152 MHz Directional Antenna

Because I like to tinker and experiment and I have a distant trunked site I would like to listen to...

What kind of antenna would you suggest based on these criteria in priority order.
1. 150-154 MHz (even better if it could get down to 139 MHz)
2. Smallest size
3. Gain
4. Directional

I have built a few coaxial-collinear and ground planes before but need something with a bit more direction and hopefully smaller size.

What about a reflector antenna? Something based on 1/8 wave? Something utilizing an old Dish Network dish? A regular yagi would be a bit large in the area I need to install it in.

What might you suggest?

Thanks everyone.

A meter beam would get closer to 139.... 144-148 mhz

Build a multi element Yagi. Lots of plans for them online.

You may find Martin's website of help.

He is a member of RR and has a treasure site for antennas; check out his design for Yagi.

KC4RAF said:

He is a member of RR and has a treasure site for antennas; check out his design for Yagi.

Click to expand...

...

A SMALLER antenna won't help you pick up stations FARTHER away. Gain isn't free, it doesn't work that way. Your easiest bet would be to get a 2 meter beam, try it as is, if not up to par, then scale it down to your frequency (i.e. cut the elements and maybe change the spacing). How big of an antenna? Depends on how far you need to hear and how high you can mount it. Good luck!

139 mhz is larger then 144 mhz

Cutting won't work.
add about one half an inch to each element

k9rzz said:

A SMALLER antenna won't help you pick up stations FARTHER away. Gain isn't free, it doesn't work that way. Your easiest bet would be to get a 2 meter beam, try it as is, if not up to par, then scale it down to your frequency (i.e. cut the elements and maybe change the spacing). How big of an antenna? Depends on how far you need to hear and how high you can mount it. Good luck!

Click to expand...

Yep. Just looking for suggestions and the best compromise.

154 direction antenna

If you don't need a lot of gain, just try mounting an antenna on the side of the pole (assuming it's metal). 1/4w spacing will shift the pattern away from the pole (cardoid pattern). This may be of help if you need a interfering signal nulled (pretty good null towards the pole). Should give you about 2db of gain and about 3+ db of loss in the null. Adding a reflector accomplished much the same results.

Heck, try using the side of a file cabinet or refrigerator as the reflector..... :<)

The ARRL VHF antenna handbook is a good resource for 140-150 antennas.

$.02

k8zgw said:

Cutting won't work.
add about one half an inch to each element

Click to expand...

Doh! *dope slap* Hi Hi

This might be worth a look for the price. I have no connection with this seller. I Just saw the listing.

https://dallas.craigslist.org/ftw/ele/5459396770.html

Bob AA0BW