KJ4FJM
02-17-2009, 12:22 PM
How would I delete this post
View Full Version : Antenna Help
KE7YYB
02-17-2009, 02:47 PM
what should I use to put up a vertical antenna for the 2 meter band
Just done putting up one recently, though I am newbie myself I think I can give some pointers based on experience.
I'd look for the highest gain, the longer the higher. most likely 3 x5/8 stacker. But this type is very long in 10ft or more(ie. Comet GP-9), so if wind is consideration in your area go with 2x 5/8. (I have one, diamond X200A which is about 7ft tall).
But for all the antenna in the world, in VHF/UHF height is king. I just found out last night on my first QSO. I couldn't hear Seattle repeater which is 20mile away but hit S3-4 on repeater in Vancouver B.C. which is 120 mile north away.
My antenna is only 20-25ft above ground. And the hill on the west side (in direction of Seattle is about 100ft tall).
But those guys in Canada is fun to talk to so I may have to raise the antenna or buy a beamer.
The little lady say no tower so I need to improvise:rolleyes:
73
Just done putting up one recently, though I am newbie myself I think I can give some pointers based on experience.
I'd look for the highest gain, the longer the higher. most likely 3 x5/8 stacker. But this type is very long in 10ft or more(ie. Comet GP-9), so if wind is consideration in your area go with 2x 5/8. (I have one, diamond X200A which is about 7ft tall).
But for all the antenna in the world, in VHF/UHF height is king. I just found out last night on my first QSO. I couldn't hear Seattle repeater which is 20mile away but hit S3-4 on repeater in Vancouver B.C. which is 120 mile north away.
My antenna is only 20-25ft above ground. And the hill on the west side (in direction of Seattle is about 100ft tall).
But those guys in Canada is fun to talk to so I may have to raise the antenna or buy a beamer.
The little lady say no tower so I need to improvise:rolleyes:
73
KF4TQJ
02-17-2009, 05:41 PM
The previous post is sure right about height being the most important thing for a VHF or UHF antenna. I've had several expensive antennas over the years but the Lakeview Colinear for $30 holds it's own against any of them. Here's a link:
http://www.hamstick.com/9007
You could also try building a J pole. You can Google that and find plans to build that out of anything from TV twinlead to coper pipe. You've probably already got what you need to build that.
If you find that you need more of a signal, try Googling for a 2 meter Yagi.
Have fun,
Woody / KF4TQJ / FP# 430
http://www.hamstick.com/9007
You could also try building a J pole. You can Google that and find plans to build that out of anything from TV twinlead to coper pipe. You've probably already got what you need to build that.
If you find that you need more of a signal, try Googling for a 2 meter Yagi.
Have fun,
Woody / KF4TQJ / FP# 430
N8EKT
02-17-2009, 09:16 PM
As with everything else, you get what you pay for.
If you want an 2 meter antenna built like a tank and made in the USA,
The Hustler G6-144 will outlast and outperform any ham grade antenna on the market for under $160
I have many in COMMERCIAL service and several have been in the air for more than 20 years!
If you want an 2 meter antenna built like a tank and made in the USA,
The Hustler G6-144 will outlast and outperform any ham grade antenna on the market for under $160
I have many in COMMERCIAL service and several have been in the air for more than 20 years!
AE5JU
02-18-2009, 01:23 AM
I have a B-Square Engineering J-pole mounted on top of 20' of TV type mast. Low SWR and good performance. I turn the power way down, to 15 watts, as that is all I need to hit all of the area repeaters.
It is inexpensive, about $40, and all stainless steel construction.
It is inexpensive, about $40, and all stainless steel construction.
