About a year ago, I did a program for my club that I called 
"My Only Radio is an HT."

The idea was to show how to maximize the effectiveness of a 
hand held rig if that indeed is the only option you have.

Naturally, both base and mobile antennas were an important 
part of the discussion.

One of the handouts I distributed was a collection of 
internet links to simple, inexpensive antenna construction 
articles.

Of course, this list included the ever-present J pole, 
several approaches to the quarter wave ground plane, and 
even a dipole made from aluminum Duct Tape wrapped around a 
stick of PVC.

Just as I thought I was done with that resource list, I 
stumbled onto the plans for a 2 meter delta loop, and for a 
half square. These antennas are traditionally thought of as 
being for HF, but they will, of course, work anywhere.

The delta loop was built to tack onto a wall, or hang just 
inside a window, so there was no mention of a support frame 
for mounting it on a single outdoor mast. One could probably 
fabricate something easily enough from PVC, or from wood if 
you are good with various saws.

The delta loop and the Duct Tape dipole really got my 
attention. I will build both of them someday just to say I 
did it.

I still have that resource sheet, and will be glad to share 
it if anyone wants it.


Mike Duke, K5XU
American Council of Blind Radio Amateurs