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How to Make a High Gain Antenna for 900 MHz

If you are an amateur radio enthusiast experimenting with the 900 MHz ham band, a high-gain antenna can help you connect to local FM repeaters, enabling you to broadcast long distances, possibly across the country. The 900 MHz band was allocated by the FCC in 1985. It has proliferated as a repeater band due to the signal's robust propagation characteristics that minimize interference from the environment, such as trees and buildings. A vertical dipole antenna design can boost your radio's gain, and extend your range by enhancing distant and weak signals.

Things You'll Need

Coaxial cable with connectors, 50 ohm, 10 feet long
Ring terminal lug, 18 gauge, solderless
Wire-stripping tool
Utility knife
Electrical tape
Pliers

Instructions

- 1
  Cut the connector from one end of the coaxial cable. Remove 3 1/16 inches of outer insulation from this end. Roll the braided sheath down over the cable housing, exposing the inner copper wire. Remove the plastic insulation from the copper wire, exposing 3 1/16 inches of wire.
- 2
  Secure the braided sheath to the cable housing using electrical tape. Make sure the braided sheath extends 3 1/16 inches along the cable.
- 3
  Measure the length of the ring portion of the terminal lug. Trim this length from the tip of the coaxial copper wire. Crimp the ring terminal to the copper wire. The distance from the base of the copper wire to the tip of the ring terminal should remain 3 1/16 inches.
- 4
  Hang the antenna from the ring terminal. Connect the free end of the antenna to the external jack of your ham radio.

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