Building a ground plane antenna

[@mburkhart41]

Fun project. Got me wanting to read up on little radio theory. Nice music!

[@TheNewHam]

Thanks for watching and get that radio theory a bubbling!

[@jeffmccray8883]

Thank you for the instructions! I just made a smaller one 1/4 wave for GMRS that ended up working for 2m and 70cm as well, all though not the best.

[@jay-rus4437]

Wish I understood more of these videos. Would be really nice if I knew someone in my area

[@TheNewHam]

Have you looked to see if there are any local Ham radio clubs in your area? They can be a good place to find some experienced and helpful Hams.

[@jay-rus4437]

TheNewHam ....reached out and got nowhere. They just sent back a couple websites for general info and another for testing schedule. I sent another email asking about local radio shops etc, and they didnt answer back. This weekend I just started studying youtube videos etc, then started studying for the exam on hamstudy.org, and am looking to take the technician exam this week. They cancelled the one for tomorrow, but said they may have one this Saturday. For now it looks like they havent resumed normal schedule. Anyway...was disappointed with the lack of response from the Tulsa Ham club, so I will just hack my way through it on my own

[@sandraabarca6029]

@@jay-rus4437 it's how you look at it,don't get discouraged .look at it like a class did you get all the help when you where a freshmen in highschool?? from seniors??.... exactly..set up your set routine and get her Doneeeeeee.youtube Google etc many hams online with tons of info iam in the same boat 4 yrs now hope to work you someday.7 3

[@jay-rus4437]

Sandra Abarca ....did exactly that. I sucked it up and took the test a week later and passed. Have since done the research and installed an icom ic-2730a in the truck with an NMO mount. Once I got my call sign it was much easier to find others willing to share advice etc. Last weekend my wife and son passed their tech exam also, but are now waiting for call signs. Installed another ic-2730 in my sons truck, and set up a gp-3 antenna at the house along with a power supply and dual band radio. One of the local area clubs in a smaller town has been really good to talk with. I check into one of the Nets each day, and then typically try to make contact with someone on one of the local repeaters. Ive been on enough now that many of the operators know my name by call sign.

[@Fr0ntSight]

I'm in the same boat. It would be nice to be able to meet up in person and work on stuff like this. With covid and everything its so difficult. I just got my license and finally got the balls to say something on the air. Met some cool people but it isn't the same as an in person club or even friend with the same interest.

[@LA6UOA]

Nice video! Thanks for the inspiration and the heads up for the modeling software! 72 de LA6UOA in Norway!

[@dennis4261]

I have 5 so239 connectors left over from the cb days idk wth to do with and just getting back into 2 way radio so this looks like a fun thing to tr. Thanks

[@frankcullen-jc7on]

Keep your solder tip clean at all times for a smoother flow.

[@hound696]

You need a higher watt soldering iron. It makes such a big difference.

[@victoryfirst2878]

Can you tell me if this would work for TV VHF UHF ????? Thanks

[@ascott701]

It’s certainly capable. Antennas can usually receive signals outside of their intended frequency range. The frequencies of some TV channels are close to the ham band so I’m sure it can receive them.

[@victoryfirst2878]

Thank you for letting me know it is possible. Could you tell what way would you proceed with building the antenna for TV Sir ?? Good day too fella. vf@@ascott701

[@tedmead465]

Use brass or bronze brazing rod, it solders fine and does not oxidize as bad as copper.

[@teray45]

Works much better to solder the ground plane elements directly on the SO-239,also,I drilled a hole in a medicine cup,filled with bondo,and slide onto the radiating element, and let it set up! Super weather seal

[@twohandsandaradio]

I'm curious if the radials are touching the floor does that change your readings? I would think the floor would become part of the ground plane. Would be interesting to see if it changes at different heights. Great video!

[@TheNewHam]

It does change it some by lifting it off the ground. If you build one we can compare notes on our tests.

[@twohandsandaradio]

@@TheNewHam I do love tinkering with antennas. I bet you're even closer to 1:1 up in the air. I kind of got the feeling watching your video you're weren't completely satisfied with readings and the thought hit me the ground might be getting into the mix of things. It's a great time with all this virus stuff to tinker around with projects like this. Keep up the good work!

[@Fr0ntSight]

Your soldering iron stand scares the hell out of me lol.

[@w.rustylane5650]

You don't have enough heat on soldering the radiator to the SO-239 connector. That's not shrink wrap. It's called heat shrink. Shrink wrap is used on large skids or pallets of material. A 2 meter is a VHF antenna not a UHF one. That would be a 70cm antenna for UHF.

[@ascott701]

Get over it, get over it and get over it. 😂 By the way the antenna works on both bands. 😎

[@MrTidangerous]

What software are you using to have your nano vna on the computer?

[@jodylaneyAA4XT]

Yes the bigger wire are tubing diameter the wider the band width

[@ernestocuitinoarce6884]

La punta del soldador está sucia , por eso no suelda bien. Y , los planos de tierra mejor soldarlos, así no se aislan.Con tornillos producen electrolisis.TKS. OM 73 . CX2VA URUGUAY

[@jaroslavka7909]

This video is more scary than educational.

[@ascott701]

What’s so scary? Lol

[@Tommyr]

Quick, go run to mommy then.

[@shihab645]

Good video. Pls shre about its gain

[@sandraabarca6029]

maybe your next video can be stringing up a wire antenna around the ceiling inside seen some hams doing that with success.

[@TheNewHam]

This antenna is actually mounted in my attic along with an end fed wire antenna with a 9:1 balun. The problem with showing it on here is my attic is broken up in a manner that most of it is very hard to reach.

[@jrasche]

Hi there-new ham. I built one for 2m/7cm and I would like to put it on a pvc mast but would like to leave it outside permanently and run coax to my house for winter use. My question is does this type antenna need to be grounded, or just the coax? Trying to figure out the best way to do that if it's necessary. Thanks

[@TheNewHam]

The antenna does not need any additional grounding but I do recommend some type of lightening arrestor in line with our coax. It will protect your equipment in the event of a lightening strike. I do recommend grounding your radio(s) if you will have permanent outdoor antennas attached.

[@BP-vi3ix]

What is the readings on UHF? I think this is good for a single band, would like to see how the compromise is when you jump bands.

[@tedmead465]

Actually 70 cm is a harmonic of 2 meter so the antenna works for both

[@DrDiff952]

What about using tape measure instead of solid copper wire?

[@TheNewHam]

I will be doing a tape measure Yagi antenna video soon.

[@jeffmccray8883]

Need a larger iron?

[@ascott701]

Yeah, I definitely need a better one. Please let me know if you have any recommendations. Thanks for watching my video!

[@jfrphoto01]

@@ascott701 Weller 40 watt.

[@SuperiorNorthwestRailfanning]

Whats the name of the software you are using ??

[@scottcavazos9027]

It’s called Nanovna-saver.

[@JohnnyFingers227]

Can this be used for CB Radio?

[@TheNewHam]

No, it's not designed for the CB frequencies. They fall in the HF spectrum around 26.9xx - 27.4xx.

[@henrycross8776]

kg0tr 30 yrs on the air 73