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How to Build Your Own J-Pole Two-Meter Antenna

The two-meter band contains a range of frequencies used by amateur, or ham, radio operators. Two-meter transceivers are available as mobile or hand-held units, both of which can be installed in cars or boats. Amateur radio operators have installed a network of repeaters across the country. Using a J-pole antenna, instead of a "rubber duck" antenna, will extend your radio's range. Making your own two-meter radio antenna is a simple and rewarding experience. The J-pole antenna is a rugged antenna you can construct from parts you find at your local hardware store.

Things You'll Need

½-inch copper water pipe, 90 inches
Copper elbow, 1/2 inch
Copper T, 1 1/2 inches
Copper end caps, 2 1/2 inches
2 hose clamps adjustable from ½ to 1 inch
Tape measure
Pipe cutter
Sandpaper
Propane torch
Solder
Flux
Flux brush
Antenna analyzer
Electrical tape

Instructions

- 1
  Cut the antenna's four pieces from ½-inch copper water pipe. Use a pipe cutter. Use a tape measure to mark and cut one piece at 58 inches, one at 19 inches, one at 11 inches and the last at 2 inches.
- 2
  Clean both ends of each pipe with sandpaper. Sand the ends until they are shiny.
- 3
  Clean the T, elbow and end caps with sandpaper. Sand both the exterior and interior until they are shiny.
- 4
  Apply flux to the interior of the T, elbow and end caps. Apply flux to both ends of each pipe with a flux brush.
- 5
  Hold the T fitting so it looks like a T. Insert the 58-inch-long pipe into the right side of the T. Insert the 11-inch-long pipe into the left side of the T. Insert the 2-inch-long pipe into the bottom of the T.
- 6
  Insert the elbow on the other end of the 2-inch-long pipe. Insert the 19-inch-long pipe into the free end of the elbow. Adjust the position of the 19-inch-long pipe until it is parallel to the 58-inch-long piece. You will end up with a structure that resembles a one-armed cactus.
- 7
  Place one cap on the end of the 58-inch pipe. Place the other cap on the end of the 19-inch piece.
- 8
  Turn on the propane torch. Solder each joint between the pipe and the connector. Heat the joint until solder flows freely and flows completely around the joint.
- 9
  Attach the feed coax's center conductor to the base of the 58-inch pipe. Attach the conductor 2 inches above the T connector. Use a hose clamp to hold the center conductor tight against the pipe.
- 10
  Attach the feed coax's shield to the base of the 19-inch pipe. Attach the shield 2 inches above the elbow. Use the other hose clamp to hold the shield tight against the pipe.
- 11
  Adjust the position of the coax feed points. Loosen the hose clamps. Reposition the center conductor and shield to obtain optimum performance. Use an antenna analyzer to confirm that you obtain a low SWR, or standing wave ratio.
- 12
  Wrap the center conductor and shield connections with electrical tape. The tape protects the connections against the weather.

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