DIY Antennas, QRP, SDR & Ham Radio Projects from VU3DXR
The 2m band is the most widely used VHF/UHF allocation in amateur radio. This section covers dual-band antenna designs, installation methods, and performance tips for base, mobile, and portable ham radio operation.2M Antenna
Unlock dual-band performance with the Open Stub J-Pole. This comprehensive guide details how to construct a 2m/70cm antenna using a single feedline. By following precise dimensions for the 146 cm, 48.9 cm, and 15.9 cm rods, hams can build a durable, high-gain vertical dipole perfect for home or field use.
The Hotel Antenna is a clever space-saving vertical antenna design popular among VHF and UHF amateur radio operators. It is especially useful for radio amateurs living in apartments, hostels, or temporary locations where installing large outdoor antennas is not practical.
Build a simple twin-lead J-pole antenna for VHF/UHF using 300-ohm ribbon cable. This end-fed half-wave vertical with quarter-wave matching stub delivers omnidirectional coverage, low noise, and reliable FM/repeater performance without ground radials
Build a 5/4-wave VHF antenna for 145 MHz using 450 Ω ladder line and a choke feed. Shows how to mount, feed, and match this high-gain vertical for FM, repeater, and simplex operations on the 2 m band
Stacked 5/8-wave VHF Antenna for 2-meter band (146 MHz). Learn design theory, dimensions, tuning method, and original YY5RM reference for high gain ham radio
The broadband butterfly (bi-square) antenna uses two connected square loops to deliver stable 50–75 Ω impedance, low noise, and several dB gain over a dipole across VHF/UHF bands. Simple bidirectional design requires no tuning and scales easily for 144 MHz and 430 MHz operation
The dual-band 144/430 MHz Square Loop Antenna is one of the most efficient and compact VHF/UHF antennas that amateur radio operators can build at home. Designed to cover both the 2-meter and 70-centimeter bands, this antenna offers excellent gain, low noise reception, and impressive SWR when constructed correctly.
Boost your VHF performance with the DIY 145 MHz Twin Delta Loop antenna. This technical guide explains how to construct a high-gain, bi-directional array using simple wire and a gamma match. Perfect for weak-signal 2-meter DX and satellite work without the bulk of a Yagi
Unlock extreme bandwidth with the UR0GT Broadband Avia Antenna (RW4HVN Mod). This technical guide explores the unique geometry that allows for seamless performance across Airband, 2m Ham, and Marine VHF without a tuner. The ultimate wideband solution for VHF explorers and monitoring enthusiasts.
A simple and effective 2-meter ham band sleeve dipole antenna design using a ¼-wave whip and a ¼-wave aluminium sleeve over copper braid.