NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY TIRUCHIRAPPALLI

DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION

ENGINEERING
ECLR16 Communication Engineering Laboratory

Mini Project Report

DONE BY:
• MukeshKumar T- 108122066
• Mohammed Aasif - 108122062
• Abid Al Mudabbir – 108122004
• Desilla Satha vahini-108122028
• Gaurav Bisht -108122032
• Ashwin M-108122020
 Design and Implementation of Directional Antennas for the 2-
Meter and 70-Centimeter Amateur Radio Bands
Abstract : This report presents the design Yagi designs. Its full-wave loop elements
and implementation of two directional improve efficiency, particularly at UHF
antennas optimized for amateur radio frequencies, and make it suitable for both
operations in the 2-meter (144–148 MHz) terrestrial and satellite communication
and 70-centimeter (430–440 MHz) bands. A applications.
Moxon Rectangle antenna was selected for
1. Overview of Antenna Designs
the 2-meter band due to its compact size,
high front-to-back ratio, and relatively In this project, two directional antennas
simple construction. For the 70-centimeter were designed and implemented to operate
band, a Cubical Quad antenna was chosen within commonly used amateur radio
for its excellent gain and directivity frequency bands. Each antenna was
characteristics, making it well-suited for selected based on its performance
long-distance and satellite communication. characteristics, construction simplicity, and
This report details the theoretical suitability for the targeted frequency range.
background, design parameters, The following is a brief description of each
construction process, and testing results of antenna:
both antennas, highlighting their
performance and suitability for amateur 1.1 Moxon Rectangle Antenna (2-Meter
radio use. Band: 144–148 MHz)

Introduction The Moxon Rectangle is a compact and

highly efficient directional antenna that is
Amateur radio operators rely on effective widely used in the amateur radio
and efficient antennas to ensure strong community. It consists of a folded dipole
signal transmission and reception across (driven element) and a reflector, with both
various frequency bands. In this project, elements bent at right angles to form a
two popular directional antennas were rectangular shape. This unique
designed and constructed to cover two of configuration minimizes physical size while
the most commonly used VHF and UHF maximizing directional gain and front-to-
amateur bands: the 2-meter band (144–148 back ratio. The Moxon’s narrow radiation
MHz) and the 70-centimeter band (430–440 pattern helps reduce interference from
MHz). unwanted directions, making it ideal for
point-to-point communication. Its
The Moxon Rectangle, used for the 2-meter
lightweight design and straightforward
band, is a compact, two-element
construction also make it suitable for
directional antenna known for its high front-
portable and fixed installations on the VHF
to-back ratio and moderate gain. Its design
2-meter band.
minimizes physical size while maintaining
good radiation efficiency, making it an ideal 1.2 Cubical Quad Antenna (70-Centimeter
choice for portable and space-constrained Band: 430–440 MHz)
setups.
The Cubical Quad is a loop-based antenna
For the 70-centimeter band, a Cubical that provides excellent gain and signal
Quad antenna was chosen. This type of clarity on the UHF 70-centimeter band.
antenna provides superior gain and a Unlike dipole-based designs, the Cubical
narrow beamwidth compared to traditional Quad uses full-wave loop elements, which
reduce noise and enhance radiation • Excellent SWR matching near 50
efficiency. The standard configuration ohms
includes a driven loop and at least one
• Lightweight and easy to mount
parasitic element (reflector or director) to
improve directionality. This antenna excels 2.2 Simulation and Modeling
in applications requiring high directivity and
gain, such as satellite communication and Prior to construction, the Moxon design was
long-distance terrestrial contacts. Its three- simulated using antenna modeling software
dimensional structure demands more such as 4NEC2 or MMANA-GAL. These tools
careful assembly, but offers superior allowed for precise tuning of element
performance in compact form. lengths and spacing to center the antenna’s
resonance at 146 MHz.
2. Antenna 1: Moxon Rectangle (2-Meter
Band) Key parameters analyzed in simulation
included:
2.1 Design Theory
• Radiation pattern: Confirming the
The Moxon Rectangle is a compact, two- narrow beam and high rear null
element directional antenna specifically
optimized for simplicity and efficiency on • SWR sweep: Ensuring the antenna
the VHF 2-meter band (144–148 MHz). maintains SWR < 1.5 across the
Structurally, it consists of a driven element desired frequency range
and a parasitic reflector, both bent at 90° • Impedance: Fine-tuning dimensions
angles and positioned parallel to each other to achieve a natural 50-ohm match
to form a rectangular loop-like shape with a
small gap at the ends. This configuration Simulation results also helped in choosing
significantly reduces the antenna’s physical materials and understanding how mounting
size compared to a full-size Yagi, while height above ground could affect radiation
preserving high front-to-back ratio and angle and gain.
reasonable forward gain.

The folded corners help suppress unwanted

radiation lobes, creating a clean directional
pattern. The antenna exhibits a relatively
narrow beamwidth (about 70°) and a front-
to-back ratio of up to 30 dB, which is useful
for rejecting interference or signals from
undesired directions. A well-tuned Moxon
typically has an impedance close to 50
ohms, minimizing the need for complex
matching networks and simplifying feed line
connection.

Advantages of the Moxon Design:

• Reduced physical footprint

• High front-to-back isolation

• Lower side lobes

 Steps in Construction:

1. Calculate Dimensions: Used a

Moxon Calculator (e.g., online
JavaScript tool) based on the center
frequency of 146 MHz.

2. Cut and Shape Elements: Measured

and bent the elements to the
correct length and shape.

3. Build Boom and Frame: Assembled

the boom and drilled holes for
securing the elements.

2.3 Construction Process 4. Attach Feed Point: Soldered the

coaxial feed line directly to the
The antenna was constructed using center of the driven element (center
accessible, low-cost materials. The driven conductor to one side, shield to the
and reflector elements were made from other).
aluminum tubing (or copper wire for easier
bending). A PVC boom served as the non- 5. Testing and Fine-Tuning: Mounted
conductive support structure. The corners the antenna at test height and
of the elements were bent inward at right trimmed elements slightly if needed
angles and secured using plastic brackets for SWR adjustment.
and epoxy. Materials Used:

• 12mm or 10mm diameter aluminum

tubing or 12 AWG copper wire

• PVC pipes or fiberglass rods for

support

• Zip ties or clamps

• SO-239 connector and coaxial cable

(e.g., RG-213)

• Antenna analyzer or SWR meter for

tuning
 frequency. For the 70-centimeter UHF band,
this makes the quad compact and ideal for
portable or space-limited setups.

The quad configuration improves signal gain

and front-to-back ratio while reducing noise
pickup. Its closed-loop geometry offers
better efficiency and lower radiation
resistance, which contributes to quieter
reception—particularly important at UHF
2.4 Performance Characteristics where man-made noise can be significant.
Parameter Value

Frequency Range 144 – 148 MHz

Center Frequency 146 MHz

Forward Gain ~6.5 to 7 dBi

Front-to-Back
25 – 30 dB
Ratio

Beamwidth
~70°
(Horizontal)

~50 Ohms (no

Impedance
matching needed)

< 1.5:1 at center

SWR (Measured)
frequency Benefits of the Cubical Quad:
Polarization Horizontal (adjustable) • High forward gain (up to 8–9 dBi for
2-element, higher with directors)
Construction Light (portable-
Weight friendly) • Low noise floor due to loop
geometry

• Excellent front-to-back ratio

3. Antenna 2: Cubical Quad (70-
Centimeter Band) • Good bandwidth across the 70 cm
band
3.1 Design Theory
• Lightweight and structurally simple
The Cubical Quad antenna is a high-gain when built with common materials
directional antenna consisting of full-wave
loop elements. Unlike traditional dipole-
based antennas (like the Yagi), the Cubical
Quad uses square-shaped conductive
loops for both the driven and parasitic
elements (reflector and optionally
directors). Each loop element is one full
wavelength in circumference at the target
 Simulations also helped optimize:

• Element spacing (usually about 0.2λ

between driven and reflector)

• Loop size (each side of the square

~0.25λ)

• Height above ground for best

radiation angle

3.3 Construction Process

The Cubical Quad was built using copper

wire for the loop elements and PVC pipe for
the frame structure. Each element was
made as a square loop with sides
approximately 17–18 cm long (based on
calculations for a center frequency of 435
MHz). The loops were supported on a cross-
3.2 Simulation and Modeling shaped spreader mounted to a central
boom. The feed point was connected
Antenna modeling was carried out using directly to the bottom corners of the driven
MMANA-GAL or 4NEC2 to fine-tune the loop using coaxial cable.
dimensions and spacing. The simulated
results included: Steps in Construction:

• Radiation pattern showing a 1. Calculate Dimensions: Loop

focused main lobe with minimal perimeter = 1λ at 435 MHz ≈ 69 cm →
rear and side lobes Each side ≈ 17.3 cm

• Impedance tuning near 50 ohms by 2. Build Frame: Assembled a PVC

adjusting loop size and spacing cross to support the square loop
shape
• SWR curves across the 430–440
MHz range to ensure band coverage 3. Wire Elements: Formed loops for
the driven and reflector elements
using insulated copper wire

4. Attach Feed Line: Coax center

conductor and shield connected to
opposite corners of the driven loop

5. Spacing: Maintained accurate

spacing between driven and
reflector loops (typically 0.2λ ≈ 13.8
cm)

6. Mounting: Secured everything on a

central boom for stability
 Parameter Value

~8–9 dBi (2-element

Forward Gain
version)

Front-to-Back Ratio 20–30 dB

Beamwidth
~60–70°
(Horizontal)

~50 Ohms (with

Impedance
tuning)

< 1.5:1 across the

SWR (Measured)
band

Horizontal
Polarization
(adjustable)
Materials Used:
Construction Lightweight, low wind
• 1–1.5 mm insulated copper wire (or Weight load
enameled wire)
The antenna’s gain and directionality make
• 20–25 mm PVC pipes for frame
it ideal for UHF SSB, FM simplex, repeater
• Epoxy, hot glue, or clamps for joints operation, and even amateur satellite
communication (e.g., working through FM
• RG-58 or RG-213 coaxial cable satellites like SO-50).
• SO-239 or N-type connector 3.5 Testing and Results
• Antenna analyzer or SWR meter The Cubical Quad was mounted on a
rotatable mast at a height of approximately
2.5–3 meters for testing. Using an antenna
analyzer, the SWR was measured to be
under 1.5:1 across the entire 70 cm band,
indicating proper impedance matching and
tuning.

3.4 Performance Characteristics

Parameter Value

Frequency Range 430 – 440 MHz

Center Frequency 435 MHz

 • Beamwidth: Focuses energy with a
70-75° beamwidth in the horizontal
plane—narrow enough to be highly
directional, but still offers coverage
for most applications.

• Ideal for: Simplex

communications, repeater work,
Testing Highlights: and portable setups.

• High Signal Reports: Strong, clear Cubical Quad:

signals received from distant
• Gain: 8–9 dBi, offering more punch
repeaters and simplex stations
and greater signal strength,
• Excellent Directivity: Notable especially on the 70 cm band.
increase in signal strength when the
• Front-to-Back Ratio: Similar to the
antenna was aimed toward a station
Moxon, ranging from 20–30 dB—
• Low Noise Floor: Compared to great for minimizing unwanted
open-element Yagis, the quad signals.
showed reduced background noise
• Beamwidth: Narrower at 60-70°,
• Field Portability: Easily which makes it a sharper tool for
disassembled and transported for long-range communication or
portable UHF setups or field day use satellite work.

The Cubical Quad performed impressively • Ideal for: UHF communications,

in both urban and rural settings, proving to amateur satellite operations, and
be a highly capable antenna for short- to longer-distance terrestrial
medium-range UHF communication. contacts.

4. Comparison of the Two Antennas Key Takeaway:

The Cubical Quad has higher gain and a
4.1 Performance Comparison narrower beamwidth, making it great for
Both the Moxon Rectangle and Cubical high-performance UHF operations, while
Quad antennas are superb performers in the Moxon Rectangle is more compact and
their respective bands. While the Moxon is ideal for VHF with great front-to-back
designed for the 2-meter (144-148 MHz) rejection for minimized interference.
VHF band, the Cubical Quad shines on the 4.2 Design and Construction Complexity
70-centimeter (430-440 MHz) UHF band.
Let's break down their performance Let’s talk about the build. If you're a hands-
characteristics: on enthusiast, you’ll appreciate the
differences here!
Moxon Rectangle:
Moxon Rectangle:
• Gain: Around 6.5–7 dBi—a solid
performer for most VHF • Design Simplicity: One of the
applications. easiest directional antennas to
build—two elements, a driven
• Front-to-Back Ratio: 25–30 dB, element, and a reflector. It's
which is fantastic for rejecting compact, lightweight, and
interference from behind. straightforward to assemble.
 • Construction Time: Quick and • Great for: Portable operations,
efficient, often taking just a few such as field days or emergency
hours to build. comms, and repeater work. Its
high front-to-back ratio helps
• Materials: Just aluminum tubing or
reduce interference, which is crucial
copper wire and a PVC boom—
when you need clarity on VHF
simple yet effective.
frequencies.
• Portability: Perfect for field use,
• Signal Clarity: Excellent at rejecting
easy to pack and set up wherever
unwanted signals and boosting the
you go.
signal from your desired direction.
Cubical Quad:
• Field Use: It’s lightweight and easy
• Design: More involved—requires to mount, making it the perfect
square loop elements that need to choice for on-the-go setups.
be shaped and spaced accurately.
Cubical Quad:
You’ll need a steady hand for the
finer details. • Best for: UHF communication
where you need a high-gain
• Construction Time: While still fairly
antenna.
straightforward, it’s more time-
consuming than the Moxon. • Great for: Satellite
communication, long-range
• Materials: Copper wire for the
simplex, and repeater operations
loops and a PVC frame—though a
on the 70 cm band.
bit more material-intensive, the
payoff is high. • Signal Clarity: Its higher gain and
low noise floor make it perfect for
• Portability: Lightweight but requires
situations with high interference or
a bit more space for assembly and
where you need that extra push of
careful setup. Ideal for more
signal power.
permanent installations or
advanced field operations. • Field Use: While it’s portable, it
takes a bit more time to assemble,
Key Takeaway:
but it’s worth it when you need
The Moxon Rectangle wins for ease of
higher performance in a compact
construction—if you want something quick
design.
and effective, this is your antenna. But if
you’re looking for something that gives you Key Takeaway:
higher performance in the UHF range, the The Moxon Rectangle excels in portable,
Cubical Quad is your go-to (just plan for a VHF environments, and it's perfect for field
little more building time!). use. Meanwhile, the Cubical Quad is made
for UHF performance, providing higher
4.3 Performance and Applications
gain for longer-distance operations and
Moxon Rectangle: satellite work.

• Best for: VHF operations where you 4.4 Conclusion of Comparison

need a compact yet powerful
So, which antenna should you choose?
antenna.
• Moxon Rectangle: This antenna is
ideal if you need something easy to
 build, compact, and effective for practically employed for a variety of
VHF. It’s the perfect choice for purposes.
repeater work, simplex
5.1 Moxon Rectangle: Applications
communication, and portable
operations. Its excellent front-to- 1. Portable Field Operations:
back ratio ensures you get a clean
signal without interference from One of the standout features of the
behind, making it a reliable and Moxon Rectangle is its portability. Its
versatile antenna. lightweight design and compact size
make it perfect for on-the-go setups.
• Cubical Quad: If you’re aiming for Whether you’re participating in a field
UHF operations and need high gain day, emergency communication
and narrow beamwidth, the exercises, or a portable contest, the
Cubical Quad will serve you well. Moxon is a go-to antenna. It can be
It’s especially good for long-range easily assembled and deployed, making
communication, satellite it ideal for short-term operations.
operations, and areas where signal
clarity is a top priority. Though it’s a • Example: Setting up a Moxon
bit more involved to build, the antenna for portable VHF
increased performance is definitely communications during a field day
worth the effort. where quick setup and portability
are key.
In summary:
2. Repeater and Simplex
• The Moxon Rectangle is a great all- Communications:
rounder for VHF, perfect for
portable setups and easy to Thanks to its high front-to-back ratio
assemble. and directional nature, the Moxon
Rectangle excels in repeater operations
• The Cubical Quad is a high- where you need clear communication
performance choice for UHF, without interference from unwanted
offering superior gain and better signals. Additionally, it performs well in
noise rejection for more simplex communication, offering
specialized operations like satellite excellent signal strength in a point-to-
communication. point setup.
5. Practical Applications of the Moxon • Example: Using a Moxon for VHF
Rectangle and Cubical Quad simplex communication during a
Antennas contest or local event, where
precise directionality helps improve
Understanding the performance and
signal clarity.
design of the Moxon Rectangle and
Cubical Quad antennas is crucial, but 3. Emergency and Disaster
the real-world application is where Communications:
these antennas truly shine. Both
antennas offer unique benefits and are The Moxon Rectangle is well-suited for
tailored to specific uses within amateur emergency operations, where quick
radio communication. In this section, deployment and efficiency are
we'll explore how each antenna can be essential. It offers reliable coverage in
the VHF band, making it a crucial tool
for emergency response teams who
need to establish communication the 70 cm band. Whether you’re
networks in difficult or disaster-affected engaging in DX communication or
areas. simply looking to improve UHF
communication range, the Cubical
• Example: Deploying the Moxon
Quad is an excellent antenna for high-
antenna to establish a portable
performance contacts.
communication link in an area
after a natural disaster or • Example: Using the Cubical Quad
emergency situation. for long-distance simplex
communication across a wide
5.2 Cubical Quad: Applications
geographic area, where the
1. UHF Repeater Networks: antenna’s directivity and gain
provide superior signal strength.
The Cubical Quad is a high-gain
antenna that shines in UHF repeater 4. Amateur Radio Contesting:
networks. Its narrower beamwidth and
The Cubical Quad is also an ideal
higher gain make it ideal for setting up
antenna for amateur radio contesting,
or maintaining UHF repeaters, ensuring
where strong, clear signals are needed
the signal is focused and directed
to make successful contacts. Its higher
precisely where needed.
gain and precision make it a favorite for
• Example: Installing a Cubical Quad those competing in UHF contests,
antenna for a UHF repeater that helping operators achieve maximum
covers a large area, enhancing signal strength and minimal
signal quality and reducing interference.
interference.
• Example: Competing in a UHF
2. Satellite Communications: contest using a Cubical Quad
antenna to gain an edge with its
The Cubical Quad is perfect for high gain and focused radiation
satellite communication. Its higher pattern.
gain and low-noise characteristics
provide an excellent link for both 5.3 Summary of Practical Applications
amateur radio satellites and
• Moxon Rectangle is perfect for
geostationary satellites. It’s designed
portable field operations, VHF
to handle the precision required for
repeater work, and emergency
satellite tracking and offers reliable
communications due to its
performance during satellite passes.
compact design and ease of
• Example: Using a Cubical Quad to deployment. It’s an excellent
track and communicate with choice for VHF enthusiasts needing
amateur radio satellites or a portable yet high-performing
participating in satellite antenna.
communication events.
• Cubical Quad is ideal for UHF
3. Long-Distance Terrestrial applications, offering superior
Communication: performance for satellite
communication, UHF repeaters,
The Cubical Quad’s higher gain and and long-distance terrestrial
focused beamwidth allow for longer- communication. Its higher gain
range terrestrial communication on and narrow beamwidth make it the
 go-to antenna for long-range UHF In summary, both antennas perform
operations and amateur satellite exceptionally well in their respective
activities. frequency ranges, and the choice
between them ultimately depends on
Both antennas bring unique strengths to
the user’s specific needs and
the table, ensuring that amateur radio
application requirements.
operators can choose the right tool for
their specific communication needs. 6.2 Recommendations
Whether you're working the VHF
Based on the comparison and practical
spectrum in a portable setup or
applications discussed, the following
engaging in UHF satellite
recommendations can be made:
communication, these antennas are
designed to provide reliable, efficient For VHF Operations (2-Meter Band):
performance across their respective
frequency ranges. • Moxon Rectangle is highly
recommended for VHF operators
6. Conclusion and Recommendations who are looking for an antenna that
is easy to build, portable, and
6.1 Conclusion
highly efficient in repeater and
The Moxon Rectangle and Cubical simplex communication. Its
Quad antennas are two highly effective compact design and low wind load
antenna designs, each with its own make it a great choice for those with
strengths and ideal use cases. The limited space or for operators who
Moxon Rectangle, operating on the 2- participate in field day events,
meter VHF band, is a versatile, emergency response, or portable
lightweight, and easy-to-construct operations.
antenna that excels in portable setups,
Recommended Use:
repeater communication, and
emergency operations. Its simple • Portable field operations (e.g.,
design and excellent front-to-back field days, emergency
ratio make it an excellent choice for communications).
operators who prioritize portability and • VHF simplex communication and
ease of use without compromising on repeater work.
performance. • Compact antenna setups in areas
On the other hand, the Cubical Quad with space limitations.
antenna, designed for the 70- For UHF Operations (70-Centimeter
centimeter UHF band, offers superior Band):
gain, narrow beamwidth, and low
noise characteristics, making it perfect • Cubical Quad is recommended for
for more advanced applications such operators who need high-gain
as satellite communication, long- performance and precise
range UHF communication, and UHF directivity in the UHF range. It is an
repeater networks. The Cubical Quad’s excellent choice for satellite
higher gain makes it a go-to antenna for communication, UHF repeater
operators seeking to maximize signal networks, and long-distance
strength and clarity in the UHF terrestrial communication. While
spectrum. it requires more precise
construction, its performance is
 unmatched for high-powered UHF
communication and more
specialized amateur radio
activities.

Recommended Use:

• Satellite communication and UHF

DXing.
• UHF repeater work, particularly for
long-range operations.
• Amateur radio contests that
require high gain and narrow
beamwidth.

6.3 Final Thoughts

Both the Moxon Rectangle and Cubical

Quad antennas represent excellent
choices for amateur radio enthusiasts,
each catering to specific needs and
applications. The decision of which
antenna to use depends on the
operator’s preferences, the environment
in which they are operating, and the
desired frequency range. By carefully
considering the performance
characteristics, construction
requirements, and intended use,
operators can maximize their
communication effectiveness and enjoy
the vast potential of amateur radio.

As technology continues to evolve, so

will the design and capabilities of
antennas. However, the principles
behind the Moxon Rectangle and
Cubical Quad remain strong as tried-
and-true designs for reliable and high-
performance amateur radio
communications.