How to Build a Six Meter Ham Radio Dipole Antenna

[@wa4aos]

Hi Randy, I have been licensed since I was 14, now 54 and have had loads of fun over th years. I really appreciate you doing these videos to help and encourage the new folks getting in the hobby. I hear so many Hams complain about NO CODE ops. Personally I love CW and as a result of the new licensing we are getting more good operators. In the last several years, I have operated many CW stations that got their start with a no code ticket. We need to encourage our new Ham ops !

[@purplemutantas]

Currently for 10 meters I have an aluminum dipole made from tubing sections for DX engineering. Each element collapses down to a little over 3 feet and can be shortened for working 6 meters. I get great SWR all over the 10 meter band. On field day I had it mounted on a mast on a speaker tripod like you have. I didn't think I needed guy wires. I was wrong! Thankfully no one was hurt and the antenna was fixable. Just a slightly bent element and a broken PVC fitting. All in all a great antenna

[@carlmic7]

Our friend Troy, the off grid camper, is curious about HAM radio, I will find him some info, and I know you have helped him as I have, so if you have any getting started info, I encourage you to send it to him. Your videos are great! Neil AC2O

[@jfrphoto01]

I built a tapered element 6 meter dipole from aluminum tubing. Using tapered elements eliminates the need to trim the ends by cutting. You just loosen the hose clamp and slide the end of the element in or out to adjust the SWR (similar to tuning a base loaded mobile antenna). Be sure to adjust both ends equally! The elements are made from 3/4",5/8", 1/2" and 3/8" O.D. tubing purchased from DX Engineering as was the hose clamps, saddle clamps and the center insulator (antenna to mast (vertical) or antenna to stand-off (horizontal) plate. And don't forget to include a 1:1 common mode choke at the antenna feed point to help prevent any RFI/EMI problems before they happen. A 6" id coil of 6 to 8 turns of coax around a form will work well.

[@Capecodham]

Clearly you are a talented builder. As far as video production, just because you can go over 10 minutes, doesn't mean you have to. First part very wordy. Jump cuts in first part. Audio quality very good. The beginning could not have a more boring background.

[@RockFlyDiablo]

Hello! KC9BGX here. I really appreciate your time in making these videos. I only recently renewed my interest in the hobby, and have been intrigued with 6-meter. I'll be constructing an antenna soon. I hope I'll be able to run into you on that band and gain some knowledge! Thanks!

[@BrianVA6BAX]

Hi Randy, thanks for putting this together a few years ago. This was a great help for what ended up being a nearly free to make project for me. 73!

[@K7AGE]

Hope 6 opens up for you

[@W5HSJ]

Randy, your tutorial videos are excellent! As another individual commented, they are easy to listen to, very simple to understand, and down to earth. Thank you so much for sharing the simple yet technical pieces of the hobby! 73’s. Mark W5HSJ

[@Froggy19510]

I think the connector is an SO-239. See 4:02. You said SO-259. Good video. I like your stuff. It is nice that some one takes the time to give good instruction for new hams. :)

[@Mark2025]

Thanks for tutorial. I found your channel yesterday while waiting around for 6m to get busy, actually made 12 contacts in the contest. Thanks again I think I'll order that elk antenna sometime soon.-73

[@K7AGE]

Glad to hear that 6 opened for you..

[@johnwheeler7927]

Great Video!! I'm new to ham so I really appreciate folks like you who take the time to share and teach!!

[@MrHawkei67]

I have built several simple dipoles in my time and I always call these dipoles when mounted in the vertical plane a "Tricky Stick" and I have always had awesome results from them, simple to build and erect. You can just take the driven element off any old junk beam and get rid of the matching network, split the element in half, leave a 1" to 2" gap between the 2 element ends for the feedpoint then just lengthen or shorten the element tips for the best SWR on whichever band you will be using and then enjoy your diy simple dipole.

[@richsonner1930]

Thank you for making a great video. I have had my licence less than a year. Have been taking full advantage of 10 meter, but wanting to learn and try out 6. Have to study so i can get my general and use hf bands.

[@ProfessionalPepper]

Thank you for explaining this slowly and thoroughly. Im just getting started so you were very helpful.

[@K7AGE]

Have fun building antennas

[@nickripley1604]

Thank you for your knowledge I'm happy your sharing all of your skills for us young guy who don't know very much about this hobby

[@K7AGE]

You are welcomed. We all have lots to learn when we start getting into this hobby. We aren't born with a ham radio gene. Thanks for watching.

[@tonyridlen]

Thanks Randy I still have my loop antenna for 2 and 6 Meters but I haven't made a 6 Meter contact yet but my SWR is still excellent on the antenna and one of my ham radio friends from here in Kokomo said that as long as your SWR was at 2:1 or under I was good to go I love your videos by the way keep producing them and I'll keep watching them.

[@ncphotos]

Great video! I just made my first two contacts on 6 meters on 5/10/2014 from my mobile. My radio FT-450D, and my antenna is the Hustler vertical. One station was VP9GE in Bermuda and the other was WD4AB in FL. I hope to work you soon on 6 meters. Best 73 & Good DX!, Charles, KD4TVB, Marshall, NC.

[@M0JSX]

Amazing to think, and you weren’t to know it when you made the video Randy, you ended up with a perfect antenna for FT8 on 6m!

[@K7AGE]

Actually, I used the two elements on 6 that is part of my HF beam. When the band opens, this will work.

[@steveweiss3552]

An inexpensive tubing cutter makes trimming the ends of the aluminum tubes much easier. No need to mount the element in a vise, and it makes for a very clean and straight cut. Another thing I've found, is that using larger diameter tubing allows for wider bandwidth. :)

[@K7AGE]

Great ideas, thanks.

[@michaelfrank333]

Finished building your 2 meter example.And it works great. This will be my next project. Thank You !!!!

[@K7AGE]

Michael Frank Glad to hear that it is working!

[@YZBot]

Excellent. Wish I would have watched your video 'before' I went to the hardware store. Now I might have to make a special trip for some parts. I never would have thought about the Plexiglas mount. I like how it neatens up the build.

[@cjwalsh5]

Randy, thanks again for another great tutorial. I never knew it was that simple.

[@K7AGE]

@cl4yd0h FM, from being from commercial radio - police cars and so on, tends to be vertical polarized due to simple mobile antennas. The beam doesn't change the polarization, but the way the antenna is oriented,

[@davidenright-k3whd822]

Thanks for the great video. My 6m dipole is up and working GREAT. 73's

[@K7AGE]

Antennas can be a lot of fun to experiment, play and learn. Have fun and enjoy. Please keep me posted on your work.

[@cjwalsh5]

I guess I'll have to invest in a SWR analyzer. I could never get the lengths right. Thanks again, and look forward to your next tutorial or video. Cheers

[@shaneweightman]

Brilliant channel , you get to the point clearly and I understand your descriptions and don't feel stupid or intimidated as with other ham videos many thanks for your time and the effort you put into making the videos. Shane uk England

[@K7AGE]

thanks

[@robertalpha00]

Foxjunting ham

[@K7AGE]

July was one of the magic times on six meters. When it opens, you better be ready and on the air! Randy

[@kg4ozx]

Built this antenna and got it in the air today. Unfortunately, 6m is D-E-A-D dead... but i'll keep poking around at it. Good SWR between 50-51mhz. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@purplemutantas]

I need to do this with my 10 meter dipole. Right now it's speaker wire supported by 1/2 inch PVC pipe. The pipe sags. The thinnest aluminum tubing from dx engineering is half the weight of 1/2 inch PVC. That should make for a sturdier antenna. I may also have to do a 6 meter dipole as well. Perhaps do an xmas tree arrangement. Heck, I want to try 2 meter sideband, so might as well stick a 2 meter dipole on top of the six, Thanks for another excellent video.

[@DaveKrans]

Another great video Randy! You must not have made it to Dayton this year. Dayton was great, more people there this year than last. 73's, AD9Z

[@whistlesun]

Randy. Me and my dad just got done building a 6m dipole to your specs. The 6m band was not open at the time of RX test, so i'll try it again tomorrow afternoon

[@k6tpl]

Very informative! Six meters I am heading that way! 73 now W7KO

[@K7AGE]

@cmritchie04 The master is the ARRL Antenna Book, a bit expensive. There is a section on the ARRL.ORG with past antenna articles. Not sure where these are on their new site. You can see more at ARRL if you are a member. Otherwise, Google around for antenna building projects.

[@K7AGE]

@steveinkentucky there are many ways to build the system, Have fun figuring out what best works for you. I read the other day, an amateur license is a license to learn!

[@JohnAlexanderBerry]

Thanks Randy. Great video!

[@steveinkentucky]

This would be perfect for a vacation. I have a sat tv tripod. You could have several pieces of pvc, with ring connectors and make the mast. For strength, you could put dowel rods inside them.

[@K7AGE]

@tonyridlen Maybe, that antenna may be too long for an antenna tuner to tune it to 6M.

[@K7AGE]

Good idea being able to use your antenna for either 6 or 10 meter. Keep safe.

[@K7AGE]

@mdf0502 Sure, beams are better. It would be default to build a dual band version.

[@2M0JAS]

Another fantastic video, keep them coming Randy!

[@uksniper1]

hi,im just getting into shortwave listening and im going to be using a 102 foot long wire antenna,but space in my garden is limited so im going to have to run it in a square pattern..ive seen a lot of guys running these wires over trees e.t.c..is it ok to have these wires touching objects as long as the wire is coated in plastic or similar?..just wonderd what your thoughts on this were,,thanks,,any input would be great...wayne.

[@TheZeke1974]

I have a 4 element yagi but i wanted something quick and simple so i made one out of some scrap wire and a left over MFJ center insulator... It works!

[@K7AGE]

There is always another way to build it! Whatever works, works!

[@JCHaywire]

Now to build something for this band. This is an excellent video--as usual from you. Best 73, Jonathan KC7FYS/qrp

[@michaelofmarble2094]

Thank you great job with this video, I just got a new rig that has 6 meter .

[@K7AGE]

Have fun!

[@davep6977]

Nice video. Don't forget to mention 6 meter repeaters. We have one in our area. I'd like to see more activity on 2 meter SSB. W9 DLP

[@TRS80ATRS80A]

Thank you so much for your great videos.we all can benefit from your wisdom.love all your vids.73,s

[@K7AGE]

@whistlesun Keep listening, the band will open.

[@K7AGE]

@jichus1 First, a beam should always work better than a dipole. I have not had it running during an opening, but I don't think it will make much difference. When six is hot, it smokes!

[@ghostdrew1]

hello that looks great i am a skywarn weather spotter here in michigan im going to take the ham test so i can get in on the weather net is the testing hard i have a hard time reading

[@cmritchie04]

Randy what book should I be looking at if I want to make antennas, this was very interesting, I want to make one or a couple of antennas for 2 and 70 cm and maybe one of the 900 Mhz ham radio, Plus more. maybe 10 meters and 6 as well.

[@n1leu]

Randy, Will this work if I cut the elements for 28.300? I'd love to do this for 10m SSB

[@DJChrisArgueta]

1:27 Why not build the dipole to be resonant at the center of the band (52 MHz) if you're going to QSY up anyway?

[@K7AGE]

You could.

[@DJChrisArgueta]

@@K7AGE Thanks for the reply. Great video.

[@K7AGE]

@scott231us Not being a UV plastics expert, not sure. I built this for portable operation, so long life in the sun was not a requirement. Sometimes, you just got to do it and see what happens. What is the life, 1, 5 , 10 years, I don't know?

[@tonyridlen]

Randy your videos are excellent and informative and I can't wait for you to produce more of them when ever you have time.73's. Tony Ridlen KC9QVE

[@K7AGE]

+Tony Ridlen Busy moving to OR

[@tonyridlen]

+K7AGE be careful and hope to see another video from you in the future! Tony

[@kurtvanluven9351]

Interesting band, that I used to run at 100MW with a Maxon 5 channel "Base Station"!

[@tonyridlen]

@K7AGE Thanks Randy for the information I'll see what my primary antenna can do if it can't tune 6 it can't tune 6. 73's. Tony

[@K7AGE]

Most antennas that have tubular elements us Aluminum for the weight and cost differences. Stainless hardware is quite common. The aluminum is what I had in the junk pile.

[@Darkr12]

Is it beneficial to use a baun for half wave dipoles?

[@combatwombat71]

Hi Randy, Nice video. A coax choke balun wouldn't go amiss near the feedpoint - probably 5 or 6 turns around an aerosol can - something like that. 73 - Rob VK2GOM

[@davidhefner5668]

Do you mean...a S0239 connector at the antenna?

[@K7AGE]

yes

[@PortableQRP]

Hey Randy, Great video, as you may know I am a big 6 meter fan. I recently posted a video showing some 6 meter contacts using my MFJ-9406 QRP Rig. 73 VE3UK

[@n8tuwstevenewland933]

Also 11meter beam elements are great to use !

[@dbrinkm1]

Randy,...Tnx fer all of your help...it is Greatly appreciated !!! ..hv you built a DP trap for 30,17,12 M's ?....I really need to cover those bands and from what I hv read, this is an economical way to approach the problem of Warc band coverage....oh..I.Just passed my Extra Exam a week ago and boy it was a great challenge but very much worth the time and investment of study.For any Generals out there thinking about this upgrade....Go for it !.....Dana WN6OHG

[@preventum]

You did not use a balun. What are your thoughts about using one...thank you...building it right now :)

[@K7AGE]

I was only going to use this portable, so I didn’t add one. Try without first to see how it works. 6 meter season coming up!

[@jedimann7468]

I assume 1/2 copper tube would work the same as the alum? Home Depot only seems to have 3ft sections.

[@K7AGE]

Sure

[@jedimann7468]

I thought so but wasn't sure if the particular metal would resonate a lot differently.

[@anthonystortz2992]

Instead of Home Depot try your area electrical supplier. If you're not sure how to find one just call an electrician for a recommendation. The tubing should also be cheaper. For copper or PVC use a plumbing contact. Graybar and Rexel are two national companies that have counter sales which I would recommend. They also sell low voltage wire and network cabling.

[@jedimann7468]

Will do, thanks.

[@indridcold8433]

I am curious about antennas. If the dipole were set vertical instead of horizontal, would the antenna still be effective? I imagine it would be omnidirectional verses bidirectional. I know this video is aged and no answer may come, but great video.

[@K7AGE]

yes. Vertical typically for FM. Horizontal for SSB & Data. It the band opens, either will work

[@tonyridlen]

Randy, It didn't look like my post went through the first time I was wondering if I could get on 6 Meters with the same antenna that I use for 160 through 10. I don't have enough room in my apartment or out side of it to use an Element 3 Yagi. I was just wondering if you could provide me with any necessary guidance on this matter. 73's. Tony Ridlen KC9QVE Kokomo,IN

[@jesseobrien5864]

Thanks you. I'm studying in Portland Oregon

[@K7AGE]

Best of luck!

[@justradar]

Silly question, but isn't this horizontally polarized? If so, isn't FM usually vertically polarized?

[@K7AGE]

yes, but when the band opens, use whatever you have

[@globalmobile017]

No balun needed???

[@n2jve1989]

Hi Randy. Just for clarification. It is a SO-239. Not 259. Other then that. Nice presentation . Thank You

[@K7AGE]

Probably, if it will be strong enough for the longer 10 meter elements.

[@K7AGE]

Look for a radio club in your area, or the ARRL site, for a club that is offering a Technician class.

[@glenndougherty6625]

N2yio Hi Randy I have watched your video on making the 6M dipole out of the tubing I have two questions I have some old Tent poles that I think are the right length My first question is can I use them? and the second Question is what is the spacing between the two poles on the Plexiglass is it the with of the mast? because that is what it looks like in the video

[@terrygunderson5681]

The spacing between the ends of the elements at the feed point is not critical to the best of my knowledge.

[@jathayde]

Could you use EMT conduit instead of aluminum pipe? Lowes was seriously lacking in antenna making supplies today.

[@K7AGE]

+John Athayde Sure

[@hansdonnerborg7153]

1995 2 curtain pinns alu sqared (remove the plast sliders) - one pice of plank ca 30 cm. 1 wire connector ( nick name sugar bit) screws to mount the pinns to the plank. 2 pice of copper wire ( 0.75 mm2 eletric wire bits will do) mount the sugar bit with a screw connect wire bits connect a rg58 cable as long as needed to reach the station. mount it on a broomstick. and i did Canada Brazil and Australia to take som of the edges regards oz1gai

[@raymondl.3014]

I often see people showing how to ground base-station setups, by driving solid copper rods often four-feet long or longer into the ground...but I would like advice about various ways to ground antennas and equipment when going portable, such as at a park or campground, etc.? Since the radio would probably be on battery power when at a park, etc., is the grounding not needed? Thank you for your time and assistance. Raymond - WF7BSR

[@K7AGE]

For portable operations, I would not worry about grounding. Lots of effort without any real benefit. I would be more careful with coax and rope lines around where people might be walking. Keep it safe.

[@raymondl.3014]

Thank you!

[@K7AGE]

@daleriff Probably, it will be heavier.

[@amanchester26]

Awesome video, could I use 1/2" EMT Conduit for this ? I have a piece of Lexan,will probably use this . Thank you, 73

[@BsrlinMAZ]

If I put a 2-meter antenna above the 6-meter antenna, on the same mast, is there a minimum and maximum distance between the two so they do not interfere with one-another? Also, with two antennas on the same mast, can the two feed-lines run down the mast together, or do they need to be separated? Thank you for your time and assistance. WF7BSR

[@eugenecbell]

Anyone, please correct me, as needed. I believe the spacing between the two poles is unimportant, as the length of each antenna pole starts at the connector and includes any wire that is not shielded. As for two antenna spacing on the same mast, this is my question too. What about the coax runs from my transceiver to the antennas? One run of coax that daisy chains to the next? I think maybe no. Likely two separate runs of coax and they are ok running next to each other, but not wire tied together. Can someone please confirm?

[@terrygunderson5681]

On the dipole the space between elements is not critical. Regarding the space between the beam antenna and the dipole, I'm pretty sure there is a minimum separation needed between the two antenna. Probably 1/4 wave separation. The key point of the hobby is to experiment.

[@DJChrisArgueta]

What can you do when the digital reading and analog needle don't seem calibrated to each other?

[@K7AGE]

I just thought the two weren't quite calibrated.

[@baronlund9725]

Why not slide another piece of tubing inside the one you have and then just slide it in and out to get the best SWR?

[@jfrphoto01]

Just maybe, it is what he had on hand.

[@anonymous_friend]

My handheld Yaesu VX-6R says it will do 6m if mars modded. I would like to test this, but I don't think it does SSB. If I cant select upper or lower modes, what will be the result of this test?

[@wa9jtg903]

Cool video, it would be nice to see a video on a six or 10 meter yagi.

[@n8tuwstevenewland933]

Just wondering . What is the space between the elements on the plex ?. or does it matter?

[@K7AGE]

+Steve Newland doesn't really matter. I would get them close, a 1/2" or so.

[@purplehaze6t9]

hello, I was wondering what kind of wire did you use to feed the PL-259 to the elements as I am building a 11 meter dipole, I am constructing mine with a four way PVC with end caps with drilled holes for the aluminum tubing (elements) to go into, but I need to hook the PL-259 that's mounted inside the cap to the element's, but I'm not sure what type of wire I should use as I need to keep the SWR to the best I can get it. thank you. ben. (unit928) god bless..

[@K7AGE]

purplehaze6t9 It really doesn't matter. I would not use tiny wire.

[@jimmeeGray]

where did you buy the SO 259?

[@K7AGE]

Back then Radio Shack. Today DX Engineering or Amazon.

[@invisalinkmissouri1360]

Hello, I'm a fairly new Tech, I got my ticket in late in 2021. I've been operating on 2m a lot and want to be able to do 6m SSB with my club and I want to build my own 6m Antenna, I think that would be pretty cool. In researching Antenna types and plans, I've ran across a lot of different designs. How do you think this design would compare to a 6m Squalo type Antenna? Also, as far as meters/tools, all I have is a SWR/Watt Meter. I tried looking up the MFJ meter you mentioned and it seems like its End Of Lifed or something. What is another good (affordable) analyzer that would work for HF (Bonus if it will work on 2m as well). Thanks for your time. I enjoyed the video and will look at more of them. -Scott, KF0GYT

[@K7AGE]

This antenna is easy to build. Seems like a squalo would be bit harder. If you can find on, buy it. There are lots of antenna analyzers out there. The nanovna is very popular and low cost. It is small, a bit hard to see outside, but it is cheap. Lots of KZbin videos on it.

[@tglenn3121]

So, do you remember what the final length of each element was? If I built it to the same specs, is it safe to expect I'd get the same resonant freq? I don't have access to an antenna analyzer, nor can I afford one just to test one antenna.

[@K7AGE]

6 can be dead most of the time. There have recently been openings on the ease. Listen to 50.125 SSB and/or 52.525 on FM for the openings.

[@jimmeeGray]

If everyone LISTENS the band will never open. I think you should call cq on 50.125, then listen, then call again. That's how bands open.

[@cfbarnett]

Thanks, Randy! I'm new to all of this. Is that connector a SO239? I thought you said SO259. Why 1/2" aluminum particularly? And last, what coax choice? Chuck K7CFB

[@K7AGE]

I probably said the wrong thing. It was the tuning that was in the scrap pile. RG8 or RG58

[@jfrphoto01]

LL-195/RG-58 (2.56 db/100' loss) for runs under 25' LL-240F/RG-8X-LL types (2.07db/100' loss) up to 50' and for over 50 foot runs (to about 200 feet) LL-400 (solid center conductor) types (0.88db/100') LL-400 (Flex, stranded center conductor) types (1.12db/100' loss). These numbers are for low loss coax at 50 MHz and are from the JEFA Tech website. Losses for other types/brands of coax will vary as will the price per foot.

[@JCHaywire]

Because we are dealing with meters, the only thing I wish is to see metric measurements for all the figures (with the olde style, too)--that helps to better illustrate the fractional relationships between the elements and wavelengths.

[@MrMpelham]

How did you mount the so239? Thanks Mal WF5K

[@K7AGE]

Looking at the video, looks like I used some long screws with several nuts so it was above the plexiglass

[@MrMpelham]

@@K7AGE thanks I am working on one for a friend so he can operate six meters. 73 Randy....Mal WF5k

[@wb5rue]

beautifully built! Look almost commercial!

[@tienmou68]

I am not understanding why we calculate for 50.125mhz. The band goes from 50.000mhz to 54.000mhz. Why not calculate for 52.000mhz, the center of the band? Thanks.

[@K7AGE]

The 50 MHz band is pretty wide. You can check the antenna to check the SWR at the upper and lower frequency edges .

[@TheJacobY7]

is it simply aluminum or are there wires inside?

[@basilkey2949]

Hope you are still around. I built a 6 meter just like yours. Hope it works. Question can it fix to a metal pole and not mess it up?

[@K7AGE]

Sure, mount it to a metal pole to get it up in the air.

[@mikesmith4926]

is 1 antenna hooked to the ground and the other to the center pin, I couldn't tell from the video. I am new so excuse me if it's a dumb question.

[@K7AGE]

+mike smith No problem. Coax center to one side, shield to the other side.