Using simple antenna modeling, the design and modification of the Antennas-Amplifiers PA144-432-13-1 dual band antenna to add 6m capability.
For some time now many of the popular HF commercial radios have include three of the most popular VHF bands; 50MHz (6m), 144MHz (2m), and 432MHz (70cm). With their small size and 13.8 VDC operating capability these radios are a natural to use when VHF portable, hill topping, or roving. While one small box can deliver a lot of bands and capability, addressing what kind of antenna(s) to use when portable can complicate the desire for having a small, lightweight station. Using small omni directional VHF antennas is often one solution, but a station’s performance can be significantly improved by using even a small yagi antenna. This presentation describes a modification to a commercially available small lightweight dual band 144/432MHz antenna that will add 50 MHz capability to it. The addition of a second feedline will then provide hill toppers and Rovers with a very short, small, lightweight single boom antenna for 50MHz, 144MHz, and 432MHz.