KB9VBR 2 meter J-Pole antenna

This is the original KB9VBR all copper 2 meter J-Pole antenna. Ruggedly constructed one piece design, this antenna will last practically forever. The specs for the two meter version are as follows: Overall length 69 inches, radiator 58 inches, matching stub 19 inches. An S0-239 connector is soldered on at the point of lowest SWR.

Each antenna is individually tested and tuned for optimum performance on their respective bands. The two meter antenna is tuned to 146MHZ (1.2:1 SWR or less at 146MHz), and the SWR is 1.4:1 or less throughout the entire 2 meter band. This antenna also loads up on 70cm for excellent dual band performance. Gain on this omnidirectional antenna is about 3db over a 1/4 wave groundplane. This style of antenna has been said to outperform a Ringo Ranger.

I got the 2 meter J-Pole about a week or two ago and just now finally got it mounted. Very nice! I have been reading the Missouri repeater directory trying to see how many repeaters I can hit. So far, the furthest is 90 miles away. I was actually taken by suprise when I keyed up, said my call and got a repeater beep back! I was not expecting to hit one that far away. Talked on another repeater that was 60 miles away and he stated I was full quieting. Very awesome! – Andrew WA0TFV

This is a super antenna for any situation. Great for base stations, this antenna can be mounted on a mast, tower or even strapped to an apartment balcony. This is at terrific antenna for digital communications; use it on your packet, dx cluster or APRS station. Also great for portable use, and the rugged design makes it an excellent emergency antenna. some people even use it as a VHF scanner antenna. If you have anyquestions, please go to my contact page.The perennial favorite here and on eBay. This antenna has outstanding performance on 2m and also loads up well on 70cm. Overall length is 69 inches with an 11 inch mounting stub. SO-239 connector is soldered on at the point of lowestSWR.

Price: $27.00 + 8.00 shipping

The concept of setting up a base of operations is the same regardless if you are using the 2 meter amateur radio band, MURS, or UHF GMRS bands. My base setup consists of a 2 meter mobile radio, 18 amp hour gel cell battery, eight foot painters pole, and a 2 meter J-Pole antenna. When we are camping or I’m working as part of an event. I set up my base station and go to it. The battery has enough power to last the entire weekend and the short mast and J-pole is usually enough to hear just about every other station I’m working in the event.

VHF communications is primarily line of sight, so the higher you can get your antenna the better. This is especially true if you are using portable radios or are in a heavily forested or hilly area. You may require a taller mast for effective communications, but seldom will you need something taller than 10-15 feet for temporary use. Your terrain may also be way to rugged for effective communication. In that case setting up relay stations may be in order to keep everyone in communication.

Good luck with your base camp operations and please send me your success stories using the J-Pole antenna. I’d love to hear them.

The other harbinger of Spring is lightning and severe weather. I’ve been asked quite a few questions over the last two weeks about lightning protection. Here are my guidelines for a safe antenna installation:

1. Lightning will follow the path of least resistance. Your antenna system should be bonded to an earth ground via a heavy copper or copper clad steel line connected to an eight foot ground rod.
2. Lightning will also follow down your feedline. A lightning arrestor inline on your coax will minimize lightning’s effects. The arrestor needs to be bonded to the same earth ground as your other ground line.
3. If you are grounding a mast or tower with multiple antennas, all antennas need to share the same ground system. Multiple grounds will cause more harm than good if lightning hits.

The ARRL has an excellent collection of resources for lightning protection. Almost all grounding recommendations are based on the National Electric Code and can change as the code is updated. I recommend that you visit the ARRL’s site for the latest information on grounding and lightning protection: http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/lightning.html

Finally, I’m not a licensed electrition, my advice may be contrary to your local ordinances. Please seek out an expert when an expert is necessary.

1. Size. The 2 meter J-Pole is less than 6 feet tall. The breakaway model folds down to under 36 inches. The antenna is small enough that it can fit in the trunk of your car without taking up too much space.
2. Performance. The J-Pole has about 2.5db of gain over a 1/4 wave antenna. It’s a half wave design, so it has a doughnut shaped radiation pattern; sending more RF energy to the horizon than the sky. Also, building the antenna out of 1/2 inch copper tubing both increases the bandwidth and reduces the noise floor of the antenna. You’ll get better reception capabilities and a wider range of operating frequencies.
3. Cost. Probably the biggest factor; the J-Pole is inexpensive. You can dedicate this antenna to Emcomm use without breaking the bank. A similar single band commercial antenna is $80 or more; the 2 meter J-Pole is under $30.00.

As an active ARES/RACES member, the J-Pole is part of my go kit. If I didn’t recommend it, I wouldn’t sell it.

Break away 2 meter J-Pole antenna

The 2 meter J-Pole with a two piece design. Same dimensions as the original J-Pole but with a screw connector in the middle for easy transport and storage. Now the antenna will fit in the trunk of your car. Carry it with you for fast emergency communications deployment.

Price: $30.00 + 8.00 shipping

KB9VBR UHF J-Pole antenna

GMRS radios are gaining in popularity daily. Inexpensive and effective, these radios are redefining how families keep in touch. Unfortunately you won’t get the range you need unless you have a good antenna. The GMRS J-Pole is similar to the 440MHz antenna, but it is tuned for maximum performance on the 462MHz GMRS band. If your base radio can accept an external antenna (many of the better models can), then adding one of these antennas will greatly improve your range.

Price: $19.00 + 6.50 shipping

GMRS J-Pole Antenna Buy Now

KB9VBR UHF J-Pole antenna

The 2 meter works great on the 70cm band, but sometimes you may want a 440MHz dedicated antenna. This is the one for you. Short, lightweight, and always more gain than a 1/4 wave groundplane; only 30 inches overall with an 11 inch mounting stub.

Price: $19.00 + 6.50 shipping

Price: $22.00 + 6.50 shipping

Price:  $44.00 + $10.00 shipping