This is an easy-to-build tri-band fan antenna with excellent performance on our most popular VHF / UHF bands. It has horizontal elements for 6 meters and vertical elements for 2 meters and 70 centimeters (Photo A). It’s fabricated with 14-gauge THNN wire and electrical PVC tubing to support the wire. Also, a 10-meter option can be easily added.
The antenna breaks down into 2-footplus sections for easy transport to the field (Photo B) or can be permanently mounted, either suspended from a tree or mounted to a mast. A 1:1 balun and PL-259 connector are built into a quarter-wave standoff to separate the coax from the lower vertical element.
This antenna can also be configured for other bands without the 2-meter / 70-centimeter elements, such as a 6- and 10-meter horizontal fan dipole with radials 90° apart.
The electrical PVC is a good supporting structure for the radiating elements and doesn’t affect performance. Other electrical PVC benefits include a good strength-to-weight ratio, junction boxes, ultraviolet protection, good blending with the environment, and it’s easily replaceable if the antenna is damaged. In addition, the PVC will insulate the elements from wet tree branches. This antenna does require
