DIY VHF 2 meter Ham Radio Antenna Using Foam Board and Copper Foil Tape

[@theroguetomato5362]

I did it. I ordered four 8x10 clear polycarb plastic sheets from TAP Plastics, glued them into a box shape with plastic epoxy, and put the copper tape on it. Then I put thin orange duct tape over the copper to protect it. Stuck it up on a PVC pole, and it's working great, and it's (presumably) weather-proof. I had trouble tuning it to the lowest SWR, but I got it below 2:1 on most of 2m. Got a radio check from a repeater about 30 miles away (through house obstructions) and he said I'm loud and clear. THANK YOU for the idea!!

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

LOVE IT! Finding the feedpoint can be a pain but it is worth spending time getting there. But you have a antenna that works so use it! So happy you made one. 73

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

I'll be honest I keep coming back and reading this. There is nothing more satisfying than others getting the successes I have had. Makes me feel so damn good. Thanks for following, double thanks for buying the plans, triple thanks for trying it out!

[@BrassCatcher365]

What radio were you using to transmit, and what output? TIA

[@chrissewell1608]

Great idea for a more rigid box. I was thinking about using sheets of thin ABS Plastic. (Same but different!) You may find that the weather will eventually destroy the duct tape, but you are on to something there. Maybe one of the Outdoor tapes like Flex-Tape or the Better Boat "Waterproof Tape" may last longer.

[@tinysolarshack9615]

So I built the foam version just finished testing it. It tunes well nearly 1:1 swr at 146.9Mhz. According to my VNA it doesn’t tune on 70CM at all. Oddly I ran the tuning out always and it looks very nice on 2.4 GHz WiFi 😅. I definitely need at 440 MHz version of this antenna. So far quite impressed. I wish there was a place to post or send pictures as I have a few.

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Awesome. There is a Facebook group I am starting here where you can post 📸 Look at this post on Facebook m.facebook.com/groups/162472536717053/?ref=share&mibextid=S66gvF

[@BrassCatcher365]

Got my license in 2021, and shelved it for a few years because of life. This year ive gotten back into it and this is adding gasoline to that fire for me! Thank you, keep it up, 73!

[@avrumo]

Downloaded the Plans - Very well done . Organizing Shack , Antenna completion , now local Club Buddy - bugging me to get back on 2m Net - will build this soon want materials for outdoor use . I can relate to Health Challenges , been off the air for 2yrs , these Plans give me more motivation ! Many Blessings , 73 , AJ W5heh

[@LeonardChurch33]

Hey Ben, I love you channel. As a new ham it's really inspiring to see that even though amateur radio has existed for over a century people are still finding new ways to engage with it all the time. I'm excited to see what you have to show us next.

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Thank you. and I am just as excited to show you the next things coming up

[@chrissewell1608]

Your ideas and plans never cease to amaze me! Plus your innovation into these ideas is way ahead of the curve for these old ham radio Fudds! With all the modern materials, its nice to see someone tinker with new stuff and think outside the box! Even though you just built A Box... 😅 As a Proud owner of your "Fara-J Antenna", I can testify at how good your ideas work! And have been advertising / promoting it to my local club & radio contacts. I can't wait to see what you come up with next. You're like the Adam Savage of ham radio. 🫡

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

That there is the best compliment ever. Thank you.

[@terrybondy5458]

I too like John Portune’s articles. if you ever look at his website, you can see drafts of his articles and you can see that he doesn’t let perfection be the enemy of good - he just gets the idea out there and lets the editors do their work.

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Yes totally!

[@PatAutrey]

Love that you're bringing John Portune's creation to the forefront - his ideas are genius, now everyone will be able to adopt these into everyday use - keep going, you are rocking the ham world!

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

I plan on it my next video had me laughing so hard I had to stop transmitting to gather myself. Stay tuned

[@tinysolarshack9615]

Hey Ben great videos. KC8HPS here! 45 years a ham and still rookie/ experimenter. Did you use a slot antenna calculator of some sort? Here in the USA we have 900Mhz as part of our bands. I’m currently considering some easy to assemble 900Mhz antennas. If it would scale well this might be a fun project. I take a medication that gives me what my Dr’s call an Essential Tremor, it has caused me frustration as well. I used to make jewelry, set diamonds etc, but no more. Soldering is still tough but do able. Thought ***. Automotive clear coat spray paint as a sealant as it has an Anti UV component that protects car paint and likely antenna parts as well. 73 Bryan 😊

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Love that you consider yourself a rookie. No calculator. If you get John Portunes book www.amazon.com/Slot-Antennas-Ham-Radio-Forgotten-ebook/dp/B08D8LC9HP/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=2ZIQ9E9QOCJHF&keywords=slot+antennas+for+ham+radio+book&qid=1702771223&sprefix=slot+antennas+for+ham+radio%2Caps%2C136&sr=8-3 you will be able to scale to 900mhz given his info in the book

[@bootlegobelisk9062]

Brilliant. You inspire me to get back into experimenting with antennas. You have made it fun again. Thanx.

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Great to hear! Thank you now get out there and build something :)

[@andrewgilbertson4226]

I see what you are doing with the unicorn! Psyched to see the final result! New Patreon incoming!

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Thank you!

[@Buzzygirl63]

I really like this channel... I'm not currently active on the air but I always enjoy building and experimenting with antennas. Your designs are really interesting and not something I would have thought of - very innovative! Thanks for sharing your unique builds. 73!

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Thank you! More to come!

[@washingtonstatepicker3460]

I have shaken my whole life my friend. Sorry that you have them too!

[@larryu3727]

I am glad to see you still building even with the shakes from over the past year. Even though I am not a ham radio person, I still like watching your videos. Keep them up and have a Happy Holiday Season and a great New Years.

[@mdouble100]

Thanks for your wonderful video and for sharing a bit of your personal story. Your positive attitude and sense of humour may be inspiring to others with various challenges. To much of HAM radio is focused on the science and technology aspect of the hobby. While science and technology are cool these things are not an end of and for themselves. Your approach clearly shows the human side of HAM radio and the fact that the hobby is about being creative. It is great to always emphasis that the radio's and antenna's we use are just another way for us to talk to each other. The most important part of any HAM radio gear goes between the Mic and the Chair.

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

I love the last sentence! Great insight!

[@r.j.collinsll762braggcreek3]

Brilliant Ben. I love the innovation and experimentation. Finding new ways off applying old knowledge, is allot of fun.

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

I am standing on the shoulders of giants here. Thank you!

[@buckeye43210]

You could also try corrugated plastic sign material in lieu of foam core board.

[@oldms]

Another great video. I think I know where you're going with that material at the end but I won't spoil it.

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

I am sure you know. And it works spectacularly!

[@oldms]

I'm excited to see it in action. So glad I found your channel. I can tell that you can really go to some cool and new places with this. You've got a great mind for it. I'm motivated to catch up and join you in the journey. Maybe start a channel of my own to record my own journey into antennas. Thank you again. You've given me a level of inspiration and motivation I have needed for a long time I think. I feel like you've thrown me a rope to pull myself out of a creative rut I've been stuck in. 73.@@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

YES! Go build, make mistakes, curse, celebrate successes and find out awesome things about our hobby.

[@JonMadsen70]

I am enjoying these new videos. Keep on keeping on. You're doing great work. I've been following you for a couple few years. I found your channels via tested and punished props back with the foam chainmail. I'm still waiting to hear if you got an answer on the last one lol. Happy holidays! All the best from BC.

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Yes happy holidays to you too!

[@CanuckHam]

Judging by the image of your plans it looks fairly easy to cut it out with a laser cutter and use acrylic (not sure if there is a more weather proof option) regardless another wonderful video.

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Acrylic does not handle UV all that well but definitely doable. I have some more ideas for a more weather proof version coming soon.

[@coffeegonewrong]

What about the plastic board they use for election signs? Might be harder to laser cut but it definitely lasts longer

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

HUH. That is a very good point. Great way to use up those signs too!

[@CanuckHam]

@@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie what about a pcb board with the traces being the copper tape?

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Yes but a lot more expensive. Totally doable though

[@washingtonstatepicker3460]

Im going to call you the foil tape king

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

I have upgraded to the Faraday Tape king :)

[@Ezzell_]

A milk crate would be a great substrate for structure...

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Yes it would. It would ba about 30% too large but that is fine just have a bigger gap for the element ends or go straight into a 6 m slot :)

[@teliks23]

Loving the videos! Keep up the good work and i cant wait to see more!

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

More to come! 73

[@adubs.]

You should sell the laser cut foam board as a kit. I'd buy it over trying to cut it out from a template.

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Noted. I am hesitant to deal with the shipping issues that would come up.

[@LiveFree-pk8ej]

Another great antenna video. You sir are a master

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Thank you kindly. But I would hardly call myself a master

[@Dusty_Ham]

What a cool antenna! Thank you for sharing!

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

My pleasure!

[@kf7bws]

Stunning. Love it, thankyou.

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

You’re welcome 😊

[@chrissewell1608]

I wonder if you could turn that ultra light design into a Chinese Box Kite? For higher elevation and ultimate gain! Of course it would require a long length of tiny coax, which is prone to signal loss!? 🤔 But might be fun to try! You'd really only need to fly it over the tree top level height, to get out for MILES!

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

I’ve been debating this.

[@wed_ward]

Excellent job. I have nice square chimney stacks on my 2 story. I'm wondering how well this would work as a stealth antenna since I'm in a HOA.

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Oh! Never thought of a chimney wrap. I am not sure how the bricks will affect it as well as any metal piping inside. But totally worth trying

[@brickerhaus]

So I need a new cube sculpture in my front yard(stupid HOA). This is fantastic. I'm gonna have to build this. Does this have to be in a certain orientation to radiate well? This gives me a few ideas that combine with the fabric idea. Hmmm. I'm getting ready to start a KZbin Channel (Different Name), I think I might carry your idea forward a little bit. One more question. How much did you have to scale up your fabric antenna from the original JPole design? Is there a scale factor maybe? I wonder if the scale factor is linear. You are making science happen. Thanks for the video.

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Yes it needs to be in the orientation you see for vertical polarization to hit repeaters. I am not sure about a scale factor but the measurements are 1790mm long element, 620mm short element and 260mm feedpoint. Keep them spaced at least 12mm apart.

[@Siskiyous6]

Anything covered with UV resistant marine epoxy, I like RAKA epoxy, handles weather well. John might be able to tell us if the epoxy would cause any issues, he has gotten interested in that sort of thing recently. I am going to bulid this, I always wanted to build it, but as you said, the copper pipe looked like a PITA. I am going to use PVC sheeting.

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Maybe try corrugated plastic like coroplast

[@tinysolarshack9615]

John Portune has a video on KZbin somewhere about plastics and RF. EXCELLENT video some materials are nearly transparent to RF and other are not good at all.

[@lunarbluesmusic]

You're awesome Ben.

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Thank you!

[@KenLee-e5y]

This is awesome! I enjoy your videos and learn from them. Keep it up, you are inspiring others. Sorry duder, I'm broke too so........Encouraging Word

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Do not be sorry! The comment is just as valuable. Appreciated

[@Tom-n5tti]

This is a really awesome idea! Do you ever work any of the FM satellites? I was wondering how an antenna like this would work on satellites.

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

No I have not but I would unwrap this to be just a slot and get the directionality it has flat….. hummmm a reflector would make it like a yagi… more antenna ideas! Thank you !

[@thomasmanson1119]

Well done Ben, but I have a question. John mentioned that non-ferrous material inside the slots can interfere with good radiation. That being the case, it would seem that making the cube out of 6 full squares would not work as well as the cut-out squares that you used. Do you have any data or experience using full (filled in) squares rather than cut-out squares? Thanks 73 Tom KC3QAC

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Honestly I have not done that test and yes I should! Great point and thank you.

[@davidelley8979]

Definitely impressive...

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Thank you!

[@joshdavenport6488]

Hi Ben. I really enjoyed watching this one. I was thinking, and I could totally be wrong, but do you think you could use this antenna to increase the range on a transmitter for an RC plane? If it's even possible, that would be amazing.

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Great question! This built on the right frequency for the radio it would help the range a bit. However there are better styles of antennas that would extend the range a lot like a Yagi style seen in this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/gYCvdqGNm5Z2fLcsi=Irn4KoZK-LgrVp_q

[@tinysolarshack9615]

Round 2 😅. Hey Ben, question. Is there a way for you to open your original file and tell it to scale to a magic % such as 46% or whatever the magic number is so that this can be built for 440Mhz? I’m in a rental situation with antenna limits. Most of the used ham repeaters are on 70CM not 2 Meters. I’d gladly pay for a 70CM version as well.

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

It works in the 70cm as is! but if you want me to make a scaled version I can. You will need to give me some time to get through Christmas though. Cool?

[@tinysolarshack9615]

I didn’t realize it woul perform on 70CM. Yes actually a 440 version would be nice. I’m smelling a new video as a smaller one could be a good hotspot antenna for say PiStar or other MMDVM’s or other limited space applications. Yes enjoy your Christmas no hurry! 73 KC8HPS.

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

!!!!!!!!! Never thought of a PiStar. I wonder if i could put the star in the box? If that works then DAMN! Thank you for the idea!

[@kevlarnegative]

Hey, can you make plans for one that is resonant on 145.4mhz? Here in EU we use different frequencies and were a bit lower than NA. I would love to purchase plans and build one.

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Yes I can! In fact the bandwidth on this one will be find in that frequency the SWR at 145 Mhz is around 1.12 . If you buy the plans you can contact me here: hamradiorookie.com/contact-me/ and to get it super resonant at 145.4 it would need some minor tweaks by moving two of the foil bits out 3mm that is it!

[@coffeegonewrong]

How hard will it be to modify plans for a different frequency range? Just asking because I spend way more time with 2.4Ghz than anything else

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

If your antenna is in the 13cm band, this would be massive overkill for this application. The size of the box would be like 2" x 2" x .75" I think for this it would simply be worth taking the slot idea and taping one down flat on it with 1/4" foil on a piece of card. I could do a quick drawing of a starting point for the slot dimensions if you are truly interested in this.

[@jwydubak9673]

0:50 Guys from the @flitetest channel have an element resistant(-ish) foamboard. They also developed some interesting building techniques for this material. 2:26 More like rebate joint (-; I believe, you haven't actually told what band this antenna is for.

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

The title tells you it is for the 2 meter VHF band. And yes I have some of that foam and some of their planes. I am still looking for some robust light and longer lasting material to use.

[@jwydubak9673]

@@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie Oops. I saw the thumbnail and rushed to watch the video so fast that I forgot to read the title xD Great build.

[@W4TRI_Ronny]

Please make a Patreon level or one time fee and flat pack the frames unpunched in cut foam board. It will keep your laser busy and get you some cash.

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

It’s a good idea for sure. It’s the shipping the things that becomes the issue

[@coffeegonewrong]

If it’s cut from 8x11 you might pack it in a cardboard envelope and mail it cheap

[@traceyisom6681]

Don’t see the link to the plans, not familiar with patrian. Include the link and I’ll purchase. Update, fond it. Thanks for sharing!!!!

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

www.patreon.com/HamRadioRookie/shop/foil-box-slot-antenna-plans-83536?source=storefront

[@traceyisom6681]

@@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie are you able to design a 3D print model of this? That would be great. I could leave it outside overnight and not worry if it rains.

[@deereman45ful]

Instead of foam board. Do you think PVC board would work? Much stronger than the foam board.

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Yes totally but PVC and lasers = chlorine gas. So until I have a CNC that material is out

[@deereman45ful]

@@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie the PVC board cuts fairly easy with a razor knife. But fully understand Lazer and PVC don't mix.

[@stephenpadley6684]

Hi, how would you tune the swr on it.

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

The dimensions are quite solid on this. You can count on them working. But all you have to do to change the SWR is change where the feedpoint is attached to the main loop

[@electronbeam]

Although not as bad as what you have I also get the shakes. Not all the time but it can be annoying. It's just the way I am.

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Ya it can really get in the way sometimes

[@ellisgl]

Could be 3D printed.

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

True it could. Might need to think about this

[@vacuumfireradio253]

Hi John - just found your channel. Great work. Educational and Inspiring. 73 de M0IDF.

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Welcome aboard!