Ham radio antennas come in various types, each with its own characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages. Understandably, new ham radio operators are often overwhelmed by the options available to them because of the variety of features, sizes, and price points.
In this guide, we’re going to cover the most common types of ham radio antennas, point out the differences, and the pros/cons so you can decide which amateur antenna meets your needs. Your antenna should be suited to the type of ham radio and the kind of communication you intend. For example, a handheld transceiver intended for use during disaster relief will require a mobile antenna whereas a base station will have the capacity for a larger, more complex antenna. Most of these antennas are classified as high frequency (HF antennas) which makes them ideal for long-distance DX communication.
Antenna Wave Lengths Explained
Before we jump into the different types of antennas, let’s take a moment to explain a common question: Does the size of a ham radio antenna matter?
Simply put, yes! Although a longer wave length may increase performance, bigger isn’t always better. Antennas are classified based on the fraction of the wavelength of the radio signal. Antennas commonly come as 1/4 wave antennas, 1/2 wave antennas, and 5/8 wave antennas.
A 1/4 wave antenna is 1/4 of a wavelength long. The 1/4 wave antenna is commonly used because it often provides the best combination of antenna transmission and reception efficiency when a smaller antenna size is important. A 1/2 wave antenna is double the size of a 1/4 and may be preferred because of the potential for a low impedance match between the antenna, the coaxial cable transmission line, and the receiver. The 5/8 is ideal for long-range communication and FM broadcast.
Dipole Antenna
A dipole antenna (pronounced die-pole) is arguably the most common type of antenna system for amateur radios. Dipole antennas are affordable, simple to assemble, and widely available online and in stores.
A dipole antenna consists of two metal rods or wires of equal length, arranged end to end with a gap in the center where the feed line connects. Coax cable is the most common type of feedline used for a dipole antenna, but other types including window line/ladder line are also acceptable.
The dipole is usually a half-wavelength long, which makes it nearly resonant on a single frequency. It’s efficiency means less voltage is necessary for transmission and less amplification is needed for reception. Most wire dipole antennas are dual-band antennas.
Pros:
- Simple and easy to construct
- Effective for both transmitting and receiving
- Good for local and medium-range communication
Cons:
- Limited bandwidth
- Requires proper height and orientation for optimal performance
- Susceptible to interference from nearby objects
Vertical Antenna
A vertical antenna is a type of omnidirectional antenna that radiates in all horizontal directions, making it suitable for general communication. It consists of a single radiating element mounted vertically (upright) with radials to serve as a ground plane. The taller the antenna, the more potential for gain; however, SWR may be sacrificed as the transmission line lengthens. A transfer device can be added to reduce impedance to the benchmark 50 ohms.
The radials are comprised of electrically conductive materials which act as a ground plane. Without these (or a similar element), the vertical antenna will not perform well enough to use. Radials are generally a 1/4 wavelength, but they can be longer if extra materials and space are available.
Pros:
- Omnidirectional
- Space efficient and easy to install
- Low radiation angle for long-distance communication
- Can be manufactured in 1/4, 1/2, or 5/8 wave vertical design for mobile use
Cons:
- Lower gain than directional antennas
- Man-made noise causes issues with vertical antennas
- Susceptible to poor performance on lower frequency bands and with close-range transmission
End Fed Wire Antenna
The end fed antenna, often referred to as a long wire antenna, includes several types such as the end fed random wire and end fed half wave antennas. End fed antennas are still in use today, but the long wire version reached its height of popularity in the mid-20th century.
Easy mounting is a major advantage of end fed antennas. These types of antennas tend to have interference, so grounding them can help limit this. Operators may also utilize an antenna tuner or tuning unit (ATU) to match the feedpoint to the transceiver.
Pros
- Low cost
- Lightweight and portable
- Easy to install
- Can be used for multi-band operation
Cons
- Noisy
- Prone to interference from power lines and other electrical gear
- Can also cause interference with TVs, Radios, and Internet signals
Yagi-Uda Antenna
A Yagi-Uda antenna, also referred to as a Yagi, is a directional antenna consisting of a driven element, a reflector, and one or more directors. It is a single-band antenna.
The driven element is usually a half-wavelength dipole. The reflector sits behind the dipole and “reflects” the radio waves back to the dipole. Directors serve to focus the radio waves which can improve its gain. In general, the more directors you have, the better the performance of the antenna. Each of these elements is parallel and usually mounted on a horizontal boom.
Yagi antennas are popular in terrestrial communication and with satellites. They are also known to be used in FM radio, television, and wireless networking.
Pros:
- High gain and directivity, which improves signal strength
- Suitable for long-range communication
- Effective for both transmitting and receiving
Cons:
- Large and heavy, requiring proper support structures
- Requires precise aiming and positioning
- Limited bandwidth
Loop Antenna
A loop antenna is a type of antenna that consists of a wire or metal loop, usually fed at the bottom. Its appearance looks similar to an oversized steering wheel. Loop antennas can be small, magnetic loops or large, resonant loops. Magnetic loop antennas are typically used over HF signals, whereas electric loop antennas are used over VHF/UHF bands (30 MHz to 3 GHz).
Compared to traditional ham radio antennas, these loop antennas can fit indoors or be mounted inconspicuously on a rooftop or a window. Take your magnetic loop on your next vacation and operate from your hotel or RV!
Loop antennas tend to have a poor reputation among amateur radio users because of performance concerns. However, given a good location and accurate installation, they absolutely do work and they work well.
Pros:
- Compact, smaller size
- Magnetic loops are portable
- Offers a low-noise reception
Cons:
- Limited bandwidth
- Low radiation efficiency for magnetic loops
- Requires precise tuning, which may be a chore for beginner amateur radio enthusiasts
Log-Periodic Antenna
A log-periodic antenna is a directional antenna with a wide frequency range. It consists of several half-wavelength dipoles, each cut for a specific frequency. It’s mounted on a boom and fed through a transmission line.
Log-periodic antennas are powerful and can be used on the entire spectrum including sideband, FM, repeaters, moonbounce, etc.
Pros:
- Wide frequency range
- Good gain and directivity
- Suitable for multiple bands
Cons:
- Large and complex
- Requires proper support structures
- Possible reduced performance at the lower end of its frequency range
Quad Antenna
A quad antenna, also known as a cube antenna or cubical quad antenna, is a directional antenna made up of one or more square or rectangular loops, each functioning as an element (hence the name “quad”). Instead of two quarter-waves, it uses a full wave. It can be configured as a single loop (mono-band) or multiple loops (multi-band), and it can operate on multiple frequency bands like UHF, VHF, and HF.
The more loops a quad antenna has, the stronger its directional gain. The loop elements which create the square shape are usually made of copper tubing. These loop elements are supported by spreader arms connected to the boom. It’s among the harder antennas to build, and calculations must be precise.
Although not the most robust, they have some of the best gain among all types of ham antennas, especially compared to the common dipole antenna.
Pros:
- High gain and directivity
- Good performance for both transmitting and receiving
- Less affected by nearby objects compared to other antennas
Cons:
- Bulky and requires proper support structures
- Requires precise aiming and positioning
- More complex to build and adjust compared to other antennas
Handheld Antennas
If you’re using a mobile ham radio, you probably received a default HT whip antenna that came with your radio unit.
These whip antennas, usually referred to as rubber duck antennas, are very simple. They’re just a coil of wires covered by a short tube of rubber or plastic with a male/female SMA connector to attach to the radio unit.
These handheld antennas can work for most people and situations, but their range and clarity are limited due to their short length. Most handheld ham radio users replace these standard antennas with a 1/4 wavelength whip antenna or a telescopic antenna for improved range.
Pros:
- Simple to use, cheap, and usually included with your handheld ham radio
- Very flexible. Can be used in a variety of situations and can get the job done
Cons:
- Cheaply made; they won’t last long with regular use
- Limited range due to shorter length
- Expected to be replaced at some point
CB Antenna
We’re stretching a bit here, but did you know you can use a CB antenna with your 10-meter ham radio? That’s right, if you’re coming from the CB radio world, you might be able to use your favorite antenna (provided you do some modifications) on the 10-meter ham band.
Pros:
- CB antennas are easy to install, some just mount to the vehicle
- They get a decent communication range
- Truckers can operate a 10-meter radio with their CB antenna
Cons:
- You’ll need to tune them using an SWR meter
- You may need to modify CB antennas to increase or decrease their length
If you’re interested in this option, check out Stryker’s SR-A10 CB antenna.
Next Steps
Each type of antenna serves different purposes and works best in specific situations. When choosing a ham radio antenna, consider factors such as frequency range, desired communication range, available space, and budget. Now that you have an understanding of several of the most popular HF antennas, you can take the next step and examine how each option fits your needs.
