How To Make A Simple

Ground Plane Antenna

A ground plane antenna is a very simple antenna. It is a
quarter wave vertical radiator and four radials that
simulate a ground for the radiator. It directly matches to
50 ohm coax and should show a VSWR of 1.5:1 or better
at its center frequency. The match may be varied slighty
by varying the angle that the radials droop (see figures in
PDF file) This angle is typically 30 to 45 degrees. The
antenna has 0 dB gain and is non-directional, and it is
useful for both scanner, CB, amateur FM and ATV use,
and as a general purpose antenna. It is useful from HF
through UHF, although it tends to be large below 30 MHz.
While a ground plane cut for 439 mHz will have elements
around 6.25 inches long, a ground plane cut for 28 MHz
will have elements 8.5 feet long. The radiator (vertical
portion) is equal in length to (234/F mhz) feet, and the
radials (drooping elements) are made about 5% longer.
These formulas are fairly accurate, but element diameter,
proximity to other objects, and the presence of mounting
hardware (brackets, pole, etc) will have an effect. The
antenna SHOULD BE CHECKED FOR VSWR BEFORE
USING WITH A TRANSMITTER, and any necessary
adjustments made before use. The radiator element may
have to be lengthened or shortened slightly, and if less
than a few percent change is made, the radials can
usually be left as is. The radiated signal is vertically
polarized, if the radiator is vertical, as is the usual
practice. Large ground planes for lower frequencies must
be made of tubing or pipe and suitably constructed
mechanically.

DO NOT ERECT OR USE THIS ANTENNA

WHERE CONTACT WITH POWER OR

TELEPHONE LINES IS AT ALL POSSIBLE.

YOU COULD BE ELECTROCUTED.
The antenna should be mounted at a distance of at least
its height above ground plus twice either the length of
the longest element or ten feet, whichever is greater,
from any other wires or metallic conductors. This means
that for example, if the ground plane has 9 ft elements and is to
be mounted 30 feet in the air it should be at a distance of 48 feet
from any wires. If it has 2 ft elements, then the minimum
distance from any other wires should be 30 plus 10 feet, or 40
feet. This is to insure your safety and to obtain proper
performance. If this is impossible then do not consider using
this kind of antenna.

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August 23, 2002

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