This week’s roundtable, hosted by Mike (W3MFB) from Thorndale, revolved around the question: “Have you ever built your own antenna? For what band, and how did it go?” The discussion brought out a wide range of experiences, from simple coat hanger antennas to complex wire beams and mobile builds. Many participants shared stories of learning, experimenting, and even improvising with unconventional materials.

Discussion Highlights

• Mike (W3MFB) – Hosted the session, shared stories of building six-meter dipoles, quarter-wave ground planes for 220 MHz and GMRS, and experimenting with copper pipe antennas. Emphasized learning from every attempt.
• W1RC (Mike, Salem, MA) – Built many HF antennas, including a 130 ft end-fed long wire, and questioned why people buy antennas when wire works so well.
• KV3ZUV (Adam) – Prefers buying antennas but built a 70 cm coat hanger antenna and experimented with BuddyPole modular setups and random wire configurations.
• W3KZG (Scott) – Built multiple 2m mobile antennas and a large property-spanning dipole.
• KG3X (Barry) – Checked in briefly as an in-and-out station.
• W8CRW (CR) – Built antennas for 2m, 1.2 GHz, and aircraft bands; enjoyed building small aviation band antennas for plane tracking.
• WA3VEE (Ron) – Shared memories of teaching students to build antennas, including cubical quads and dipoles. Encouraged experimenting and emphasized performance analysis.
• WA3KFT (John) – Extensive list of homebuilt antennas: multiple dipoles, fan dipoles, quads, coaxial collinears, and a six-meter beam from salvaged TV antenna parts.
• NA3CW (Chuck) – Built many antennas, including loops, broadband receiving loops, moxon rectangles, and foxhunting Yagis. Stressed that antennas are easy to build and encouraged experimentation.
• KC3OOK (Bill) – Focused on wire antennas with tuners; shared stories about running wires through urban setups and using random wires effectively.
• AF3Z (Jim) – Recounted building various small and experimental antennas, including mag loops and temporary designs. Advocated for simplicity and learning by doing.
• W3GMS (Joe) – Reflected on the importance of trying even if antennas aren’t perfect. Discussed losses introduced by coils and tuners and shared stories of building repeater antennas and wire beams.
• Other participants – Shared unique improvisations, like using electric fences, salted rope, and even train tracks as antennas. Several discussed temporary vs. permanent antenna design considerations.

Additional Notes

• Condolences: The group acknowledged the passing of N3RBN Paul’s brother. Details of the service were shared, and contributions to flowers were encouraged.
• FCC Filing Reminder: Joe urged all to submit comments to retain the 430–440 MHz amateur allocation.
• Amateur Radio Advocacy: Mike closed with a PSA encouraging newcomers to pursue their licenses and join the 985 “family.”

Technical Themes & Takeaways

• Experimentation Works: Even crude setups (coat hangers, cookie sheets, electric fences) can make contacts.
• Efficiency vs. Practicality: Open-wire line with a good tuner offers excellent performance, but many hams make do with whatever is possible.
• Temporary Antennas: These are easy to experiment with—perfect for learning and portable operations.
• Stealth Antennas: Several members shared clever hidden or disguised antennas for HOA and urban environments.