Uploaded April 2016 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
***IMPORTANT UPDATE - READ THIS DESCRIPTION***
I discovered a site on the web (http://www.hamradio.me) where the author, John Huggins, covers some very important details about J-poles. You need to go read the articles here before you decide that the J-pole is the antenna for you.
In the process, you'll discover that there were a number of things I didn't know when I made this video. Take it for what it's worth. If I'm able, I'll produce an update in the future.
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Amateur radio (Ham radio) has been on my hobby list for many years. One of my favorite aspects of the craft is constructing my own equipment, and antennas turn out to be one of the best spots to do this.
I'm making a J-pole antenna from upcycled copper plumbing pipe. It's a very simple design, based on the calculations I found using this online calculator:
m0ukd.com/calculators/slim-jim-and-j-pole-calculator
It's very, very well matched across the entire 2 meter ham band. J-poles are omni-directional antennas, and so exhibit little gain - just a little more than 2dBi generally speaking. Still, I'm able to work up to 50 miles reliably with just a handheld, producing 7 watts max.
***IMPORTANT UPDATE - READ THIS DESCRIPTION***
I discovered a site on the web (http://www.hamradio.me) where the author, John Huggins, covers some very important details about J-poles. You need to go read the articles here before you decide that the J-pole is the antenna for you.
In the process, you'll discover that there were a number of things I didn't know when I made this video. Take it for what it's worth. If I'm able, I'll produce an update in the future.
****************************************************************
Amateur radio (Ham radio) has been on my hobby list for many years. One of my favorite aspects of the craft is constructing my own equipment, and antennas turn out to be one of the best spots to do this.
I'm making a J-pole antenna from upcycled copper plumbing pipe. It's a very simple design, based on the calculations I found using this online calculator:
m0ukd.com/calculators/slim-jim-and-j-pole-calculator
It's very, very well matched across the entire 2 meter ham band. J-poles are omni-directional antennas, and so exhibit little gain - just a little more than 2dBi generally speaking. Still, I'm able to work up to 50 miles reliably with just a handheld, producing 7 watts max.
