Cheapest way to build 11m quad

[Captain Kilowatt]

I would love to build my own quad...may take me a while but I think I can do it...do I match it with a balun? It's gonna be diamond shaped for horizontal

The shape means nothing. It is the location of the feedpoint that determines the polarity. A diamond quad fed at the top or bottom is horizontal but if it is fed in either the right or left corner it is vertical. Same as a square. If it is fed in the middle of the top or bottom it is horizontal and if fed in the middle of one of the sides it is vertical.

 

[222DBFL]

As for the fiberglass fishing rods, those should be able to be bought at Walmart in the fishing deptarmtent. They are normally called "crappie" or "spec" poles for that kind of fishing. Or if you have a local freshwater bait and tackle shop you might find them there as well. Not saying to not get them of eBay, just some other places that carry them. I know Walmart has them where u live and if you live in any part of the north east or anywhere near any lakes or such, shouldn't be an issue finding them locally. The fiberglass extendable poles anyhow. Like I said, they are used for spec or crappie fishing. And also bass pro shops will carry them. Just about everywhere they are popping up. Got one going up here in Daytona Bch., FL now. Anyhow, just throwing some more spots to get things at.
As for building one, might want to start with a 2 element and work your way up from there so you don't get too overwhelmed. But that is JMO. Some are better then others at building things. I like the baby steps approach as to not screw up things too much or waste materials. But that is just me. You can always add to the 2 element I would venture to think. I could be wrong, but I know it would be easier and less money out of pocket from the get go. Again. JMHO's. Good luck and take your time. And listen very closely to what the gents above me have said and posted as I know they are very much more knowledgable than I when it comes to antennas!! Hope you get er done and have fun while doing it. That is the main thing. And like I said, take your time and be safe as well!! And don't forget to post up some pics of it dangit!!.

 

[Bearcat]

Thanks guys for all the help and yes 2 element is about all I can do! It will be fun and I hope I don't get too frustrated

 

[Bearcat]

The shape means nothing. It is the location of the feedpoint that determines the polarity. A diamond quad fed at the top or bottom is horizontal but if it is fed in either the right or left corner it is vertical. Same as a square. If it is fed in the middle of the top or bottom it is horizontal and if fed in the middle of one of the sides it is vertical.

I meant diamond with feed point at the bottom...stand corrected

 

[curlyjo]

Go for it and build you a Quad! It can be a little time consuming getting every thing and planing it out. I just moved mine. Rasied it to 30' at the boom. However if I could only have one antenna my choice is a beefed up Sigma 4 / Vector 4000 antenna like mine. 73's to all from Four Nine Zero, So CA