Ham Radio VHF & UHF Antennas — Complete Guide
VHF and UHF amateur radio spans an enormous range of applications — from local FM repeater operation on 2m to moonbounce (EME) on 23cm, from satellite work on 70cm to Sporadic-E DX on 6m. Each application has its own antenna requirements, and each band has its own propagation characteristics that shape the best antenna choices. This guide covers antennas for all amateur VHF and UHF bands: 6m (50 MHz), 2m (144 MHz), 1.25m (222 MHz), 70cm (432 MHz), 33cm (902 MHz), and 23cm (1296 MHz) — from the simplest J-pole to high-gain EME arrays.
Physical Size — The Primary Advantage
The most immediately obvious difference between VHF/UHF and HF antennas is physical size. Because wavelength is proportional to the inverse of frequency, higher frequencies mean shorter wavelengths and proportionally smaller antennas. A half-wave dipole for:
A 10-element Yagi for 2m fits on a 5-foot boom and weighs less than 2 pounds — providing ~12 dBd of gain. The equivalent gain on 40m would require an antenna the size of a football field. This size advantage makes high-gain arrays entirely practical on VHF and UHF that would be impossible on HF.
Propagation — How VHF/UHF Signals Travel
VHF and UHF propagation is fundamentally different from HF. Without ionospheric skip, most VHF/UHF communication is line-of-sight or near-line-of-sight. But several enhancement modes extend range dramatically:
- Tropospheric ducting — temperature inversions trap signals and guide them far beyond the horizon. 2m and 70cm contacts of 1000+ miles occur regularly during tropo openings.
- Sporadic-E (Es) — irregular ionospheric enhancement that enables intercontinental contacts on 6m and occasionally 2m. The "Magic Band" (6m) owes its name to this unpredictable but spectacular propagation.
- Meteor scatter — signals reflect off ionized meteor trails. 6m and 2m meteor scatter contacts are possible using digital modes (MSK144) during meteor showers.
- EME (Moonbounce) — signals reflect off the lunar surface. 2m EME is achievable with a single large Yagi; 70cm EME with a 4-Yagi array; 23cm EME with a dish.
- Aircraft scatter — signals reflect off passing aircraft. Short-duration contacts of 200–400 miles are possible on 2m and 70cm.
- Rain scatter — signals scatter off precipitation. Used on 10 GHz and above for path lengths of 50–200 miles.
Polarization — Why It Matters More on VHF/UHF
On HF, ionospheric propagation scrambles signal polarization — a horizontally polarized transmitter reaches a vertically polarized receiver with minimal additional loss. On VHF and UHF, signals travel through the troposphere (or space, for satellite and EME), which does not scramble polarization.
- Cross-polarization loss on VHF/UHF: approximately 20 dB — equivalent to reducing power from 100W to 1W
- All 2m and 70cm FM repeaters use vertical polarization — vertical antennas are correct for FM operation
- Weak-signal SSB and CW on 2m uses horizontal polarization by convention — horizontal Yagis are correct
- Satellite operation uses circular polarization — circular reduces the fading from satellite tumbling and Faraday rotation
- EME also benefits from circular polarization for the same Faraday rotation reason
- Matching polarization between stations is not just polite convention — it is critical to signal strength
Construction Tolerances — Precision Matters
As frequency increases, the physical dimensions of antenna elements become smaller, and the tolerance on those dimensions becomes proportionally tighter. A 1% error in element length:
A 1% error on 23cm shifts resonance by 13 MHz — moving the antenna completely outside the 23cm band. This is why microwave antenna construction requires precision machining or careful measurement with calipers, while HF wire antennas can be cut to the nearest inch. On 2m, cutting elements with a good tape measure is adequate. On 70cm and above, use dial calipers for every measurement.
6m Half-Wave Dipole
A 9.3-foot wire dipole for the Magic Band. Simple to build, effective for Sporadic-E, and the correct starting point for any 6m operator. Works SSB, CW, FT8, and digital. Pair with a good Sporadic-E alert service to maximize contacts during openings.
6m Halo / Turnstile
An omnidirectional horizontally polarized antenna for 6m. A folded dipole bent into a circle (halo) or two phased dipoles at right angles (turnstile) provides near-circular horizontal coverage — useful during Sporadic-E when signals arrive from any direction.
6m Yagi
A 3 to 6-element Yagi for 6m delivers 7–11 dBd on a manageable 12–20 foot boom. Excellent for weak-signal SSB, rare Sporadic-E DX, aurora, and EME attempts. Pairs with a rotator for full azimuth coverage during openings.
6m Moxon Rectangle
A compact wire Moxon for 6m — approximately 11 feet wide. Delivers ~5 dBd with excellent front-to-back ratio. Builds on a simple aluminum frame or PVC cross. Good choice for stations with limited space for a full Yagi boom.
2m J-Pole
The most popular VHF antenna build in amateur radio — copper pipe, no ground plane needed, omnidirectional, 0 dBd gain, direct 50Ω feed. Build one in 2 hours for $15 in copper pipe. Perfects for 2m FM and local repeater operation.
2m Slim Jim
A folded J-pole variant built from 300Ω twin-lead. Slightly lower angle of radiation than a standard J-pole, making more of its gain useful at the horizon for repeater and simplex work. Costs under $10 and builds in 1 hour.
2m Collinear
A stacked collinear vertical delivering 3–5 dBd of omni gain over a simple dipole. Built from coax sections or copper tubing. The standard fixed-station FM and digital modes antenna for operators who want repeater range without a directional antenna and rotator.
2m Yagi
A 5 to 12-element Yagi for weak-signal SSB, satellite work, and EME. A 5-element Yagi delivers ~10 dBd on a 6-foot boom. Horizontal polarization for SSB; vertical or cross-polarized for satellite. The primary high-performance 2m antenna.
Eggbeater / Turnstile
Two crossed dipoles fed 90° out of phase to produce circular polarization. Used for satellite receive where the satellite passes overhead in any direction — circular polarization ensures consistent signal regardless of satellite orientation or pass angle.
Cross-Yagi — 2m/70cm Satellite
Two Yagis at 90° on the same boom with a phasing harness for circular polarization. The standard serious amateur satellite station antenna. Covers 2m uplink and 70cm downlink (or reverse for specific satellites) with consistent signal throughout the pass.
222 MHz J-Pole
A copper pipe J-pole scaled for 222 MHz — construction identical to the 2m version but sized for 1.25m. One of the least-crowded and most friendly VHF bands in North America with active SSB and FM activity particularly in the northeast US and midwest.
222 MHz Yagi
A 5 to 9-element Yagi for weak-signal 222 MHz SSB, CW, and digital modes. The 222 MHz band has some of the most dedicated weak-signal operators in VHF — a modest 5-element Yagi makes you competitive in the monthly VHF contests and grid square expeditions.
70cm J-Pole
A compact copper pipe J-pole for 70cm FM, D-Star, DMR, System Fusion, and APRS. Often paired with a 2m J-pole on the same mast for dual-band FM operation. Fits in 18 inches of vertical space — the ultimate space-efficient dual-band solution.
70cm Yagi
A 9 to 15-element Yagi for satellite (AO-91, AO-92, SO-50), weak-signal SSB, and long-range repeater access. At 70cm, a 9-element Yagi fits on a 3-foot boom delivering ~13 dBd. High gain in a very compact package.
70cm Satellite Array
A cross-polarized 70cm Yagi paired with a 2m cross-Yagi for full LEO satellite operation. Covers both polarization components to handle satellite tumbling and Faraday rotation. The complete satellite station capable of working all LEO and some MEO satellites.
70cm Collinear
A vertical collinear for 70cm FM and digital repeater operation. 3–6 dBd gain in an omnidirectional pattern. The standard base station antenna for 70cm FM, D-Star, and DMR — provides noticeably better range than a simple dipole or J-pole without requiring a rotator.
33cm (902 MHz) Yagi
A precision Yagi for the 902–928 MHz band. Used for weak-signal SSB/CW contesting, long-distance tropo, and grid square expeditions. At 902 MHz, a 12-element Yagi fits on a 10-inch boom delivering ~14 dBd. Requires careful fabrication — element tolerances are critical.
23cm (1296 MHz) Yagi
A precision-machined Yagi for 1296 MHz. Dimensional tolerances are critical — use dial calipers, not a tape measure. Used for microwave contesting, weak-signal SSB, EME, and Amateur Television (ATV). Entry point to the fascinating microwave amateur bands.
23cm Dish with Feedhorn
A surplus satellite dish (6–10 feet) with a homebrew 1296 MHz feedhorn — the entry point to 23cm EME (moonbounce). A 6-foot dish provides approximately 20 dBd of gain. Achieves EME contacts with other stations running similar dish arrays. The ultimate VHF/UHF DX challenge.
Patch Antenna (23cm and above)
A printed circuit board microstrip patch antenna for 1296 MHz and above. Produces 6–8 dBd of gain from a flat PCB — used in fixed-direction microwave links, ATV transmitters, and experimental work. Easily fabricated on standard PCB material with basic etching skills.
| Band | Frequency | ½λ dipole | J-pole total | J-pole matching stub | ¼λ vertical | 3-el Yagi boom | 5-el Yagi boom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6m | 50.100 MHz | 112.5 in | ~168 in | ~19 in | 56.3 in | 126 in | ~240 in |
| 2m | 144.200 MHz | 38.9 in | ~58.5 in | ~6.5 in | 19.5 in | 43.8 in | ~83 in |
| 1.25m | 222.100 MHz | 25.3 in | ~38 in | ~4.2 in | 12.6 in | 28.4 in | ~54 in |
| 70cm | 432.100 MHz | 13.0 in | ~19.5 in | ~2.2 in | 6.5 in | 14.6 in | ~27.7 in |
| 33cm | 902.000 MHz | 6.3 in | ~9.3 in | ~1.0 in | 3.1 in | 7.0 in | ~13.3 in |
| 23cm | 1296.000 MHz | 4.4 in | ~6.5 in | ~0.72 in | 2.2 in | 4.9 in | ~9.2 in |
All dimensions are starting points — final dimensions require measurement with NanoVNA and trimming for resonance. At 33cm and 23cm, use dial calipers for all measurements. J-pole dimensions are approximate — use the actual J-pole formula for precise construction.
Building the Classic 2m J-Pole from Copper Pipe
The most popular VHF amateur radio antenna build — two hours, $15 in materials, and a lifetime of service on 2m FM.
Calculate Dimensions
The J-pole consists of a half-wave radiating section and a quarter-wave matching stub (the J). For 146 MHz (center of 2m band): half-wave section = 468/146 × 12 = 38.5 inches (accounting for velocity factor of copper pipe ~0.95: 38.5 × 0.95 = 36.6 in). Quarter-wave stub = 234/146 × 12 × 0.95 = 18.3 inches. Gap between radiating section and stub at the bottom = approximately 1.5 to 2 inches. Total height from bottom of stub to top of radiating section: approximately 56–58 inches.
Cut and Assemble Pipe
Use ½" type M copper pipe for standard builds. Cut the radiating section and stub to calculated lengths. Solder a 90° elbow at the bottom of the stub and another at the top, connecting them to the bottom of the radiating section with a short horizontal bridge piece. Alternatively, use a copper U-strap for the bottom bridge. Leave a gap of 1.5–2 inches between the bottom of the radiating section and the top of the stub connection — this gap is where the feedpoint connection is made. Solder all joints except the feedpoint area while keeping flux clean.
Install the SO-239 Feedpoint
The coax connects to the J-pole approximately 1–3 inches up from the bottom of the stub (the short side). The exact position determines feedpoint impedance — closer to the bottom gives lower impedance, higher gives higher impedance. Start at 1.5 inches from the bottom. Drill a small hole through the stub pipe for the SO-239 center pin; the braid connects to the outside of the stub. Use a small hose clamp to secure the coax braid to the stub pipe for electrical contact.
Initial SWR Sweep
Connect the NanoVNA and sweep 140–150 MHz with the antenna held vertically in the air, away from metal objects. The SWR minimum should fall near 146 MHz. If it is high in the band (above 147), the radiating section is too short — add a short extension. If low in the band (below 144), the section is too long — trim. If the minimum SWR is above 2:1 at any point in the band sweep, try adjusting the feedpoint tap position before any cutting.
Weatherproof and Mount
Once SWR is confirmed below 1.5:1 across 144–148 MHz, weatherproof the feedpoint connection with self-amalgamating tape followed by PVC electrical tape. Mount the antenna on a fiberglass or PVC mast — do not mount on aluminum mast within 3 feet of the antenna without a separation spacer, as the metal mast will detune the antenna and affect the pattern. For a copper pipe J-pole, a good ground connection at the base (connecting the bottom of the stub to an earth ground or the mast ground) provides lightning protection and DC grounding.
Amateur Satellite Antennas
LEO (Low Earth Orbit) amateur satellites pass overhead on 10–15 minute passes at rapidly changing azimuth and elevation. The ideal satellite antenna provides gain in most sky directions, handles the rapid movement, and uses circular polarization to combat satellite tumbling and Faraday rotation.
Antenna options for satellite operation, in order of increasing capability:
- Handheld rubber duck + handheld radio — works for strong satellites like SO-50 with the rig held overhead. No gain, no tracking, but surprisingly functional for getting started.
- Eggbeater / turnstile — fixed circularly polarized omni. No tracking needed — covers the whole sky. Adequate for strong satellites in the overhead pass.
- Cross-Yagi, manually pointed — 2m and 70cm cross-Yagis held by hand and manually tracked during the pass. The standard lightweight portable satellite setup. Significant gain improvement over omni antennas.
- Cross-Yagi on az/el rotator — automated tracking provides full gain throughout the pass without operator attention. The complete fixed-station satellite setup.
EME — Moonbounce Antennas
Earth-Moon-Earth (EME) communication bounces signals off the lunar surface — the ultimate weak-signal VHF/UHF challenge. Path loss is enormous (250–260 dB round trip), requiring maximum antenna gain and transmitter power. Minimum antenna requirements by band:
- 2m EME: a single large Yagi (12–16 elements) with 100W is sufficient to work other single-Yagi stations using digital modes (JT65). 4-Yagi arrays on a cross-boom system enable CW and SSB EME.
- 70cm EME: a 4-Yagi array (2×2 cross-boom) with 200W+ is the practical minimum for digital mode EME. 8 or 16 Yagis are needed for CW.
- 23cm EME: a 6-foot dish or large Yagi array with a low-noise preamplifier makes 1296 MHz EME achievable. The dish advantage on 23cm is compelling — a 10-foot dish provides ~28 dBd.
- Low-noise preamplifier (LNA) at the antenna feedpoint is as important as the antenna — every 0.5 dB of LNA noise figure improvement equals doubling the antenna gain on receive.
Eggbeater Antenna — Satellite Receive
The eggbeater antenna (developed by Jerry Carr W4UVK) consists of two full-wave loops arranged at 90° to each other, fed 90° out of phase to produce circular polarization. The radiation pattern is hemispherical — strong gain toward the sky hemisphere with a maximum elevation angle of approximately 30–45°.
- Loop circumference: 1005/f(MHz) for each loop (full-wave)
- For 2m at 145.900 MHz (FM satellite): each loop = 6.9 ft circumference = 26 in diameter
- For 70cm at 435.300 MHz: each loop = 2.3 ft circumference = 8.8 in diameter
- Feed system: 75Ω phasing line of specific length creates the 90° phase difference
- No rotator needed — the hemispherical pattern covers the entire usable sky
- Best used with a low-noise preamplifier to compensate for lower gain compared to a Yagi
- Excellent first satellite antenna for the operator who doesn't want to manually track passes
Weak-Signal VHF/UHF — Antenna Priority
For 2m and 70cm weak-signal SSB, CW, and digital work (FT8, MSK144 meteor scatter, JT65 EME), antenna gain and low receive noise are the most important station parameters — more impactful than transmitter power at the margins:
- Every 3 dBd of antenna gain doubles effective radiated power on transmit AND doubles received signal strength — equivalent to quadrupling transmitter power for both TX and RX
- A low-noise preamplifier (LNA) at the antenna reduces receive system noise — particularly important on 432 MHz and above where coax loss raises the noise floor significantly
- Horizontal polarization is the convention for 2m and 70cm weak signal — using vertical polarization costs 20 dB compared to other weak-signal stations
- High antenna gain on a good rotator beats high power with a modest antenna for marginal contacts
- Station location elevation matters enormously on VHF/UHF — a hilltop location adds effective path clearance that no amount of additional power or antenna gain can replace
What is the best antenna for 2m FM repeater operation?
For most fixed stations, a collinear vertical antenna delivers the best FM repeater performance — typically 3–5 dBd of gain in an omnidirectional pattern without requiring a rotator. A well-mounted collinear at 30+ feet outperforms a simple dipole or J-pole and noticeably extends range to distant repeaters. For operators just starting out, a copper pipe J-pole is the recommended first build — zero cost beyond materials, performs identically to commercial antennas costing $60–$150, and teaches the basics of VHF antenna construction.
2m J-pole build guide →Why does 6m have such unusual propagation?
6m (50–54 MHz) sits at the boundary between HF and VHF — it occasionally behaves like an HF band (with ionospheric skip propagation) and at other times behaves like a VHF band (line-of-sight only). The primary enhancement mode is Sporadic-E, where irregular patches of highly ionized plasma in the E layer of the ionosphere reflect 6m signals in unexpected and unpredictable openings. During a good Sporadic-E opening, 6m operators can work stations 500–2500 miles away who are completely inaudible 10 minutes before. The band has earned the "Magic Band" nickname from generations of operators who experienced this unpredictable and spectacular propagation.
What is the difference between a J-pole and a slim jim?
Both are end-fed folded antennas for VHF/UHF vertical operation, but they differ in construction and radiation characteristics. The J-pole uses copper pipe or tubing — a rigid, durable structure. The slim jim uses 300Ω twin-lead wire — lightweight and inexpensive. In terms of radiation pattern, the slim jim produces a slightly lower angle of maximum radiation compared to the J-pole, meaning more of its gain is directed toward the horizon rather than upward at an angle — a modest but real advantage for distant repeater and simplex operation. In practice the performance difference is small; both are excellent antennas for their cost and simplicity.
Do I need a rotator for VHF weak-signal work?
For most weak-signal VHF and UHF operation, yes — a rotator is strongly recommended. Yagi antennas have narrow beamwidths of 30–60 degrees, meaning you must point them at the other station. During a contest or Sporadic-E opening, signals may be arriving from many different directions — without a rotator you miss contacts from directions you cannot reach. For satellite work, an elevation rotator in addition to an azimuth rotator allows precise tracking throughout the pass. Some operators use fixed Yagis pointed in one favored direction (toward a metropolitan area or toward the horizon for tropo), but this limits operating options significantly.
What antenna should I start with for amateur satellites?
Start with a simple vertical — even a rubber duck on a handheld radio can receive the FM satellites (SO-50, AO-91, AO-92) during good passes. Once you have made your first satellite contact, build or buy an eggbeater antenna for both 2m and 70cm — this provides circular polarization and hemispherical coverage without any tracking. When you are ready to work more challenging satellites or need more consistent contacts, build a cross-Yagi for 2m and 70cm. The cross-Yagi with manual pointing during a pass is what most serious satellite operators use — it provides excellent gain with no rotator cost or complexity.
Dual-band satellite antenna guide →Is the 222 MHz (1.25m) band worth getting on?
Absolutely — the 222 MHz band is one of the best-kept secrets in amateur radio. It has significantly less activity than 2m or 70cm, which means less competition for contacts and a strong sense of community among active operators. The weak-signal SSB portion (222.100 MHz calling frequency) has dedicated operators across North America who participate in monthly VHF contests and grid expeditions. Antennas are compact (a 5-element Yagi fits on a 4-foot boom), equipment is available from most VHF transverter manufacturers, and the propagation characteristics between 2m and 70cm make it an interesting operating experience. Grid square hunters specifically value 222 MHz for its lower competition.
Can I use a TV satellite dish for amateur radio?
Yes — surplus C-band, Ku-band, and even small DirecTV dishes can be converted for amateur radio use with appropriate feedhorn designs. A 6-foot surplus C-band dish provides approximately 20 dBd of gain on 23cm (1296 MHz) — making it a serious EME antenna. A small 18-inch DirecTV dish provides useful gain on 10 GHz and above. The key challenge is designing and building a feedhorn that illuminates the dish correctly for the amateur frequency. At 23cm and 10 GHz, feedhorn design is well-documented in amateur literature — W1GHZ's Microwave Antenna Book is the primary reference. Dish conversion projects are popular among microwave enthusiasts as they provide very high gain at low cost.
What is polarization and why does it matter on VHF/UHF?
Polarization describes the orientation of the electric field of a radio wave — vertical, horizontal, or circular. On VHF and UHF, signals travel through the troposphere (or space) without polarization rotation, so the transmitting and receiving antennas must have matching polarization for maximum signal transfer. Cross-polarization loss is approximately 20 dB — using a vertical antenna to talk to a station using a horizontal antenna costs you 20 dB, equivalent to reducing power from 100W to 1W. All 2m and 70cm FM repeaters use vertical polarization; weak-signal SSB uses horizontal; satellite uses circular. Using the wrong polarization is one of the most common and easily fixed VHF/UHF antenna mistakes.