222 MHz Cheap Yagi

If you're planning to build an EME array, don't use these antennas. But if you want to put together a

VHF Rover with less than $500 in the .antennas, read on.

The simplified feed uses the structure of the antenna itself for impedance matching. So the design

started with the feed and the elements were built around it. Typically a high gain antenna is designed in the

computer, then you try to come up with a driven element matching arrangement for some weird impedance.

In this design, compromises for the feed impedance, asymmetrical feed, simple measurements, wide

bandwidth, the ability to grow with the same spacing, and trade offs for a very clean pattern cost about 112

dB of gain. But you can build these antennas for about $5 ! ! ! !

The antennas were designed with YagiMax, tweaked in NEC, and the driven elements experimentally

determined on the antenna range.

The boom is 314" square, or 112 X 314" wood. The elements have been made from Silicon Bronze

welding rod, Aluminum rod, Hobby tubing, and solid ground wire. You really want to solder to the Driven

Element. Silicon Bronze Welding rod, Hobby tubing, and #10 or #12 solid copper wire have been used to

make the driven element. A drop of "Super Glue", Epoxy, or RTV is used to hold the elements in place.