Ham Radio Homebrew 20 Meter Vertical Antenna for POTA and Field Day

[@jsieb]

Man, if this isn't in the spirit of Ham Radio, I don't know what is! Great job Rob!!

[@SevenFortyOne]

Thanks! I agree, a big part of ham radio is experimenting and making things work under less than ideal conditions with less than ideal material.

[@JamesSmith-vw5jx]

Enjoyed your video keep up the great work James from the magnolia 537 you make it look so easy

[@chuckermatinger3794]

Tape measures - ingenious!

[@daveengstrom9250]

I really like that tape measure trick.

[@hamradiotube]

Thats a pretty awesome antenna build. Great first contact too!

[@SevenFortyOne]

Thanks Mike! I was surprised how well this worked. Once I can get it a little more solid I'll take it to a park and see what happens.

[@hamradiotube]

@@SevenFortyOne It's a poor mans DX Commander ;). Seems like it's working just fine. I'll be curious to see what playing with the radials does to get you closer to 50ohms. I'm sure it's just a matter of tweaking. Kudos on the harbor freight tape measures too! I love that place. I hope you got one for free with the coupon haha!

[@steveallison7950]

This is genius! I am already a big fan of the 2m tape measure yagi. Tape measures for the radials is a super idea. I may have to think about how to put them on my Wolf River Coils antenna.

[@twohandsandaradio]

Vertical and ground radials! Rapid deployment with great results. Tape measures...oh I never thought of that. Excellent work Sir!

[@SevenFortyOne]

Thanks Two Hands! ✋ ✋

[@darrylthehorntoadpiper]

Cool that you could talk so clear to South Dakota & even Calif from your locations! Good job 👍

[@SevenFortyOne]

Ham radio is a ton of fun.

[@demizer1968]

I like the tape measures for radials. Gonna have to try that trick. 73

[@hamrad88]

Awesome. You do an excellent job of video production. Things up.

[@SevenFortyOne]

Thanks Tom!

[@dabugman6415]

Nice job! Love the incorporation of the drone too. Oh ya, and the kid, half time show lol.

[@SevenFortyOne]

Thanks Marc! The kid let me borrow his drone since I let him be in the video...he's a goofball.

[@reallybadaim118]

Very interesting vertical. Thanks for sharing.

[@eduardopower5254]

Man congrats for such a nice job. You gave me a nice idea with those military bases! I can see a new receiver back there. A yaesu if I'm not mistaken. Would be nice to watch it in Action. 73 buddy happy new year

[@SevenFortyOne]

Thanks for the kind Words! That receiver is not new. In fact, I've had that radio longer than most of my other ones. I think if you look through some of my older videos you'll see it in action but I'll try to get it into the rotation again soon.

[@eduardopower5254]

@@SevenFortyOne hey by the way did you hurt your nose with this project? I saw a scarce. Take care. 73!

[@SevenFortyOne]

@@eduardopower5254 I got into an argument with my front door late for an appointment and rushing out too quickly :-) nothing to do with the project but happened during the time I was working on it.

[@eduardopower5254]

@@SevenFortyOne 😄 okidokie buddy.

[@kevinkc3onohelijeepworld953]

Nice diy DX Commander 😉fan vertical use shock cord to hold the folded over element at top to keep them taught

[@SevenFortyOne]

I hadn't really thought about it until this comment but I guess it is a little like one of your antennas Cal...not nearly as stable, polished or well designed though!

[@tedoconnor4674]

Terrific idea on the tapes. Thanks

[@w.rustylane5650]

Very nice antenna build and it looks like it works fantastic. Numerous contacts with a home made ground mount antenna. What could be more fun?

[@breakerbroke23]

Made a contact on the first call. Vary nice.

[@SevenFortyOne]

I was surprised to get through on the 1st call

[@stevenaustin2860]

great video and brilliant vertical 73 from liverpool england

[@MoTown44240]

Homebrew anything ham radio is keeping the spirit of the hobby. Great antenna build and use of OTS (of the shelf) products Rob. 72 de KB8AMZ

[@madduran4536]

Wow! Really like your work.

[@SevenFortyOne]

Thanks!

[@richardowens9061]

Very clever! The only suggestion I might make is to also use tape measures for your radiating elements. They might provide you with a little broader bandwidth than the simple wires you're using and also make packing up and storing them a bit easier. Just drill a hole at your 1/4 wave mark and attach at the base with the end suspended by paracord. Thanks, for the idea of how to use those stanchions. I've only used them as supports to keep the poles from sinking into the ground, along with guy wires to keep the masts straight and stable. Of course, I usually have a little more weight mounted at the top and get mine up to around 30ft, or so. I also use those aluminum tripods that receive the same poles. Good job!

[@jimpwe1sax645]

Nice little relatively simple project Rob. Great results with your video. From WE1SAX . Impressed with the DX you got going on that antenna.

[@SevenFortyOne]

I'm surprised and impressed myself - I didn't expect it to work that well!

[@americaswayout4489]

I noticed Cal's comment, something if you desire to add more elements, is using 1 1/2 in plastic pipe you can use the various couplers etc, and add different bands. I am playing with doing the same kind of vertical, of course Cal's work is the inspiration. I do have a couple of the arms that are used with these poles yet they are somewhat long, but would allow using a 1/2 pipe in the nut that holds them on so a longer element might be useable. I wish I had a few of those end things you have but every time I see them on Ebay, they are not cost-effective. You might look and find the fiberglass connector so that plastic pipe can also be used along with the fiberglass. Schedule 40 is useable with some strength. Good job, like the tape measure idea!!

[@TheSmokinApe]

That’s a pretty clever configuration, thanks for sharing 👍

[@SevenFortyOne]

Thanks! I've got more plans for this thing once we get some warmer weather here in CT

[@normjacques6853]

Wow! California...on a bag of tape measures!! LOL Pretty impressive results for an afternoon's worth of tinkering. In theory, you could turn that into a multi-band (beyond 15 & 20M), couldn't you? Cool idea...from both you and John...and you've got to love it when those ideas work! 73 W1NLJ

[@SevenFortyOne]

I have some ideas for future configurations. Without thinking about it, I've come up with a poor man's DX Commander antenna I guess. I was surprised this thing worked as well as it did.

[@Thee_Squatch]

Great idea! I will definitely be doing that also.

[@SevenFortyOne]

Cool! I hope it works for you

[@just_in_time5518]

Wow great project! By the way nice Collection of Amazon boxes in your garage. 😂 lol

[@SevenFortyOne]

I'm a bot of a box hoarder.

[@buzzsah]

Working good, good portable setup

[@SevenFortyOne]

Thanks Buzz!

[@JulioCesar-sw6qf]

Cool, this is really a efficient homebrew antenna!

[@Godhumbledme]

J Sieb said it! using the tape measures was brilliant. thanks for a very good, informative video 73 de K8JCR

[@techguy9023]

Just a suggestion-get a V block to drill a small hole through the center of each joint for a cotter pin or small bolt to keep it together

[@SevenFortyOne]

Good tip

[@kcnicely]

Nice video. I tried the tape measure idea a few years ago and it works well. I think you could improve the system by replacing the military mast with an MFJ-1979 17 foot telescopic whip mounted on a standard 3/8-24 mount into a piece of aluminum bar. Then attach short 3" sections of wire to the bar and the tape measures and use power pole connectors for connecting the wires. This will allow you to easily attach and detach the tape measures. I have used a similar configuration with and LDG RT-100 remote tuner at the feed point to easily set up the antenna and it easily tunes with everything fully extended on 10 through 40 meters.

[@SevenFortyOne]

Thanks for the ideas! I put this together with stuff I already had (except for the tape measures) so it was quick and cheap. I think I've got less than $50 into this including the tape measures which were about $4 each at harbor Freight

[@mannykat5733]

Hey Rob, Superb presentation. You surely demonstrated all aspects of this improvised vertical even to the extent to deploy a droned camera. Excellent. I subscribed to your channel. Manny -

[@SevenFortyOne]

I'm glad you enjoyed this. Thanks for joining in!

[@wushock92]

Nice project, Rob!

[@SevenFortyOne]

Thank you sir!

[@bkj242]

Robert looked you up on QRZ. Nice video. Thanks for sharing. Just wondering about what I thought you said about the second connection feed to the radiator. I did not understand the reason. Can you tell where you got the canopy supports? Around 1984, I worked with a consulting firm surveying and path design for a microwave backbone across Connecticut great of the state police got to know lots of the communications staff, great fun. 73 KO4IAB Jerry

[@Screamingtut]

are those bases metal? if you are connecting the center lead of the coax on the base have you insolated the center conductor from your radials???

[@SevenFortyOne]

No, they are plastic. All of the connections are made with wires.

[@chuckyzzz]

Very good project

[@SevenFortyOne]

Thanks!

[@Texas2WheeledRider]

So No issues due to the proximity of the lower end of the Vertical's wire and the rebar that was driven into the ground? Years ago I tried a very similar setup except it was for 10m vertical using PVC over a piece of Rebar. I couldn't get SWR nor Resistance down until I removed the Rebar from the equation.

[@SevenFortyOne]

I didn't notice any problems

[@HarmonicaMustang]

Great video! I got hooked on CW QRP lately and have decided to start working towards a foundation license (UK). I found a QRP radio that's affordable and it's set to the 20m band. Unfortunately I live in rented accommodation that's got a tiny back garden (4m x 4m) with no trees nearby, so a vertical antenna is my best choice right now. Now the question is; do I go with a 12.5m vertical that could facilitate any length radial I can fit in my garden, but would struggle to get it stabilised as it would be as tall as my house, or do I go with a 5m vertical but would struggle to fit more than three 5m radials in the space I have? If you or someone is able to offer their expertise I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks!

[@SevenFortyOne]

A friend of mine who is in a similar situation to you has had luck using a "super antenna" using 4 5 meter long wires for radials. He sets it up when he's using the radio and takes it down when he's done

[@HarmonicaMustang]

@@SevenFortyOne That's awesome! Thanks for the tip, I'll try a quarter wave antenna and hope to have as much luck as your friend. 73

[@johnrees44..G4EIJ]

Hi there.. Just curious.. I’m in same situation and wondering what antenna you finally used.. 73..John..G4EIJ

[@Radiowild]

I always wondered what to do with all those free 25 foot "Horrible Freight" tape measures..... I have the same surplus stuff here that you use except I have aluminum interlocking extensions.

[@SevenFortyOne]

I might pick some of the aluminum poles up at the next hamfest. These things come in handy!

[@James_Bowie]

Nice project. I like it! 👍 Would suggest wing nuts for the various connections.

[@SevenFortyOne]

I thought about that too...i may pick some up next time I'm at tractor supply

[@CougarMutt]

OK, I have a 20 foor cane pole (fishing rod) and I am hoping to use that for an antenns. I really need to get those pole stands, and I cannot find them anywhere. Any suggestions?

[@SevenFortyOne]

Try a military surplus store. There is also a guy on Facebook that sells theses - check for info in other comments in this video

[@robbyoutdoors54501]

Do you think these type of poles would be sufficient for a wind tubine tower? I am looking at an off grid system and will need to go up about 60 feet maybe 70'

[@SevenFortyOne]

No

[@sleasydog10]

Have you tried to use 6 tape measures. The sixth for the vertical element with a poly cord to raise and lower it for tuning. This would add another dimension to all band portable antennas.

[@SevenFortyOne]

I've definitely thought about this and have some ideas to try when the weather is warmer and I have some time. Pre-cut wire for the radiating elements aren't too hard to make and deal with and copper is more efficient so i'm interested to see if using the tape meare for a radiating element buys enough convenience to be worth the performance loss, if there is any.

[@neonhighlite1]

Hey man, thanks for the ideas! Question: at the base you drilled TWO holes, TWO sets of hardware, then connected them, but it seems you only used one set. Whats the other for? How did you plan to implement it?

[@northwestmorphstony9975]

Great video, of all the 20m antennas you have made which would you say gives the best performance ?

[@supertorqued72]

Awesome video, do you have a balun or unun in your feed line or is the impedance natural to the configuration? What happens to the resonance and impedance when you add more bands?

[@SevenFortyOne]

No balun or anything like that. This is just a series of 1/4 Wave vertical wires. The impedance is usually close enough to work without needing anything to match the antenna at the frequency the wires are cut for.

[@Capt_Duffy]

Great Idea.....👍👍👍👍

[@jorgezuni2818]

If your r-60 on the meter you might wanna create more resistance with one or few of the wires or connectivity to be in the range of r-50 .

[@rossbassette7518]

What is the vertical length of your radiating element? Good Setup!!!

[@SevenFortyOne]

Somewhere between 16.5 and 17 feet - I haven't measure it exactly yet. I trimmed it back from 18 feet until it looked good on the analyzer. It was cold so I was working fast!

[@glenmartin2437]

Thank you.

[@visitslovenija]

Tape measure radials is an inspired idea. Love it. How did you deal with weather proofing the joints? Still looking for an easy solution for that..... Thanks for the video. Ralph, EI2KU

[@SevenFortyOne]

This antenna is for temporary portable use only so I didn't worry about sealing any joints.

[@stevenaustin2860]

luv the radials lol hey if it works

[@marcinmichigan2772]

How about the vertical element being a tape measure too ?

[@SevenFortyOne]

I started down that path but it adds complication to the element mounting. Copper wire is a more efficient conductor as well

[@claudem.p.7969]

DX COMMANDER is a true gentleman. A clever Fan Dipole. I have the same military pole. Bizarre mine have all an outer ring at the base, very strong. Concerning radials, the theory suggest an INFINITE number but if you do the limit of the equations you will find that after 20 radials you will go crazy. 73 VA2SOB Claude

[@SevenFortyOne]

I agree...Callum is a great guy and we are lucky to have him in our hobby

[@TheRanger53]

Nice antenna build, what was your final vertical length on the wire though?

[@SevenFortyOne]

I don't think I measured it after I trimmed it

[@TheRanger53]

@@SevenFortyOne very good thanks for the reply. Will do some trial and error(mostly error)

[@johnlomasney]

Informative

[@Frisky0563]

Nice work do you find adjusting the ground radials help with the tuning?

[@SevenFortyOne]

Yes, the length does have an effect...not sure exactly how much yet I have to do some testing

[@Frisky0563]

I wonder if your gonna need lengths longer that 25ft. I have a MFJ2286 antenna which has a 17ft telescopic whip for 20m thru 6. It has a coil to add 40m included is 4 16' radials. I'm thinking of using tape measures for this antenna. Thanks

[@dennisthrush2835]

Nice job. When adding 15 meters, have you thought about 17 meters and 10 meters?

[@SevenFortyOne]

I don't know how well 10 will work on the ground but I may try 10, 12, and 17...we'll see when the weather warms up.

[@abdula4699]

Perfect OM best 73s de a71br.

[@1fanger888]

Very good on 1st try. Only downer I see is stepping on tape may cause problems retracting them. You can do what our club does and use orange cones to help avoiding accidents. A hefty galvanized steel pipe with an appropriate end cap may be better than re-rod to avoid wind problems. I use a `T` post to hold up an A99 in my front yard for 12 meters. Of course, they are basically dipoles and don`t need redials. I only run 100 watts and don`t use tuner or amps. We`re getting very gusty winds up here in the Endless Mtns, PA and it`s still up with no guying. KC3BXZ Joe 73

[@SevenFortyOne]

I like the steel pipe idea...I might use that in the future. Right now becuse the ground is froze, the rebar is my best option.

[@00Widget]

IS THAT KID OK ? LMAO YOUR INSTRUCTIONS ARE SO MUCH EAISER TO FOLLOW THAN ANYONE ON KZbin...GOOD JOB

[@chrisbillings2050]

Hi Rob...I spotted this video a few months ago and since then have been designing in my head a similar portable base support using a water filled umbrella stand, complete with carrying handle. It's just about completed, and I just finished drilling and grinding the tape measures today. I do want to thank you for the tip on using a STEP BIT for that! Until today, I did not own one, but after almost destroying the first tape I attempted to drill with a standard bit I made my way down to the local hardware store. Not exactly an inexpensive drill bit, but worth every penny for this task. Not sure how many times you have deployed your antenna shown in this video, but do you have any comments on how well the tapes have held up? My main concern is at the attach point. Any splitting of the tape around the bolt....or any other issues? Regards, -Chris WA7RAR

[@SevenFortyOne]

Hi Chris. Great idea with umbrella stand! I agree - the step bits are a bit pricey but since getting mine a few years ago I've found many uses for it. I've used my antenna few times but work has kept me from using it as much as I'd really like to. I've found using washers has been fine as far as keeping the ends of the tapes in decent shape. However, my buddy Charlie, KC1MGA came up with a better idea. He flattened out the steel piece on the very end of the tape and attached a ring terminal to it somehow. I'm not sure if he welded it or used some kind of fastener to attach it but either way it seems to work well for him and did away with the need to drill holes in the tapes. Good Luck and 73!

[@chrisbillings2050]

@@SevenFortyOne Thanks for the quick reply Rob. I'm using the same 25' tapes from Harbor Freight.....so at $3.99 each any needed replacement would not be too painful. Thanks for the excellent videos....I'm getting back into amateur radio after roughly 30 years and POTA, which did not exist back then has really caught my interest. Getting geared up for that and videos like this really help to inspire. 73's -Chris

[@kevinshieldsw1kps785]

That’s a fantastic set up! Soooo cool! Is there a place to find those on the internet? Not the tapes, the poles and base plates. -73- W1KPS

[@SevenFortyOne]

I got mine at the Meriden, CT hamfest back in the fall - $2 each for the poles and spreaders. I don't know where else to find these - maybe an army surplus store? Even if they are available on line, they will probably cost a fortune to ship.

[@kevinshieldsw1kps785]

SevenFortyOne well I’m here in CT too, so I will look at that hamfest. I’m down in New Haven County. I’m kind of in limbo right now. I’m on 2m/70cm, but dying to get on Hf and ft-8, jt-9 etc. I have a DX Commander and just got his new wire, but I just had shoulder surgery and I’m immobile for a few weeks. Going to be a short while before I’m up. I also just got another vhf dual band I want up. I guess I should’ve waited for my shoulder, not knowing how nice this winter is! Take care 73. I may shoot you an email.

[@SevenFortyOne]

@@kevinshieldsw1kps785 I used to work in New Haven County - long drive from all the way up here. I monitor the Bears repeater -in Vernon - give a shout if you can hit it from where you are. Email works too. 73!

[@paulkazjack]

Superb video. How satisfying it must be to have a 5-9 on your home built antenna. How long was your driven element?

[@SevenFortyOne]

I don't recall how long the wire was now but glad you lived the video!

[@kevinrhodes9329]

I love that antenna and the drone fly over and the half time show with the kid rolling in the grass 73 Kevin kd7kyb

[@williampeacock9473]

Rob you was definitely thinking outside the box on the home brew vertical .How many military poles are you using to make the antenna? I would love to make one myself. Great job and keep up the great work. 73 AE4OY- William Peacock EM-81UF

[@rangerbud]

Are you 741 on CB????

[@SevenFortyOne]

Yes

[@rangerbud]

@@SevenFortyOne I've definitely heard you on 11m while up in Windsor Locks, CT, though I don't think I have worked you.....73 W2LDP, & "811"

[@SevenFortyOne]

I only get on maybe once a week or so to talk with Ryan in Stafford and don't stay on long. I'm a bit east of BDL so I'm probably pretty weak out that way but it's very possible we've worked.

[@das1220]

Wonderful surprise to hear myself on the radio! Great video by the way! Love the idea of the tape measures as radials. de KM6PIH

[@RedNeckSurgeyTech]

Very nice starting point. Clean it up and tweek it a little. Then it's time start production and sales! 73 KF0ALT

[@SevenFortyOne]

There is already an antenna on the market that is a refined version of this concept - the DX Commander. I built this before I really knew what a dx commander antenna looked like

[@1crazynordlander]

So a neighbor asks to borrow a tape measure are you going to tell him/her "Don't ask"? That is pretty ingenious. Are you a surveyor? Your tape measure radials are set to the measuring unit "rod" 16.5 feet. There are four "rods" in a "chain" 66 feet. How do I know this useless information? Farming and measuring of land area. Great video! I did not know you had a drone. I have the Phantom 3 Std.

[@SevenFortyOne]

I hadn't thought about that but yeah they are set to 1 rod. I remember helping my dad try to find our property lines when I was a kid measuring out rods with lengths of rope. The drone belongs to my son - he let me borrow it. It's a cheap one but it works. The footage would have been better if it wasn't windy that day.

[@Medic-ui9ms]

Nice project and looks like it works well! 73, KB0VXN

[@SierraEcho]

Great idea and interesting channel. Give sub!

[@wramsey2656]

As an old engineer i was impressed with your invention, practicality and very good step by step video. To this i say well done friend well done! KO4QWY 73s. I am subscribing to your fine channel.

[@SevenFortyOne]

Thanks for the kind words and support!

[@johnlomasney]

Informative