Build an Antenna

Introduction

You may have already upgraded your handheld radio with an after-market antenna but there is much more you can do to increase performance and add some extra capabilities to your portable radio.

Project Ideas

Building an antenna for your dual-band (VHF/UHF) FM transceiver is a great project to undertake. They require a lot less room than giant HF antennas and can greatly improve your operating range and even allow you to participate in other activities such as satellite communications and radio direction finding.

Slim Jim

Roll-up and go with a portable slim jim antenna.

J-Pole

Ready to increase your range? Get a J-Pole up high and find out how far you can transmit.

Tape Measure Yagi

Yagi antennas provide directional gain that omnidirectional whips cannot.

Further Reading

• Understanding Antennas For The Non-Technical Ham
• Antenna Theory website
• Practical Antenna Handbook
• ARRL Antenna Book