144 MHz Halo Antenna

Construction and Analysis of a Low Cost

Omnidirectional Horizontally Polarized
Antenna for 144 MHz
by Dr. Carol F. Milazzo, KP4MD (posted 23 May 2012)
E-mail: kp4md@arrl.net

 Construction
 Model Analysis and Measurements
 Stacking Halo Antennas
 Gain and Polarization Comparisons
 References
 Return to KP4MD Home Page

1. Here is one of the pair of
2 meter Halo antennas I
built this week. I needed a
horizontally polarized
antenna for a 144 MHz
WSPR propagation study
and planned to stack these
to increase omnidirectional
gain. I will use it with my
Elecraft XV144 transverter
with 20 watts peak output
power and lower loss RG-
8/U coaxial cable feed line.
The materials for this one
antenna cost about $6.
2. The boom is an 18 inch
piece of the 1/2" Carlon
"Plus 40" Rigid PVC
Conduit that my husband
had in the garden shed. I
bought the 10 foot roll of 1/4
inch copper tubing for $9 at
Home Depot. It comes coiled
in nearly the required
diameter. I cut a 41 inch
length of it and easily
formed it into the 13-1/8
inch diameter shape. The
loop is continuous except for
a gap between the open ends
at the right end of the boom.
3. The resonant frequency of
the antenna will vary with
the distance between these
open ends. After adjustment,
UV resistant cable ties and a
piece of 1/4 inch fiberglass
rod on the open ends of the
halo antenna secure the gap
spacing. The open end of the
boom will later be
weatherproofed with self-
sealing silicone tape.
 Commercial versions cost
about $50 or more.
4. Detail of the 6-32 x 1"
screw ready to be soldered
to the center pin of the SO-
239 connector.
5. The 6-32 x 1" screw is
soldered to the center pin of
the SO-239 connector.
6. The PVC Boom is drilled
for the SO-239 antenna
connector. The center pin is
1-7/8" away from the center
point of the copper tubing.
 7. Several #6 washers were
placed under a #6 nut to
securely maintain its
position and to prevent
traction on the solder joint
when the mica trimmer
capacitor is secured onto the
screw.
8. The SO-239 antenna
connector is secured to the
PVC boom with two 6-32 x
1½" screws.
9. The shell of the SO-239
connector is connected to the
copper tubing with 12 AWG
bare copper wire which is
soldered to the tubing.
 10. The side of the boom
behind the SO-239 antenna
connector. The tab on one
side of the Arco 462 10-80
pF mica compression
trimmer capacitor is bent
up to be in line with the
body of the trimmer and
secured with a 6-32 nut onto
the 6-32 screw that is
soldered to the center pin of
the SO-239 connector. The 7
inch gamma arm will be
soldered to the other tab.
11. Close-up view of the 12. I investigated several feed
mica compression trimmer methods and selected a
capacitor connected gamma match with a 10-80
between the gamma match pF mica compression
rod and the screw on the trimmer capacitor (Arco 462
center pin of the SO-239 type) soldered to a 6 inch
antenna connector. length of the ¼" tubing. At
maximum capacitance, it
barely brought the
impedance 50 ohms and zero
reactance. The back-to-back
alligator clips are a
temporary shorting bar.
Tuning the antenna requires three adjustments: the gap space, the shorting bar location
and the capacitor, and these all interact.
The adjustments should be performed outdoors, away from objects, and at a comparable
height above ground. (I raised the antenna for SWR measurement after lowering it for
each adjustment.)

1. Set the capacitor at mid range and the shorting bar about 6 inches from feed point.
2. Adjust the open end gap for lowest SWR at 144.5 MHz (or your desired center
frequency).
3. Alternately adjust the capacitor and move the shorting bar position for lowest SWR.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until finding the 'sweet spot' where 1:1 SWR is achieved at the
center frequency.
5. Solder the shorting bar in place.
6. Protect the feed point and capacitor preferably with a UV resistant cover.
13. The original ¼ in. tubing
gamma match arm was
replaced with a 7" length of
10 AWG bare copper wire
spaced 1-7/8" from the
radiator element. This
decreased the capacitance
required to achieve the non-
reactive 50 ohms impedance
match.
14. 20 May 2012 - The 144
MHz halo antenna was
mounted at 80 inches (1 λ)
above the metal roof and fed
with Belden 8214 foam type
RG-8/U coaxial cable. At
first, the antenna resonance
was unstable and sensitive
to the routing of the feed
line until 5 turns of it were
wound to form a 8 inch
diameter choke balun. The
standing wave ratio was
then measured as 1:1 at
145.0 MHz.
15. A closer view of the 144
MHz halo antenna. The
entire antenna was
weatherproofed with clear
acrylic spray paint. The open
ends of the boom and the PL-
259 connector were sealed
with a self sealing silicone
tape called Rescue Tape.
Both open ends of the copper
loop were outside the boom
with approximately 1.5" gap
distance for resonance at 145
MHz.
 18. 144 MHz Halo antenna
17. 144 MHz Halo antenna measured SWR vs.
NEC model calculated SWR Frequency. The SWR
vs. Frequency. measured at the feed point
was 1.3:1 or less over the
144.0 to 146.4 MHz range.

16. Close up view of the PL-

259 antenna connector
sealed with Rescue Tape.
The open spaces between
the boom and the SO-239
connector were sealed with
GOOP Plumbing contact
adhesive and sealant,
selected as it does not
release corrosive acetic acid
during curing.
 20. 144 MHz Halo antenna
NEC Model calculated
Resistance and Reactance
vs. Frequency.
21. 144 MHz Stacked Halo
antennas Resistance and
Reactance vs. Frequency
measured with a miniVNA
Pro vector network analyzer.
19. 144 MHz Single Halo
Antenna 4nec2
Calculations. As the gamma
match is not amenable to
accurate NEC modeling1, I
used the high-pass L-
network under the RLC
matching function (F10) of
4nec2 when generating the
frequency sweep curves in
Figures 17 and 20.
 22. 144 MHz single Halo 23. 144 MHz single Halo
Antenna azimuth pattern Antenna elevation pattern
calculated by NEC Model. calculated by NEC Model.

24. 144 MHz single Halo

antenna 3 dimensional
radiation pattern calculated
by NEC Model.
25. 144 MHz 2 stacked Halo 26. 144 MHz 2 stacked Halo
Antennas azimuth pattern Antennas elevation pattern
calculated by NEC Model. calculated by NEC Model.

27. 144 MHz 2 stacked Halo

Antennas 3 dimensional
radiation pattern calculated
by NEC Model.
 CM 144 MHz Halo Antenna NEC
model by Carol F. Milazzo,
KP4MD
CM Horizontal orientation (using
GH command)
CM Frequency = 145.000 MHz
CM Impedance 50 ohms
CM 26-side polygon (40 inch loop
with 1.5 inch gap)
CM Simulated good ground
CM Use the high-pass L-network to
simulate the gamma match
CE
SY frq=145 'frequency MHz
SY cir=40.00758 'Input loop
circumference inches (loop + gap)
SY r=0.5*cir/3.1415926
'Calculate loop radius
SY dia=0.25 'Input loop wire dia.
inches
SY rad=0.5*dia 'Calculate loop
wire radius
SY n=26 'Input n-side polygon of
loop + gap
SY h=81.74 'Input height to loop
inches
SY g=1.5 'Input gap size in inches
SY gseg=int(n*g/cir+0.5)
'Calculate gap length in segments
GH 1 n-gseg 1e-300 1e-
300*(n-gseg)/n r r r r rad
GM 0 0 0 0 gseg*180/n
0 0 h 0
GS 0 0 0.0254
28. 144 MHz 2 stacked Halo GE 1
Antennas 4nec2 LD 5 0 0 0 58000000
Calculations. '1/4 inch copper tubing
GN 2 0 0 0 4 0.01
EK
EX 0 1 (n-gseg)/2 0 1.
0 0 'Feed point
FR 0 0 0 0 frq 0
EN
29. 144 MHz Single Halo
Antenna NEC model.
CM 144 MHz 2 Stacked Halo
Antennas at 40 and 80 inches NEC
model by Carol F. Milazzo, KP4MD
CM Horizontal orientation (using GH
command)
CM Frequency = 145.000 MHz
CM Impedance 50 ohms
CM 26-side polygon (40 inch loop
with 1.5 inch gap)
CM Simulated good ground
CE
SY frq=145 'frequency MHz
SY cir=40.21493 'Input loop
circumference inches (loop + gap)
SY r=0.5*cir/3.1415926 'Calculate
loop radius
SY dia=0.25 'Input loop wire dia.
inches
SY rad=0.5*dia 'Calculate loop
wire radius
SY n=26 'Input n-side polygon of
loop + gap
SY h=81.74 'Input height to loop
inches
SY g=1.5 'Input gap size in inches
SY gseg=int(n*g/cir+0.5)
'Calculate gap length in segments
GH 1 n-gseg 1e-300 1e-
300*(n-gseg)/n r r r r rad
GM 0 0 0 0 gseg*180/n
0 0 h/2 1
GM 1 1 0 0 0 0 0
h/2 1
GS 0 0 0.0254
GE 1
LD 5 0 0 0 58000000 '1/4
inch copper tubing
GN 2 0 0 0 4 0.01
EK
EX 0 1 (n-gseg)/2 0 0.5
0 0 'Feed point
EX 0 2 (n-gseg)/2 0 0.5
0 0 'Feed point
FR 0 0 0 0 frq 0
EN
30. 144 MHz 2 stacked Halo
Antennas NEC model.
 31. Two identical 0.75 λ
lengths of RG-11/U 75 ohm
coaxial cable were prepared
for the stacking harness.
After trimming to achieve
zero ohms reactance at 145
MHz, each of my cables
measured exactly 40.25
inches from tip to tip. This
measurement may vary
slightly due to variations in
the velocity factors among
different batches and
manufacturers of cable.
32. The two lengths of RG-
11/U cable are joined with a
UHF Tee connector to form
the stacking harness. When
measured from either end of
the assembled stacking
harness, the SWR analyzer
should indicate zero ohms
reactance and over 300
ohms resistance at 145
MHz. When erected, the
free end of each RG-11/U
cable will be connected to a
halo antenna and the 50
ohm feed line connected to
33. The lower halo is
mounted at 40 inches height
(0.5 λ) above the roof and the
upper halo is mounted 40
inches above it (1 λ). The
gamma match sections
should be oriented on the
same side of both halo
antennas. All the connectors
are wrapped with self-sealing
silicone tape.

34. Durable weather shields
are made from weather
resistant 2 inch black vinyl
caps. Its purpose is to
protect the feed points and
the gamma match
capacitors from rain and
the elements.
the center of the Tee
connector.
36. The blue line indicates
the standing wave ratio for
the stacked 2 meter halo
antennas is less than 1.4:1
over the 144 through 146
MHz frequency range,
measured with a miniVNA
Pro vector network analyzer.
35. A weather shield was
secured over the feed point
of each halo antenna. The
spaces in and around the
mating surfaces of all the
connectors were filled with
petroleum jelly, the
connectors wrapped with
self-sealing silicone tape,
and open spaces sealed with
silicone plumbing sealant.
NOTES ON HALO ANTENNA
STACKING
 Figure 30. The separation distance of stacked halo
antennas can be optimized for either gain or radiation
pattern. Using my NEC model analysis, a 48 inch
separation yielded 8.7 dBi gain at 15° elevation angle
and a -8 dBi minor lobe at 90° elevation. The 40.5 inch
separation yielded 7.9 dBi gain at 15° elevation and a -
40 dBi sharp null at 90° elevation. I selected the latter
model to optimize the signal to noise ratio through both
maximizing the gain toward the horizon while
minimizing the gain toward noise sources from the
undesired higher elevation angles.
 Figure 31. One method to determine the velocity factor
of a coaxial cable is to attach one end of the cable to an
antenna analyzer with the far end open, and to find the
lowest frequency at which the measured impedance is
zero. Then divide the cable length by the free space
length of a quarter wave. My RG-11/U coaxial cable's
measured velocity factor was 0.66. I used this 37. Radio Mobile Online
calculated velocity factor to cut each of my 75 ohm predicted line of sight signal
stacking harness sections to slightly longer than 3/4 strength for stacked halo
wavelength at 145 MHz. With one end of each section antennas at KP4MD station
attached to the antenna analyzer, I trimmed the far end in Citrus Heights, CA. Limit
until the analyzer read zero ohms reactance at the 145 of WSPR reception at signal
MHz frequency with the PL-259 attached on both strength (0.004 µV) -30 dB to
ends. To account for the additional conductor length -20 dB SNR in orange area,
inside the Tee connector, the analyzer should read zero greater than -20 dB SNR in
ohms reactance and over 300 ohms resistance when yellow area. Transmitter
measuring from either end of the assembled stacking power 50 watts, antenna
harness. Fedler demonstrated an alternative method height 6 meters.
using an oscilloscope and function generator.8
 Figure 33. The proximity of each halo antenna to the
other affects the tuning of both. With each of my halos
mounted in its final location on the mast on the roof, I
tuned each individually for minimal SWR at 145 MHz.
When I then connected both of the antennas to the
stacking harness, the SWR was 1.3:1 or lower from 144
MHz through 146 MHz (Figure 36) and no further
adjustment was necessary.
Alternate method with the stacking harness attached:
Disconnect the top halo, attach a 50 ohm terninator to
its disconnected harness cable, then adjust the lower
halo for lowest SWR. Reconnect the harness to the top
 halo, then repeat the procedure to tune the top halo with
the 50 ohm terminator on the bottom harness cable.
 Figure 33. My RG-11/U stacking harness only allowed
a single turn loop at the feed point of each halo, so my
choke balun consisted of several turns of the 50 ohm
coaxial cable at the Tee connector. The choke balun
decouples the antenna from the feed line and stabilizes
the tuning of the antenna that otherwise would be
affected by any movement and the proximity of the
feed line to other structures.

COMPARISON OF J-POLE VS.

SINGLE AND STACKED HALO
ANTENNAS
 Figures 19 and 22 through 24 show the expected
performance with a single halo antenna at 80 inches (1
λ) above the metal roof (effective ground).
 Figures 25 through 28 and 39 through 41 show the
expected performance with two stacked identical halo
antennas, one at 40 inches (½ λ) and the other at 80
inches (1 λ) above the metal roof (effective ground).
 Figures 42 through 44 show the predicted radiation
patterns of the J-pole antenna.
 The video clips at Figure 38 demonstrate the effect on
received signal strength when antenna polarization is
matched or mismatched.
 The predicted increase in RDF (receiving directivity
factor), the increased gain at 15º elevation and the
suppression of the radiation lobes at 45º with the
stacked halo antennas did improve the overall
performance over the single halo antenna.

 Test signal source - horizontally polarized beacon

station KJ6KO/B on Bald Mountain, CA
 Compared a vertically polarized J-pole antenna vs. the
horizontally polarized single and dual stacked halo
antennas
 Arrow OSJ 146/440 J-pole antenna at 20 feet - Signal
to noise ratio (SNR) = 23 dB
 Single halo antenna at 18 feet with major lobe oriented
 90º away from KJ6KO/B - SNR = 38 dB
 Two stacked halo antennas at 18 feet with major lobe
oriented 90º away from KJ6KO/B - SNR = 40 dB
 Two stacked halo antennas at 18 feet with major lobe
oriented toward KJ6KO/B - SNR = 44 dB

38. Video clips comparing noise floor and received signals from
KJ6KO/B on 144.283 MHz on Bald Mountain, CA.

39. 144 MHz 2 stacked Halo
Antennas 3 dimensional
radiation pattern calculated
by NEC Model. Composite
of horizontal and vertical
40. 144 MHz 2 stacked Halo
Antennas 3 dimensional
41. 144 MHz 2 stacked Halo
Antennas 3 dimensional
radiation pattern calculated
by NEC Model. Vertical
polarization component only.
polarization components. radiation pattern calculated
by NEC Model. Horizontal
polarization component
only.

42. 144 MHz Arrow OSJ 43. 144 MHz Arrow OSJ 44. 144 MHz Arrow OSJ
146/440 J-Pole Antenna 3 146/440 J-Pole Antenna 3 146/440 J-Pole Antenna 3
dimensional radiation dimensional radiation dimensional radiation
pattern calculated by NEC pattern calculated by NEC pattern calculated by NEC
Model. Composite of Model. Horizontal Model. Vertical polarization
horizontal and vertical polarization component component only.
polarization components. only.
REFERENCES APPENDIX: NEC Model
Files
1. Some Preliminary Notes on the Gamma Match, Cebik,
LB, W4RNL 1. 144 MHz Halo
2. Horizontally Polarized Omni-Directional Antennas: Antenna 4nec2 Model
Some Compact Choices, Cebik, LB, W4RNL 2. 144 MHz 2 Stacked
3. Stacking 2 Meter Halo Antennas, Fedler M., N6TWW Halo Antennas 4nec2
4. A Tree Friendly 2 Meter Halo Antenna, Krist, A., Model
KR1ST 3. 144 MHz 2 Stacked
5. Mobile 2-Meter 144 MHz SSB/CW "Halo", Merrill S., Turnstile Antennas
KB1DIG 4nec2 Model
6. 50 MHz Halo Antenna, Milazzo CF, KP4MD 4. Arrow OSJ 146/440 J-
7. Stacking with Coax Cables as Transformation Lines, Pole Antenna 4nec2
Steyer M., DK7ZB Model
8. A 144 MHz Halo, Vallejo, Miguel A., EA4EOZ
9. 2 Meter Halo Antenna Part 12 -- "Phasing Harness LINKS
understanding & calculations", Fedler M., N6TWW
10. 2 Meter Halo Antenna Project Video Series Parts 1-14, 1. 144 MHz Halo
Fedler M, N6TWW Antenna Photo
Album
2. 144 MHz Halo
Antenna Test Videos
3. 144 MHz
Omnidirectional
Horizontal Antennas -
NEC Model
Comparisons of
Stacked Halo,
Turnstile and
Eggbeater
Omnidirectional
Horizontally
Polarized Antennas
for 144 MHz
4. Building the Elecraft
XV Transverter Kit
5. 144 MHz WSPR
Propagation Study