Step-by-step antenna builds for every ham band — start with the Skills section if this is your first antenna, then jump to your band. Every technique used in the build steps is illustrated up front.
Every band below has the same three parts: a simple antenna from parts that ship free on Amazon Prime, a next-level antenna that costs a little more and performs better, and three well-reviewed commercial options if you'd rather order one.
Before that, though, the Skills & Techniques section walks through every basic hand-skill you'll use — soldering wire, tying rope to an insulator, weatherproofing coax, checking SWR, and so on — with a diagram for each. When a build step says "See Skill 4," that's where to look.
If this is your first antenna, read this section first. Every technique that comes up later in the build steps is illustrated below. If you've built antennas before, skim to your band.
Four sources cover every part in this guide. Two ship to your door; two you drive to and pick up locally.
Free 2-day shipping on Prime. Most parts for a simple wire antenna come from here.
amazon.comDrive-and-pickup. Copper pipe for the 2m/70cm next-level antenna is cheaper off the rack than shipped.
homedepot.com · lowes.comFree standard shipping on orders over $99. Best source for 49:1 ununs and quality coax.
dxengineering.com · 1-800-777-0703Nationwide ham dealer. Great for phone advice before you buy.
hamradio.com · 1-800-444-4799Jump to your band using the dial at the top. Each section can be printed on its own with the Print This Band button.