Among radio amateurs, the search for a practical and compact dual-band antenna that performs well on both the 2-meter and 70-centimeter bands has always been a fascinating challenge. The Popovic dual band antenna — often referred to as the Popovic V/U antenna or V-U Popovic Dipole — provides an elegant solution. Designed by Professor Popovic, this antenna achieves remarkable results while maintaining a straightforward structure that can be easily replicated by any ham with basic tools.
This post explains how the Popovic antenna works, what makes it special, and how you can build one yourself for reliable operation on both VHF and UHF bands.
Design Concept
The Popovic dual band antenna is based on a simple dipole structure, but its electrical design allows it to resonate efficiently on two distinct frequencies: approximately 144–146 MHz (2 meters) and 430–440 MHz (70 centimeters). On the 2-meter band, the antenna operates as a quarter-wave radiator, while on the 70-centimeter band, it behaves as a five-eighth-wave radiator.
This clever arrangement allows for a single feed point, eliminating the need for duplexers or complicated matching networks. Its compact structure minimizes wind resistance, making it suitable for both fixed installations and portable setups. Despite its simplicity, it provides excellent standing wave ratio (SWR) readings and maintains good radiation efficiency.
Construction Details
The original Popovic dual band antenna was designed to be simple enough for home construction using easily available materials. The key structural element is a central insulating plate, made from strong non-conductive material such as Teflon, nylon, or any rigid plastic sheet. Two identical metallic rods, typically made from stainless steel or aluminum (even bicycle spokes can work), act as the antenna’s radiating elements.
One rod connects to the center conductor of the coaxial connector, while the other connects to the outer shield. These rods are arranged vertically, forming an open dipole. The feed point can use a PL or BNC connector, secured with screws or bolts to the central plate. For insulation and mechanical strength, small M3 screws and terminal blocks (“chocolate block” or “mammut” type) can be used.
To protect the antenna from moisture, the solder joints and connectors should be sealed with silicone or waterproof compound. However, the antenna body itself should remain open to allow any rainwater to drain freely, preventing water accumulation that could detune the system.
Once assembled, the antenna can be mounted on a small metallic bracket or directly on a mast. Users have reported stable performance even after years of outdoor exposure, showing its durability and reliability.
Popovic dual band antenna – Electrical and Mechanical Performance
What makes the Popovic antenna stand out is its excellent dual-band response without complex traps or matching circuits. On the 2-meter band, the lower element acts as a quarter-wave radiator with ground reference, while the entire assembly resonates as a five-eighth-wave structure on the 70-centimeter band.
This dual-function behavior is achieved by the careful proportioning of element lengths and feed positioning. In practical tests, many builders have achieved an SWR of nearly 1:1 on both bands without needing any adjustment. The radiation pattern remains nearly omnidirectional, ideal for local FM and repeater communication.
Mechanically, the design is lightweight yet rigid, ensuring minimal wind load and long operational life. With proper sealing and mechanical fastening, it can withstand heavy weather conditions without detuning.
Advantages of Popovic Dual Band Antenna
The biggest advantage of the Popovic design lies in its simplicity and efficiency. It performs effectively on two popular amateur bands using just two metal rods and one connector. It does not require coils, traps, or additional matching components, which are common sources of loss and tuning difficulty in other designs.
Another strength is its ease of construction. Even beginners in amateur radio can build it in less than an hour using simple tools. Because it uses common materials, the overall cost remains minimal. The antenna’s compact size also makes it ideal for field operations, emergency setups, and portable use during ham events or contests.
Furthermore, its broad radiation pattern ensures reliable coverage for both local simplex communication and repeater networks. Many users report that once installed, the antenna performs consistently without further maintenance.
The Popovic dual band antenna is ideal for radio amateurs seeking a lightweight, cost-effective solution for operating on the 2-meter and 70-centimeter bands. It suits both fixed-base installations and portable field use. Emergency communication teams also find it useful due to its fast deployment and wideband coverage.
About the Inventor – Professor Popovic
The Popovic dual band antenna takes its name from Professor Vojislav “Voja” Popovic, a respected figure in the amateur radio and RF engineering community. Professor Popovic was known for his deep understanding of electromagnetic theory and his practical approach to antenna design. His work bridged the gap between theoretical antenna principles and real-world implementation, making complex designs accessible to everyday radio amateurs.
Popovic dual band antenna primary goal was to simplify multi-band antenna construction without sacrificing efficiency. During a period when dual-band antennas often required traps, matching networks, or complex feed systems, his design demonstrated that a simple geometric and electrical relationship between two dipole sections could achieve resonance on both 2 meters and 70 centimeters. This breakthrough inspired countless builders and became a benchmark for minimalist VHF/UHF design.
Beyond this particular project, Professor Popovic contributed to several educational resources and amateur radio journals, sharing his insights on dipoles, collinear systems, and impedance matching. Many of his antenna designs, including the Popovic V/U Dipole, remain widely replicated due to their simplicity, reliability, and strong on-air performance.
Although relatively little is documented about his personal biography, Popovic’s antenna designs are still referenced on technical websites and amateur radio forums across Europe and beyond. His work continues to reflect the spirit of experimentation and innovation that defines amateur radio: achieving more with less, and understanding the science behind every signal.
For more info – https://officinahf.jimdofree.com/antenne-vhf-uhf/v-u-popovic/
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