How to make a 2 meter band tape antenna: Lightweight, portable, fun project for ham radio

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Duck tape, copper foil tape, and a way to connect to it can make for a amazing J-pole antenna for ham radio.
John Portune's videos relating to this:
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John Portune's book on slot antennas (including foil antennas) amzn.to/3M1SIcL
J-Pole Calculator: m0ukd.com/calc...
Materials used.
Duck Tape: amzn.to/46NY7MN
Copper Foil tape: amzn.to/45r8K6Q
BNC connector: amzn.to/48OvmRN
Wire: amzn.to/3ZSqvv1
Coaxial cable: amzn.to/45t1KX8
Oh and for the question that will come up it is DUCK not DUCT: • Duck(t) Tape: the Worl...

[@steveoshaughnessy3736]

Excellent idea to use magnets to be able to adjust the feed point.

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Thanks 👍 73

[@chrissewell1608]

That is most genius part of the build. Its adjustable.

[@franzliszt3195]

Indeed!

[@Healthliving1967]

As a prepper this is awesome,I will be making one of these ductape j poles and put it away for when SHTF.

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Totally, I am not sure what the shelf life of these will be given the glue braking down. But still a great prep antenna

[@AlanTuringWannabe]

I like how stealthy they can be. In an SHTF scenario you might not want everyone to see an antenna

[@kevinmarr7094]

My grandfather made an internal tv antenna with security tape (conductive tape) on two pieces of cardboard with a few pieces of wood separating the reflector cardboard.

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Awesome!

[@w0zy]

One of the fun things in amateur radio is making antennas out of anything you can think of.

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Yes agreed!

[@truehamfashion]

As a new ham years ago, I was in a pinch and needed something better than a rubber duck on my HT. I constructed a 2 meter dipole out of that aluminum foil tape you find in the HVAC section at the hardware store. I wrapped it around a section of 1/2 inch pvc pipe and simply had the leads of the coax held under the tape by the adhesive. It worked quite well. Anyway, keep up the great work and I hope to see more of your videos in the future. 73 de KM4AZW

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

73 Already working on some new videos. :)

[@davidsradioroom9678]

Everyone needs to get a better antenna, rather than the stock rubber duck one that comes with an HT.

[@seandrake7534]

Now this gives me a idea for a light yagi antenna

[@DrewNorthup]

Congratulations, you have discovered the black magic of antenna design ;-)

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

I am not sure if it is black magic or some weird drug that convinces you that everything is a potential antenna :)

[@aaronhope8366]

Love the magnet idea

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Yes it is very handy for testing

[@davidsradioroom9678]

What an ingenious idea! It got me to subscribe to your channel. Looking forward to some more great videos. 👍👍

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Welcome aboard! And thanks for the sub.

[@SKYNET9er]

We used these back in the 80’s. They always worked great. 👍🏻

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Right on.

[@chrissewell1608]

Why you No Tell no one since then? 🤔

[@TheAussieRepairGuy]

I have no doubt someone has already mentioned this in the comments but... "duck tape" was originally intended for use to join ducts, such as those used in air conditioning and similar. hence "duct tape". That being said, this is still a handy video.

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

No that is not true. Duck tape was designed in WWII for ammunition boxes. Not until later was it used for ducts. kzbin.info/www/bejne/b3fEdXxnnp2coNUsi=eL7gIfRNcn8q4m_l. Regardless duck and duct are both used.

[@TheAussieRepairGuy]

@@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie Well I'll be forced to concede defeat on this, I stand corrected. What I do feel however is that there are different categories of tape that have been lumped together, and that the names have converged rather than diverged.

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

No we are both right. No defeat here, just multiple valid answers.

[@John_Ridley]

Nope. It was originally a waterproof tape called duck tape. "Duct" came later, and it's actually lousy at sealing ducts, don't try to use it for that. Foil tape is best for sealing ducts.

[@bill-2018]

I've heard both as people below say. All I can say is I don't know.

[@mariemccann5895]

Awesome. I have been experimenting with copper foil antennas by sticking the foil to a window as I live in an apartment. I've had limited success but will keep at it thanks to you as the concept clearly works. Great video. Many thanks.

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Keep trying. You will get one to work. What is not show. In the video is the many many other non working antennas I built. Might need to do a video on that, all my failures.

[@mariemccann5895]

@@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie I know what you mean and will keep trying as each iteration get better than the last. I have a nano VNA too, which is an amazing help. Thanks again.

[@CanuckHam]

I have done this to make a slot antenna. Working on using a crazy carpet for the next project. Cool video!

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

I love this comment section so many ideas! Going to use the glass roof of my car to make a slot for 2m. The crazy carpet is a awesome idea. I’m thinking a yagi on it maybe?

[@BarefootBeekeeper]

I made a working dual band dipole using copper tape on a length of PVC pipe.

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Did you wrap the pvc or was it just a strip up the side?

[@Truth.Efficient.SelfUnderstand]

That’s brilliant Ben. Wish I had known this a few years ago when I was procuring & installing my LoRaWAN Helium hotspot antenna - might have saved some time & $!! Appreciate & understand your enthusiasm. Keep doing you!! Cheers 👍🏼

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

You know now and future builds should benefit from this.

[@mattylad8035]

Excellent idea, especially for if your going to travel as it will roll up nice and small.

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Pocket sized even.

[@ifell3]

You deserve more subscribers, great production and delivery!

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

I appreciate that! Thank you

[@m7trsradio]

Fantastic work Ben. Better that you could use magnets to find the best point beats having to keep using the soldering iron. Brilliant work. 👍🏽 Motters 73

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Thank you. 73

[@CanadianDrifter777]

Great video and idea! The Red Green clips are perfect! Nice editing too. Cheers!

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Thank you!

[@byzcol]

As a newbie this is awesome. I have some good antennas but for my go bag I want something that I can roll up and fit in the bag.. This is an practical versatile solution. Thanks and keep posting.

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Thank you and yes this rolls up into a pocket nicely

[@DonzLockz]

Nice, easy, cheap and super portable.👍

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

It sure is!

[@Dusty_Ham]

This is very cool, I'm definitely going to try this out at my apartment. Having something I can toss on a fishing rod on my balcony and pull down when I'm done so my body corp doesn't complain is perfect. 73's

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Yes! This is also for you then just use an appropriate colour tape kzbin.info/www/bejne/mmbMpZ9nqrx6qrcsi=Dzmbho6axq1Urg6B

[@farvision]

I sure did "stick" around and am glad you "taped" this!!

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Were your eyes stuck to the screen? Just make sure you adhere to the instructions for best results :)

[@AnDy_ToM22]

I just watched the reading test and you said this is huge when it comes to tuning your antenna. And I became the meme where the guy sticks both of his hands up to his head and goes 🎉

[@g4lmn-ron401]

You have given me an idea, I am thinking of using fluted plastic board and copper tape to make a 2 metre and 70 centimetre moxons for satellite work.

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Love it! please share your results.

[@lonewolfhamradio]

As the man said, keep doing what you’re doing! New sub 👌

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Thanks for the sub!

[@antennafarmer7380]

Foil tape is used more often in microwave work. There are some very clever designs out there.

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Good to know!

[@felsinferguson1125]

All I have to say is "Brilliant!" ETA: For an on-the-move type, it would roll up into a nice tight little bundle for easy portability.

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Yup the roll is about 1” in diameter 2” wide and fits in a pocket nicely. Short feed-line in the other pocket and you are gold

[@Eidolon1andOnly]

Here's an idea: Get the Rapala 60" retractable ruler (can find nearly anywhere selling fishing supplies, since it's used for measuring fish), adhere the copper foil tape to the underside of the measuring tape, then a thin waterproof tape over the copper foil antenna. Now because of the tape spool housing, as well as the looped tab at the leading end of the tape measure, you have structures to hang the fully extended tape up by either the tab or the housing for the spool, a way to easily retract the extended tape (as it is spring tensioned) and a working tape measure all in one. Retracts back into a nice compact spool too.

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Oh damn. Yes I will have to do this. But I have another idea that would be maybe more functional. Stay tuned.

[@Eidolon1andOnly]

@@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie Cool.

[@TomKristiansen]

Love the Ducktenna. I think i will make one to.

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Noted!

[@Aimsport-video]

Rookie of the Year!

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Dunno about that but thank you 73.

[@robk3005]

I did the obligatory J Pole with 1/2" copper pipe when I first got licensed in 1992. I got great results on 2m with it, and it lasted for years. The one made with duct tape looks like it would be great for with an HT, but I wouldn't want to run any more than 8-10W with it. Great video, keep it up. 73 from VE5RJK

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Given the foil tape antennas talk John Portune has done here I think it’s capable of way more than 10w kzbin.info7MA4dIlapyA?si=Qi2gmhINr6c2_IO0

[@leocurious9919]

It has a lot of surface area, so even it 100 % of that energy is dumped as heat in the antenna, it will barely get warm.

[@louislachapelle1388]

Great experiment, 73 - Keep having fun :)

[@general5104]

E X C E L L E N T VIDEO !!! One of my first tech jobs, was installing CB (11 METER) antennas on people's cars. Limo's, houses, etc. I have done lots of other things in my life, but installing antennas and designing them always was a concern of mine. The last 20 years of my almost 40 years on a major railroad, as an electrician, I installed antennas on top of Locomotives for VOICE RADIO, and LOCOTROL, which is the LEAD unit controlling several other locomotives in the middle of the train. Also, GPS antennas. When I was younger, I stripped down a piece of RG58U coax, at 8'6 1/2" and pulled the center out of the braid. I fiberglassed it under the deck of my Dad's saltwater 23' Chapparell fishing boat, and installed a 23 channel CB for a Ship to Store Radio, so when you had to go around the boat with a big fish, you wouldn't get fouled up on the antenna. The SWR was perfect and the water gave the carrier a nice bounce. I subbed to your channel. You mentioned taping the ribbon antenna to your house. Let me bring something to your attention. The air above us, is in layers, as to frequencies. Some spots thicker in depth than others. You have to adjust the height, from the ground, up, to find that "SWEET SPOT." Give you a for instance, a buddy electrician of mine, asked me to help him stand his 3 legged tower up, to raise his base antenna (MOON-RAKER), and a HAM-M rotor up. Since he lived right next to the base of the back side of a mountain, he was in a dead spot. I asked him if he had experimented to see how high he needed to be, to be IN THE SWEET SPOT. He didn't understand the concept. I asked him if I could check on it for him. He agreed. I found that if the base of the antenna was ONE FOOT OFF THE GROUND, that was the SWEET SPOT. He couldn't believe it till he talked to a fellow in Nova Scotia Canada on it. We're in Tennessee, 🇺🇸. check the distance from the ground for your SWEET SPOT. It differs from location to location. Frequency layers are in various layers in our atmosphere. It's NOT always in order, either..! Also, the wave pattern will change if your antenna is horizontal vs vertical. By you transmitting Horizontal, you can be heard better by someone who has their antenna Horizontal. Ok, enough instruction. I've been retired almost a dozen years. I enjoy-joyed your content and I subbed. THANK YOU

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Thank you for the coaching. When you were testing for the sweet spot, how did you do that?

[@thomasmaughan4798]

This sweet spot exists because of lobes in the radiation pattern when an antenna is too close to ground. The ground reflection reinforces the direct radiation in several directions. It depends heavily on the nature of ground, water content mostly. This can be modeled in EZ-NEC software.

[@ebcllc]

We are going to turn this into a classroom project! Thank you so much for the amazing content and the time you spend to make it. Keep your stick on the ice!🏒

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

You are so welcome! Love the idea it’s a classroom project. If the women can’t find you handsome they might as well find you handy ;)

[@HamRadio2]

I read an article about this the other day, looks fun! Great video...

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Thank you! Also awesome to get comments from some of my favorite KZbin hams. Did you read it on HackaDay? hackaday.com/2023/10/13/this-packable-ham-radio-antenna-is-made-from-nothing-but-tape/?fbclid=IwAR1p5z0x2A35Acy7ZI8d6IMW7GcUzebZhPZvDQKHKCYFQ0w_lVlof9xGIWU

[@HamRadio2]

@@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookieYes, that was the article I found

[@jojopri22]

Nicely done. It will be one of my projects when I retire. Thanks for making the DIY Video. 73!

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Great to hear! let us know how it works for you.

[@jordenbouvier9087]

I'm listening to you right now on a national repeater

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Awesome! Next time jump in and say hi! 73

[@brianclimbs1509]

Top notch video! I do believe you need to make sure to get two-sided conductive tape for separate pieces to conduct, but I have everything I need to make this!

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Let us know how it works out for you!

[@rich1051414]

The copper tape you find at electronic parts stores will almost always have conductive adhesive. It is harder to find aluminum tape with conductive adhesive, but I only use that for shielding anyway, and it's good enough for that.

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Yes I am learning this. Totally enjoying the ideas and knowledge I’m gaining here in the comments.

[@brianclements1014]

In a former life, we used copper tape for a variety of RFI / EMI issues. We learnt that not all copper tapes are the same. Some will stick and provide good through conductivity, and some will not. As Murphy would have it, it seemed the more expensive tapes stuck with better conductivity. I suggest buying a small amount to check conductivity before committing to a larger quantity. Aluminium tape is similar and cheaper, but of course you cannot solder aluminium.

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Good advice, I’ve been lucky so far.

[@washingtonstatepicker3460]

Very neat antenna! I want to play with this idea

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

I LOVE to hear this!

[@68thBC]

Why did I have to stumble upon this vid...now I have to try this. 2, 6, 10m here I go

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Let us know how it works on the other bands. I’m sure I don’t need to say this but dont constrain yourself to a J-pole. Dipoles, Yaggies, slot, mag loops are all possible I am sure

[@Craigeek]

Nice, this is great tbh. I'm going to give it a shot and share among my HAM friends. I was actually thinking this would be great for SOTA work on a mast. Very lightweight.

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Yup rolls up into a nice little package in your pocket

[@snakezdewiggle6084]

Ah, No.1 safety boots. Cool😎👍

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Gotta be careful with the weight of the roll of tape :)

[@noimnotarobotcanubeleiveit7024]

Aluminium ducting tape works well around windows to make a magloop, including the capacitor. Use a battery spot welder to connect feed

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Not keen on spot welding on glass but definitely worth investigating

[@benjaminon5bgo636]

Hi Ben, here is Ben... HI Thanks for sharing this wonderful idea of the foil-tape usage ! Useful to some OMs in a flat or with 'nervous' neighbours... 👍

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Great name Ben :)

[@LiveFree-pk8ej]

So that is the antenna you were talking about. I heard you on RYC. Great video. 73 DE VA6CQB

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

This is one of them. Next one will be out Monday or Tuesday if you are referring to my car mobile stealth antenna

[@LB6QJ]

That is perfect dude, i gonna make one.

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Awesome

[@paulthelefty]

Love this project, love the excitement when you tested! Where did you get those magnetic feed points? I need some!

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

I made them and I will do a video on them shortly

[@DreadMakerRoberts]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJOmhauNjq2Yhposi=7L7sD0P_ORTnUu_s

[@facebookinger]

That was a lot of fun! 😉😉 Greetings from Philippines. 73

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Greetings from Canada!

[@kurtwolter3984]

Excellent vid. Fun watching someone having fun experimenting. 😊

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@WECB640]

Suggestion: Try making one with cheaper aluminum foil tape, then using some short copper tabs stuck to the aluminum foil. Solder your BNC or SO-239 wires to the copper foil tabs. This should allow for a bit less cost and also a wider surface are when making the antenna for lower bands. Aluminum foil tape can also work great for radials on the ground or a vertical radiator. WIDE AND FLAT is always best for RF. Much more efficient than round wire. KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK! 73 OM

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Great advice! thank you!

[@TestSpaceMonkey]

I had a go at making one of W6NBC's foil tape loops recently and discovered the hard way that some of the cheaper aluminum foil tape has a thin plastic backing on it. This is unusable for the connections required in the loop but the layer of plastic adds a lot of durability to the foil layer and could be great for carving out a j-pole/slot pattern. Just need to bring a DMM to the hardware store to check if the foil surface is bare or coated.

[@ve2zdx]

Good stuff. Those would be a nice way to deploy an antenna on a balcony. I think I’ll try but use a bnc binding post and 26 awg wire. 73!

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

The binding post is a great idea!

[@ocsrc]

BTW, I had a professional cell tower antenna, 8 feet tall and it looks like what you are doing here. They have foil tape as the antenna on plastic. I was shocked and it took 150 watts continuous power

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

I have not pushed the power up. I do not yet have the radio to do so. However John Portune estimates this could take 100W easy

[@SansNeural]

""I was shocked" You shouldn't have touched it while transmitting ;)

[@ocsrc]

@@SansNeural if you want to sell a set of the bnc leads with the magnets I would like to buy them and where can I get the copper foil?

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Link to the foil is in the description and I’ll see about making the magnetic connectors

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJOmhauNjq2Yhposi=D_o1qECCZAhKxbqC for now I am considering making and selling these.

[@codaman127]

I subscribed for your enthusiasm, and for sharing an awesome solution for a common hobby ham radio problems. Edit: You know, you could make a self holding antenna with something like an old large blind, anything that bends along it's length enough to naturally want to stay straight. There's quite a few fantastic roll out full scale antennas out there that you straighten up with this method and tension at the base to enforce it's upright structure. You might be able to make a pretty handy role out antenna out of duct tape and an internal support nestled into the copper foil J-pole.

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

!!! Great idea. Thank you.

[@kevinshumaker3753]

I make tape measure 3 and 5 element 2m/70cm yagis on 1/2" PVC pipes regularly. They roll up around the pipe for storage and transportation. I use Raspberry Pis, DigiRig, and such for my personal EmComms as I live in the heart of tornado/ice storm/weird weather in the Mid West. I don't do HF, at least not yet, but it's also on my list. I had been making copper pipe j-poles, too, but this method presented is going to replace them as soon as my copper foil tape makes it's appearance.

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

You are going to love my ‘Flagi’ design coming out soon. Effectively a duck tape yagi

[@davidc5027]

Nice end fed half wave 2 meter antenna!

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Yeah!

[@rbmwiv]

Thanks for sharing. Very effective made from nothing basically. Easy and cheap to make.

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

I’ve been experimenting some more with different build concepts and wider foil. Turns out this can be much better with 1/2 foil.

[@stormrider8236]

Great idea for a club activity. Cheers - M0TCF

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Did a presentation on it the other night. But you are correct to have it as a activity is awesome!

[@WagonLoads]

Your antenna could be connected to a repeater. and hang it from a quadcopter. You could reach further over the horizon than from a ground based unit.

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Or a kite, balloon....

[@chrissewell1608]

So this gives me several ideas! So, you could build one in an attic, attached to a 2x4 board or PVC pipe. Possibly build some giant dipole antennas (given the available distance, along a roof crest). You could even stick the copper tape to a rain gutter, vertically or horizontally... Even build a super thin, Window / Door Pass Through with antenna connections on either end. This would be useful for travelling, camping, apartments, etc. or just when you want to pop up that antenna in your yard, and you stay inside (warm and dry!)

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Yes to all of this and I am working on some of the ideas already!

[@psocretes8183]

I like the idea of sticking it to the back or a rainwater down pipe. I live on the ground floor of a block of flats so it can be elevated and invisible.

[@jonathanmclaury8480]

That is so cool. I'm going to make one too!!! Thanks for posting. I can't wait to see more of your videos!

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Awesome! Thank you! let us know how it works for you.

[@ExperienceExplorers]

Nice Job! Soo cool that this worked!!

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Still kinda blown away that it did.

[@ka9udf]

MacGyver would be proud! Very cool! 73!

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

My favourite show as a kid! This is the best compliment ever.

[@ClayExtrudingExpert]

Adhesive-backed copper foil tape. Sold by stained glass suppliers. It is what is wrapped around the edge of the glass before it is tinned with solder.

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

No idea. Just bought it off of amazon you can find links to it in the description.

[@ClayExtrudingExpert]

Hi. I didn’t ask a question. I just stated that adhesive-backed copper foil tape is also available from stained glass suppliers. It seems there is a variety of sources for the tape, though. Copper foil tape for stained glass tends to be very narrow possible making it unsuitable for antennas. @@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

I think it would be ok for antennas. 1/8 tape works. The bandwidth is narrow but it still works

[@jhonsiders6077]

Back in the 70s CB craze I made a adapter from. SQ socket to fit a PL 259 connector with alligator clips and used the alarm systems glass breakage tape on a large widow where I worked just had to disconnect the place were it hooked into the adjoining window and where the wire came into it at the end where I clipped onto it measured it had over a full wave of driven element and reflector and talked for miles .

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Hacking antennas is awesome. Great story!

[@TestSpaceMonkey]

I was also playing around with packing+copper tape antennas when I first got into the hobby. They're pretty great quick and dirty antennas once you have the measurements down and there's a whole rabbit hole to get lost in adding features for co-linear and other bands. I even taped some to the outside of PVC tubes to make them free-standing. There was just something really addictive in making quite capable antennas out of pennies worth of materials. It would be neat to do enough testing on different bands/tape substrates to come up with a parametric design where you quickly mash together working antennas for whatever is needed in a pinch. The main weakness of the copper tape is that it work hardens and fatigues with any amount of regular bending (and I don't know that aluminum tape would be much better). One of my copper tape on PVC antennas was mostly a mess of little soldered patches across all the cracks by the time I gave up and took it down. At this point, I think the way forward is some kind of bending-tolerant fine multifilament ribbon like Litz wire sandwiched between either layers of high quality duct tape or fused laminated sheets of some low-loss material like HDPE. This would be superior to typical ladder line which is solid core and gives up more quickly with rolling and unrolling.

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

All great info. Thank you 73

[@taterbits]

Haha! This is very cool! Well done Ben 👏

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Thank you!

[@MaxPivovarov]

I made a similar antenna just gluing aluminum tape to the window.

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

How well did it work?

[@MaxPivovarov]

@@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie For my purposes, the reception of AIS signals worked well. But it is very important that there is no low-emissivity glass (k-glass or i-glass). Because it has a metal -containing coating.

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Never really thought much about the metal content of the glass but yes you are right.

[@jmatonis]

Thank you for sharing. This will be a fun antenna to try. 73 de KB2SDR

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Let us know how it goes!

[@Barty.Crowell]

Duct tape J-pole? Definitely trying this!

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Awesome let us know how it works out.

[@Ralf_HN]

Great idea John. Thanks. 73, Ralf

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Very welcome. 73

[@2612greg]

That is really cool 👌🏼 👍🏻

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Thank you

[@TheOpticalFreak]

LOL! nice job 👍😁 I need to remember this 😉📡

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Thank you!

[@RadioMcRadioface]

What a fantastic way to make ladder line as well!

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Holy crap! That never occurred to me! It’s super easy to bend and move around too!

[@RadioMcRadioface]

@@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookieAlso a great leader to run between a window and its sill. I'm also thinking of hydrogen line monitoring with a run straight up a wall. A large fractal antenna installed as wall art? Maybe on a tiltable whiteboard or even a door for directivity, the mind boggles.

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

I am thinking I’ll make a yagi but call it a ‘Flagi’ the art/fractal antenna is a great idea too

[@andrewgilbertson4226]

Awesome! I was looking for a lightweight 2m antenna for SOTA! Maybe try a super j-pole? Oh man, could you make a loading coil by folding the tape??? So many possibilities!

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Yes to all the above. I am working on some stuff that takes this to the next level in the coming videos in the new year. I know it might sound hokey but I am first getting some provisional filings done (getting patent pending status) before I release the new stuff. There are some things I am finding that are sitting on the edge of magic status. I have built a antenna that is analogous to being a unicorn.

[@rotaxtwin]

That's kinda significant. I like it!

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Thank you now go make one.

[@rotaxtwin]

@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie I'm not a licensed Ham, I don't TX but enjoy broadcast band DXing. This has lots of applications!

[@neilmarsh1904]

Long, long ago, back when alarm system used metal tape on glass, I was installing burglar alarms. We had a little wheel with teeth around the edge and would use that to spice tape. Running it over both layers would puncture it an make an electrical connection. You could just poke it with a pin but that took longer.

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

!!!!! Not that this needs this but this right here is bloody brilliant. Thank you.

[@glenmartin2437]

Good luck. Thanks.

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

You bet

[@W4TRI]

Love your channel! It's like the return of KG0ZZ Dave but happier!

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Honestly I’m not sure who that is but I’ll Google and dive in. Thanks!

[@brucemarsh4521]

Now, make an HDTV antenna with duck tape and aluminum foil.

[@jco997]

I would throw in a DIY PVC mast. Use a constant swing tubing cutter, in order to make your pvc cuts as precise as possible.

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Great idea!

[@JustMe-bu8pu]

Now for a Cardboard Yagi... :)

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

YES!

[@davidbowering9820]

Slug tape antenna, most excellent. I'm going to make one of these.

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

LOL I forgot the use of copper tape in gardening. I like this name better :)

[@W6IWN_Radio]

Excellent experiment!!! Keep it up...

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@wodowiesel]

very kewl! perfect as stealth and flexible method for ppl without balcony. it's compact maybe rolled for small packsize for hiking etc

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Totally agree! I can fit this and a small bnc coaxial in my pocket

[@PeterJavea]

Good on you. That is amateur radio....fun and experimentation

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

It sure is! 73

[@Eidolon1andOnly]

Quick question: Would you be able to curl this up like a tape measure and be able to have an adjustable/tunable antenna by pulling out any desired length?

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Great question and I will have to try!

[@ChristopherJohnston-ml6pc]

Poeple in a HOA situation this would be a good stealth option. Simmler to the satellite dish slot antenna.

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Absolutely

[@angeldelvax7219]

Thank you! Bot h for this informative video and for spreading awareness about Duck tape!

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Lol you are in the buck camp I see :) good to know I have allies.

[@angeldelvax7219]

I'm trying to explain to everyone I know XD And then there's the duck / gaffer debate. If you spend any time at all, you know to never ever EVER refer to gaffers tape as duck tape to a stagehand / tech XD

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Lmfao, my regular job is SPFX in movies. I go out of my way to ask them exactly this ;)

[@aarongriffin81]

Use 1 strip of duct-tape instead of 2, just fold it lengthwise so it becomes half the width. Light becomes ultra-light and cheap becomes ultra-cheap.

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Yes but the distance between the legs becomes quite tight.... That being said some ladder line 450ohm is pretty close. Hummmmmmm Good idea!

[@aarongriffin81]

I just made a 2m slim jim today using 1 strip of tape and I used speaker wire. I folded half the tape over the wires lengthwise and it tuned great. 50 ohms and 1.1 SWR across 144-146. You definitely don't need special wire, just space the wires evenly about 1 inch apart. @@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie

[@aarongriffin81]

Oddly enough, I decided to see if it would resonate on any other bands and it has a steep match on 11m right about 27.380 and I used it for 1 quick QSO about 500 miles @ 100w. It didn't compare to my resonate antennas but I thought it was worth mentioning. I don't recall the ohms, I used a manual tuner while watching the nanovna.

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

!!!!! Awesome

[@ICEDoTDK]

cool job

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Thank you!

[@sleeve8651]

I had often thought of using, " Alarm Foil ", like you see placed on windows and door glass, etc. ! I would guess some experimentation would be necessary, depending on how frequency agile you needed the antenna to be ? I'm guessing for a higher, " Q ", it might be a thinner strip, for a specific frequency ? While a wider strip might offer more Bandwidth ? Sounds like fun, and for VHF/UHF easy to make dipoles ?

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

This has quite a high Q actually. You are correct on the width of the tape but it has been found by myself and others like John Portune that with skin effect these work effectively like a similar tube where the circumference is equal to the width of the copper foil. So one can get a very wide bandwidth in a much smaller package. Yes it makes great dipoles! There will be videos out soon on this. But it is very easy to go out and experiment yourself! Go and try it!

[@iPsychlops]

Yeah I've been thinking about making a foil antenna on the side of my house (: let me know how it goes. Subscribed!

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Thanks for the sub! And I will! The big thing here is how to protect the adhesive from coming off. I have plastic siding so I cant just paint over it.

[@SansNeural]

There should be an altered velocity factor for the copper sandwiched in duct tape... but I don't suppose we'll find that spec in the 3M data sheet ;)

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

I will measure it here in a coming video

[@joeclaus5125]

What a clever idea. Just when you have seen all the varieties of j-pole antenna! I use 300 Ohn twinlead. BTW, it’s really called duct tape.

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

No its called both duck and duct. ‘Duck’ is the name of the fabric inside the tape

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

kzbin.infon9ZNJKuUpXM

[@susanpatin6684]

Hahaha! I love red !

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

If women can find you handsome, they might as well find you handy. 73

[@mewintle]

Great channel! I hope you keep it up. Thanks so much.

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Thank you. I’ll try to keep it up.

[@leefrohock]

Brilliant, love it. Thanks for the info. love antenna ideas like this and i will definitely be make one of these. 73's from M7THX

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Let us know how it works!

[@aarongriffin81]

This should be a standard piece of equipment....A length of duct-tape with strip of foil with an SO-239 on one end. The other end has a moveable SO-239 attached by magnet so you can tune the antenna in the field by sliding the connector up or down the foil.

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

!!!! never thought of this that is bloody brilliant!

[@iandeare1]

My father, WWII RAF Aircrew AG/Sigs, used a drum of wire, they just unreeled it out of the craft, until the O/P power meter hit maximum

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Love it! 73

[@JDK45ACP]

That was fantastic.

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Thank you!

[@matthewnett]

Great video. I may try a light weight foil tape and pvc yagi.

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

You should! Look up “John Portune” w6nbc here on KZbin he is the king of foil antennas

[@matthewnett]

@@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie Ill take a look ah his videos. Thanks.

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

Here are some kzbin.info?search_query=john+portune+w6nbc you could spend a good amount of time on these. Also his book on slot antennas is here: amzn.to/3Fnr1rm