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How to Calculate the Antenna Dimensions for 10-Meter Band

The 10-meter radio band is a high-frequency wavelength popular with amateur and ham radio enthusiasts. A basic, but very effective, form of a high-frequency (HF) antenna is the dipole, consisting of two straight wires. The combined length of the wires is precisely tuned to the 10-meter frequency. Tuning is the key to success, resulting in some dipoles extending over many acres. However, a basic dipole to receive and transmit on the 10-meter band will fit comfortably in an attic or garden.

Instructions

- 1
  Divide 468 by 28.3, the center frequency of the 10-meter band expressed in megahertz (MHz). The result is the required total length for a dipole antenna in feet. For example, 468 divided by 28.3 equals 16.54, so the total length of the antenna is 16.54 feet.
- 2
  Add an additional foot to the length of the dipole determined in the previous step to allow a safe margin of error when cutting the wire and tuning the antenna. For example, adding 1 foot to 16.54 feet gives a total length of 17.54 feet.
- 3
  Halve the length determined in the previous step. The result is the length for each of the two wire arms of the dipole antenna. For example, with a total length of 17.54 feet, each arm of the dipole is 8.77 feet -- 17.54 divided by 2 equals 8.77.

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