometimes however, the centre feed is not ideal. This great project will improve the overall antenna performance.

An home made vertical dipole antenna made with simple material. The antenna has a total length of aproximately 16 feet. In this article appeared on June QST 2019, the author explain how he reached the optimal confirugation changing and adjusting the lower part of the antenna, trimming and spacing correctly the copper wire. PDF File to downloas

A scanned PDF of this interesting book on HF Dipole antennas published by Stanford Research Institute

A simple coax dipole antenna for 144 MHz by 9A7PJT

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.

This project details the construction of a **full-sized 40-meter vertical antenna**, born from a renewed interest in 7 MHz operation and a desire for improved effectiveness over simple dipoles. The author, K5DKZ, initially focused on VHF experimentation, which provided an inventory of aluminum tubing and fiberglass spreaders for this endeavor. Before this vertical, K5DKZ utilized an 80/40 meter inverted-vee trap dipole and a 40-meter broadband dipole, but now primarily uses a pair of full-sized, phased, quarter-wave verticals spaced 35 feet apart for serious 40-meter work. The construction involves a base-heavy design for stability, using a 44.5-inch section of 1-1/4 inch steel TV mast driven into 1-3/8 inch aluminum tubing, insulated by a 105-inch section of Schedule 40 PVC pipe. The assembly reaches 31 feet, close to the 32 feet required for a quarter-wavelength on 40 meters, with fine-tuning achieved by winding wire onto a fiberglass spreader. The design is explicitly presented as a foundation for a two-element 40-meter Yagi beam, outlining modifications like substituting aluminum for steel in the base and using an inductive hairpin match for the driven element. The article also discusses tuning considerations for a large 40-meter beam, noting the 100 to 200 kHz upward frequency shift when raised, and suggesting methods for installation on a tower. The author emphasizes the cost-effectiveness and good performance of the monopole approach, especially when multiple verticals are needed.

A dipole antenna for 7 MHz support for this antenna is fiberglass military mast

A simple to build full length 20/40 dipole antenna to be used in inverted vee configuration

A 2 meter dipole antenna by KV5R

Dipole, inverted V, full wave loop and grond plane antenna quick reference plans

Based on a simple project based on a 2 elements Yagi for 20m band, and then becomed a triband yagi with a open-sleeve feed system

This simple antenna modelling windows software by F5IMV wil calculate a dipole,extended double Zepp,G5RV, ZS6BKW and many other wire antennas by F5IMV

An excel spreadsheet that in a really simple way checks how much to trim your antenna elements. Download the xls file and watch the presentation video include in this page

An economical dipole for simple QRP HF homebrew rigs

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.

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.

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 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