UHF VHF Ladder Antenna

[Macman]

Thought I'd share this one. Simple to make, and inexpensive, just make sure your measurements include all plugs and sockets and that they are accurate. The image shows a RG58 choke which is fine if you are using that cable, but I recommend using 70 OHM satellite coax for the entire job. Makes SWR adjustment easy and is a better match anyway.

[M0JSW]

Good little antenna and a nice simple project that will cost very little too.
This was my first homebrew antenna as an M6 and its still up and working after 7 years...in fact it's lasted longer than my interest in VHF.

[Macman]

Good little antenna and a nice simple project that will cost very little too.
This was my first homebrew antenna as an M6 and its still up and working after 7 years...in fact it's lasted longer than my interest in VHF.

That's why I built it, but to tell the truth, this side of the Severn (Cardiff) it's pretty dead. Take it into England and it comes alive. We have a good steady repeater in Pontypridd, and I can work Bristol so it does open things up, but my idea of buying a dedicated VHF UHF base has been discarded. Folks are turning to Dstar now, and that's not radio in my humble opinion.....If you need a computer then it's a hybrid. I understand the attraction, but it's not for me.

[mattltm]

I've made a few of these. They live in a bag with my portable gear. Nice a lightweight and easy to strap to the side of a telescopic pole with the HF wire underneath.

[M0JSW]

I've made a few of these. They live in a bag with my portable gear. Nice a lightweight and easy to strap to the side of a telescopic pole with the HF wire underneath.

That's exactly how mine is mounted.The beauty is that,as you say,you can take it down,roll it up,and take it anywhere.

[Trog]

Good little antenna and a nice simple project that will cost very little too.
This was my first homebrew antenna as an M6 and its still up and working after 7 years...in fact it's lasted longer than my interest in VHF.

That's why I built it, but to tell the truth, this side of the Severn (Cardiff) it's pretty dead. Take it into England and it comes alive. We have a good steady repeater in Pontypridd, and I can work Bristol so it does open things up, but my idea of buying a dedicated VHF UHF base has been discarded. Folks are turning to Dstar now, and that's not radio in my humble opinion.....If you need a computer then it's a hybrid. I understand the attraction, but it's not for me.

I'm hoping VHF this side of the Severn is not too dead as I live in South (The Vale of) Glamorgan and I've yet to pass my Foundation.

[Macman]

Good little antenna and a nice simple project that will cost very little too.
This was my first homebrew antenna as an M6 and its still up and working after 7 years...in fact it's lasted longer than my interest in VHF.

That's why I built it, but to tell the truth, this side of the Severn (Cardiff) it's pretty dead. Take it into England and it comes alive. We have a good steady repeater in Pontypridd, and I can work Bristol so it does open things up, but my idea of buying a dedicated VHF UHF base has been discarded. Folks are turning to Dstar now, and that's not radio in my humble opinion.....If you need a computer then it's a hybrid. I understand the attraction, but it's not for me.

I'm hoping VHF this side of the Severn is not too dead as I live in South (The Vale of) Glamorgan and I've yet to pass my Foundation.

Don't be too discouraged by the lack of VHF/UHF in Wales. The Bristol repeater is probably your best bet, but Ponty is normally operational. There are very few people on though. If you can get into England, it opens up a whole new world. That's why I use a handy, can take it with me.