How to Build: Ham Radio 2 Meter Quarter Wave Antenna

Is your Ham Radio HT rubber ducky letting you down? Do you want to transmit a stronger signal to the repeaters? If so, I'll show you how to build a two meter quarter wave ground plane antenna. It is simple, low cost and quick to build. Give it a try, build one.
Length in feet = 234 / Frequency in MHz.
To convert feet to inches, multiply the length in feet by 12 to get inches.
Metric: length is 0.485 meters.
Parts,
6-32 hardware
SO-239 connector
Wire or welding rod for the elements.
Coax cable to run to your radio. You may need an adapter to connect to to your radio.

[@jones76048]

built my first antenna based on your video, and took it to the Tech Class License bootcamp run by the local Ham Club. After trimming the antenna a bit, it tested on the clubs meters as a 1.1:1 match at the local repeaters frequency.. Oh, and I passed the Tech test.. all in the same day! Thanks K7AGE!

[@K7AGE]

Tony, great news. I bet everyone thought you were now an antenna expert! Thanks for sharing.

[@hunterusa4039]

This is great! New ham technician here😃 Thank you

[@NelsonReyesJr]

This was great, and is something that my wife can put up in an emergency, which is for us a hurricane here in South Florida. I am a Police Officer and if I am working during the storm and lose comms, she can put up the antenna after the storm. Thanks for the great videos!

[@willie_mccoy]

Got my ticket, bought a rig, but was waiting for my antenna in the mail. Made one of these, got out to a repeater about 60 mi away, talking with a gentleman who wasn't too far from my location. He came over and couldn't believe I was using a homebrew to get out so far. Good times. (Love the slide rule part! Used my dad's back in high school...late 80's...math teacher said no calculators, but he was ok with slide rules! Had to figure it out...no internet back then. I was the only one in the class w/one.) Great Video!

[@jrhalli2]

I admire the patience you showed during assembly, particularly when the ground plane elements were flopping around! Anyway, I'm newly licensed and can't hit any local repeaters with my HT so I will be building this antenna.

[@68cristian]

one of the best build videos I have seen for us newbies....thank you so much sir !!Much appreciated.

[@dazzhankey5223]

Superb project, how I remember Ham clubs being run before all the Internet controlled digital modes, loved it, anyone who's never built an antenna would not go wrong following your video, 73s

[@andybennett8271]

Great video. I am a new ham and this video taught me how to dramatically increase the range of my Baofeng UV-5R to the local repeaters. All in - I have less than $75 invested to start into this hobby! Thanks again!

[@K7AGE]

Andy Bennett Glad to heat that your range has increased. It works!

[@Franco-qg3ht]

Andy Bennett ксддннннтннттгггккв ич чгякж3фт38 кж18к6шкчз8чдк05смчмднззнннннзддддддддддсдс777с7сссс676676777666кккк6щщ7кс709здтку

[@biologistjim4905]

K7AGE hi Randy......thanks for the great video. How do you determine the height the antenna should be or does it matter? Is it the higher the better? Thanks Jim.....KJ6VVM

[@n3ssaya972]

Usually it's like that.

[@K7AGE]

higher the better

[@markmutti]

Just wanted to say a big THANK YOU for this video! Built one of these over this past weekend, put it up on 16 feet of PVC on the roof and the reach is fantastic. First homemade antenna, yay -KM6DTC

[@manuelpacheco5446]

K7AGE, GREETING from Puerto Rico. I made my antenna with your video and to my surprise it worked perfectly. The Ham I was talking to was as surprised as I was when I told him I had made the antenna with cloths hangers. Thanks so much for the video. 73 WP4PBQ Manny

[@WickdPerfekT]

Cool

[@cpoable]

Thank you for providing the starting radio enthousiast with valuable information! Lets make the hobby more accessible! 👏

[@davethewelder1]

As a new ham operator soon, I found your video very informative and look forward at building your antenna. Thanks for all the info.

[@medhawk4885]

I have built a number of ground plane antennas for both 2 meters and 70cm and they work great as your terrific video here clearly demonstrates. Thanks for being here for all the newbies and old timers like me who have been out of the hobby for a while and are now back. 73's~N4TYX~

[@FullHouseOutfitters]

Thanks Randy! I built one of these using rg6 coax (i had a whole spool laying around) and a 90 degree BNC connector to hook up to my Icom 2m ht which I bought on the strength of your celebrity endorsement. The rig rocks. I'm hitting repeaters three towns away and I couldn't be happier with my first antenna build. Cheers, Adam K5OCS

[@kdharris1265]

This worked great! I attached the pvc pipe to a drain breather on the roof and ran the coax into the window. Thanks for the video. I was not heard at all before, just had my first radio check last night. :)

[@jsiemons]

Randy, You hit another one out of the park! Great job - you are a fine Elmer! 73 Jim AF6PU

[@K7AGE]

Thanks Jim. I'll see you at SEAPAC soon

[@norman2999]

Hi Randy!! I found your channel and I'm proud to say that I'm subscriber number 30212!! I look forward to watching your videos and learning much from you!! Thanks for posting and teaching we informationally-challenged ham & future ham radio operators how to do it well & proper!! Best wishes & respect. 73, Norman.

[@BretStroup]

The clarity of your instructions are phenomenal! I recently passed my technicians exam and am waiting for my call sign to appear in the database, I cannot wait to try making my own antenna for my house, thank you so much for inspiring all us newbies!

[@easyspanieltraining]

I'm revisiting radio after many years away from it. Found your channel and this is a great video, will be making one of these for my new handheld radio very soon. Thanks for the plain English instructions.

[@MrRubenAlonzo]

Thank you very much Randy, I'm KE5PVO and always enjoy your informative how-to's!!

[@jriver64]

You did an awesome job on your video! Please keep sharing your vast experience of knowledge for us that are getting to know more about HAM Radios. *****

[@DaHoef]

Wow! Thanks for putting your time and expertise into this video. I have been licensed for less than 3 weeks, and the antenna that I made from your instructions ROCKS! We had everything that we needed in our shop, save the OL239, which cost us $4, and all my contacts tell me how great we sound on our basic Bao feng HT. Your work and sharing is greatly appreciated. 73's

[@K7AGE]

Glad that it is working for you!

[@snsm6730]

This is MUCH appreciated !! Thanks for taking time to do this vid !

[@georgeyounger1]

Thank you very much, ive viewed other videos and they mainly showed the antenna not how to build it and use the swr meter afterward, it was a great help

[@MoTown44240]

Nice touch with the slide rule Randy. Its been so long since I've used mine that I forget how to operate it.

[@quimbarrera]

Nice to see you again Randy. Very useful video, I'll give it a try during holidays. :-)

[@raffefra]

Thank you Randy Things are so much clearer when you see them in action. I could have read this ten times and not really got it. Cant wait to get into ham.

[@K7AGE]

Easier to see than read

[@robertschenck7513]

Thank you so much for this video. I followed it and was able to reach a repeater 45 miles away with a Baofeng uv5r

[@betsysingh-anand3228]

Thanks for the video! I built my antenna over the weekend. Tonight on the local 2 meter net we did a test to see how many of us could hear each other on simplex. I copied everyone and most people heard me! I am sure that if I had more than 5 watts going into that antenna, everyone would have copied me.

[@snotrucker4416]

I just recently got my technician license. Been listening on my uv5r with a 12” rubber ducky. It’s ok. But then I watched your video. So I built the same antenna. So far my longest contact was 144 miles on simplex. I live in a valley. Next I will build a j pole antenna. Keep the videos coming. Thank you from KC3PMX. 73’s all around

[@bradleyr34]

Thank you for the great vid. I put one together yesterday. I checked into a net last night where the net control knew I have a handheld but he didn't know I had hooked up a 1/4 wave antenna. He thought I had another radio! I was really pleased to hear that and of course he wanted to know what method I used. The repeater I hit is 50 miles away. I'll do some testing to see what else I can hit.

[@K7AGE]

Brad, thanks for the news and glad to hear that the antenna makes your HT sound like a big radio.. Have fun looking for new stations.

[@wesleyy2792]

Hi Randy, I'm an old ham but haven't been very active for a few decades. This video has been a great reminder for me of what I should be able to do with just a few tools. Thanks!

[@K7AGE]

You can do it

[@michaelpriest6242]

This is a useful video for newbies. At the beginning, my concern grew as I started hearing jargon like "1/4 wave" etc. As you DEMONSTRATED the simplicity and effectiveness, you sucked me in. I have bought a handheld that I think is similar to what you have there. It is still "on a slow boat from China" as I try to learn a few things without having it in my hands. I don't know squat about its frequencies, ranges, channels, etc. but you have made me comfortable that my purchase wasn't a total waste and I can find enough truly introductory information to get a tiny framework of knowledge on which I can continue to build. Thank you very much.

[@RandomlyAwkward1]

Hi Randy...I am new to the hobby and found your antenna video. I made it and attached it to my HT I have been listening to. What a difference! I can hear repeaters 50 miles away from my home in PA. Taking my Technician Exam on Friday... -Mike

[@K7AGE]

Mike, yes the antenna works much better than the rubber duck. Good luck on Friday. Please keep me posted.

[@fbrieden]

Basic, and very interesting. AND, slide rules are awesome!

[@SeekAStrak]

Good to see you're making new videos, Randy. 73, sir.

[@michaelfrank333]

Just got my license and this video is one of the better, easier to understand 2m builds yet! Thank You! KM4LIL OUT!

[@K7AGE]

Michael Frank Thanks for passing along the great news. Hope you build the antenna.

[@michaelfrank333]

Will get you some pictures after the build 73s

[@Majestiicc12]

This is great! Thanks so much for the simple explanation and tutorial. Brand New here, this video is going into my playlist of awesomely helpful videos!!!

[@rlcrisman]

This is a great little antenna. I built one of these 28 years ago, it did the intended job of reaching a repeater that was about 50 miles away. I used it as my base antenna, with an alinco HT. The only thing I did differently, was that I used brass brazing rod for all of the elements. Thanks for the video, it brought back some nice memories.

[@K7AGE]

All sorts of ways to build this.

[@terrywaters1667]

Awesome. Makes me understand antennas even more.

[@JamesDC42]

Thank you for an amazing video. I am just getting into the hobby. I'm studying and learning all I can for my Foundation licence.

[@vicmiller7191]

Thanks fantastic Video and I love the side bar slide rule quick demo. and that goes back a whole lot of years

[@Stpilot09]

Randy, wanted to say thank you for this series for new hams. I just passed my Technician test today! Next I plan on building this antenna. Im not to far from you (CN80, Redding) maybe we'll talk someday! Thanks again for all the info. Tim

[@30CalCoreLokt]

Thank you! Just made mine and I can key into the two local 2m repeaters! The only thing I did different was tap the 4 holes for 8 32 threads and used ring terminals on the ends of the radiators. Great video 73 KN4OVL

[@davidpianosi4512]

just a another standard comment from another radio newbie who still hasn't even got a radio yet. I've been watching now for about a week many KZbin videos concerning amateur radio. you are clear and concise and so far are by far the most useful for my noobee brain. subscribed, thanks keep it up

[@K7AGE]

Thanks, I have lots for you to watch

[@jathayde]

Just built this tonight. Going to wire it up with the analyzer in the AM and give it a whirl. First antenna build! Thanks, Randy!

[@K7AGE]

+John Athayde You should be on the air soon.

[@Radioman7600]

Hi Randy. KA2YDW here. Been a ham for over 30 years. Only used store bought antennas for 2M and 440MHZ. We now live in a HOA. I built one of these with 12 gauge wire and placed it on our roof. It is very stealthy and It worked better than the manufactured stuff. I was so impressed with it, I built another with 1/8 brass rod much more sturdy and looks teriffic. Every Ham should have one of these. Thanks.

[@K7AGE]

It is a simple antenna that really works. Thanks for watching.

[@nobodyimportant6141]

Built one. Boefing UV5R was much improved, but TYT TH-9800 really works great. Hearing stations 75 mi away. Thanks for a great video.

[@geolander1234]

Great video! I have been looking at plans for this type of antenna, but it is so nice to see all the steps. I just bought the connector from Radio Shack and hope to build this tonight! Thanks for all the great videos. 73! KD8VJM

[@HugDeeznueces]

That is impressive! I just got my ticket and awaiting my call sign. I will try this out for sure. I have the cooper wire. Just got to get the connector(s) and the cable. 73's!

[@JoeMartin1968]

I didn't quite understand this area on the test. I only got it right by remembering the answer on the pre test. You made this stupid simple and now I understand this. Thanks for the video!!!

[@K7AGE]

Seeing it make it sink in! Thanks for watching.

[@jeanlouisberthault7603]

Very nice job, congratulations from FRANCE

[@CoryKlumper]

This is one of the first projects any new ham should do. Thanks for presenting it in a way that is easy to understand and build along. With a little weatherproofing and some paint for UV protection the 10' PVC mast would mount nicely to any building. For portable use I would suggest putting wire nuts or tape on the ends of the elements to prevent the sharp copper from scratching people or things. 73 N0ECK

[@K7AGE]

Good ideas!

[@wb5rue]

K7AGE When I make these as a demo I use quick set epoxy on the ends. Make up a small batch, put a bead on the end of the antenna and then turn it until the bead sets and hardens. It's permanent and give the antenna a finished look.

[@K7AGE]

good idea

[@USNERDOC]

Nice video Randy! I enjoy your building vids. Thanks!

[@blizzer7512]

This is awesome. As a new ham, I think this is a project I can do easily. Great vid.

[@Profit187]

Thanks for vids like this.. helps to SEE, not just read about things like this for us new folks

[@polishpicl]

thank you thank thank you..I put it up this after and used a 8 ft pvc pole..and talked further than I ever have.....now im going for the 12 ft steel tubes and attaching it more permanantly..that antenna is so great and inexpensive...thanks for your videos

[@K7AGE]

There you go...

[@amandaward6519]

Great video Randy! I just built a similar antenna based on your video... just altered using 12 gauge copper wire. Put it up on top of 10 feet of PVC pipe and leaned it against the side of the house. Using my Baofeng on high power I logged my first contact. A repeater about 50 miles away. My contact said I had a fairly solid signal! I also have another copy I'm setting up for 70cm. Thank you!

[@K7AGE]

It works!

[@erithanis]

Thank you. I will be using this soon to get into some repeaters that are too far away.

[@NazHasanHuda]

I have built one as per your superb instruction. I hope that you live veeeeery long time, happily.

[@raycodes7393]

11:50 a moment that reminds me why I love ham radio.

[@dazzhankey5223]

It does, if

[@jeyapaulsamathanam7057]

Thank you. Very simplified but works very well.

[@leatherbycrowfoot]

Good video Randy. My wife and I are going to take our daughter to art camp and lo and behold I will be able to work two repeaters while there. Fun fun fun! I'm going to take one of these antennas and a flower pot antenna with me to have some good contacts. It's what I really enjoy. VA5 INN from Prelate Saskatchewan Canada.

[@richardmichelson5870]

You know how to make a video. Simple and concise. Solid presentation. Thanks for the tips. I am a new tech and am floundering with a Yaesu FT-70D analog/digital. The nearest Yaesu repeater is about 20 miles away and unreachable with the rubber duck. Two thumbs up. I wanted more than a hot spot tie. I an thinking about doing same for my boat.

[@victorvonzell360]

Thank I will be trying this as soon as possible here in sacramento this summer

[@benlovlov6558]

I'm a newbie. Thank you for this video. Just got my technician license and I'm going to build one of these antennas.

[@HamRadioDX]

Congrats and welcome to the bands. 73

[@charliebravo77]

Great video, as a somewhat new technician the idea of building antennas was a little daunting but I'm off to the store to get a so-239 mount and some copper wire.

[@K7AGE]

You can do it. Many have built the antenna from this video

[@deansommerfeld7747]

Great video. Going to build one. Got all the parts. Thought I was the only one who still has slide rules. Enjoyed that aspect also.

[@norman2999]

Randy:. Now THAT was a cool video!!!! I can't wait to try some of this out for myself!! 73, Norman.

[@RandyMoe]

Wonderful. Thank you! I have had a license for 6 years and never operated. Soon I will.

[@K7AGE]

I hope you get on the air soon.

[@debbienorris1556]

This looks like a really fun, fairly simple project! If the pvc could be broken into two lengths and reconnected, it might be a great little portable antenna to go. As a new ham, this is the type thing I want to do to learn!

[@K7AGE]

Sure, that will work. Have fun experimenting!

[@butterbean4195]

great vid randy, this was my first 2mtr ant, I made it out of coat hangers it worked great.

[@mcs5271]

Awesome video! I built one of these today and I was able to get full-quieting on a repeater about 35 miles away with only 1 watt. I used the same parts you suggest, with the only change being I used vinyl coated wire. Thanks for your instruction and great channel.

[@mcs5271]

I had to add a second update. I was setting up local repeaters tonight on the antenna, and found I was able to open the connection to a repeater 53 miles away. So I tried to work a station on that repeater to see how the audio sounded, and then spoke to another ham for about an hour. I was able to set my HT all the way down to "Low1" which is 0.05W on my HT. He said, even on that low setting, it was full quieting with a bit of static in the back-ground. I am so pleased with the performance of this antenna. Thanks again!

[@K7AGE]

The outside antenna really makes a difference. Glad to hear that it is working out

[@NeonWanderer]

Pretty cool - i guess this will be my first diy antenna. thanks a lot!

[@LucyFire7]

Today is 28.10.2021, I'm in Vietnam and I'm learning about radio wave. Thank you for all of your videos!!! - .... .- -. .... / -.-- --- ..-

[@JohnDoe-pv2iu]

Great video! I got my license a little while back but finally found a deal on some radio equipment. The gear is old and I am not sure if it all works but need some antennas. I appreciate the information. Yall Take Care and be safe, John

[@netcomptech]

This is just what I was looking for. Here is a hint for working with bare copper wire - to get it straight secure one end with a clamp or vise, that is well anchored, and chuck up the other end in a drill. Pull on the drill and 'wind' the wire a few turns then wind it the other direction a few turns. The wire is much straighter than what it was previously. I was amazed the first time I tried this. Be careful, the wire can become hot if wound too much. If the copper wire is straight, it is much easier to work with.

[@K7AGE]

sounds neat, thanks

[@Texan747]

I tried this and it works! . . . stayed up too late up it was fun! Thanks Randy. Jim W5JCS

[@K7AGE]

Late night building? Sounds great to me!

[@wr1u]

Great video Randy. As always.

[@ve3enx95]

I'm going to try one of these in the attic for my Heathkit HW-2036 radio before I get a more robust one for the roof. 15:34 Nice touch with the slide rule. I still have mine too!

[@K7AGE]

Have fun with that radio!

[@stevemazz3121]

The end of the video brought back memories of the days before electronic calculators. We, or many of us, became very proficient with a Slide Rule back in the day. Here is a quick... what is a slide rule.... "The slide rule, or slipstick, is a mechanical analog computer. The slide rule is used mainly for multiplication and division, and also for "scientific" functions such as roots, logarithms and trigonometry, but usually not for addition or subtraction. "

[@tommybewick]

Great demonstration, I just bought a cheap 2 meter Baofeng that I have trouble hitting my local repeater with, and I will have to give this a try. But I was lost on using that slide rule, LOL. Glad to see you doing videos. 73, Tom K2BEW

[@USNERDOC]

Excellent Randy! I always enjoy your videos. I especially like the building videos. I got on 6 meters because of your 6m dipole video. Thank you for your hard work and excellent videos.

[@USNERDOC]

Forgot to mention, I loved the ending!

[@Kingranch9409]

Thank you for this video. I built two just like it for a ht repeater setup. Works great

[@rj2para]

Thanks for posting. I have an RTL-SDR and the starter radio 5R on order. This looks like a doable project. And potentially significantly better than the Dipole that came with the SDR.

[@Federer935]

Brilliant video - well explained and presented. I love the idea of making your own aerial for little cost - I'm off to make one! Thanks again.

[@K7AGE]

Build, make, use....

[@mrcdad]

built one similar to this in my ham class - incredibly easy to build and works very well

[@K7AGE]

It is fun to build something and then see it work!

[@dr.arthwhite3529]

You have a lot of radios around you that makes you cool 😍😍😍😍

[@K7AGE]

Need lots of stuff

[@davidallen2573]

P.S. love the demo of the slip stick. It's been a while. Thanks.

[@CapnMic]

excellent work and outstanding presentation ..

[@MoTown44240]

Thanks for the slide rule demo. I have not used mine so long that I don't remember how to use. Instead, I use those battery powered devices. lol 73

[@mkttrailfan9260]

Built this antenna this weekend and finally got on the air from my home using my HT. Worked 3 repeaters with great signal. Furthest distance so far is 35 miles with 5x9 to the repeater. THANKS!! KE0AJF

[@K7AGE]

It is simple and it does work. Getting the antenna up higher also helps. Well done

[@graywoulf]

I have straightened and stiffened wire by clamping one end in a vise and clamping the other end in my cordless drill's chuck and slowly twisting it until it is straight. You have to stop though before it reaches a breaking point. Or, on a piece that short, you can lay it out on a hard flat surface and use a similar length of a plank and roll the wire between the plank and the flat surface to straighten it. Thanks for this tutorial. I plan to build one of these.

[@dylanthorner]

That is a very interesting tutorial. Thank you for sharing! I may build this soon. :)

[@hunterusa4039]

Thank you for this video. Brand new ham here!

[@billssimplepinedesign8878]

Great video. Thanks for sharing.

[@OldBadBoy99]

Fantastic video. Thanx, Randy!

[@HarishKottayam]

Will definitely give it a try.. thank you for this video

[@purplemutantas]

Excellent! I haven't done a 1/4 wave ground plane antenna yet. Perhaps that will be my next antenna project.

[@LarsSveen]

Good info given in a fairly succinct matter. Two thumbs up.

[@muddywater8247]

Thank you for a very good video.. I learned something new today...