Big wheel antenna

Big Wheel for 2m

A good 2m antenna for horizontal polarisation is the big wheel. Quite a few beacons use these as they require no rotator and a couple of these stacked give about 5dBd gain horizontally. So, these would be ideal for fixed station use. They would suit me well for UKAC 2m contests and general 2m SSB/CW use. I know that my 3 el, hand rotated, beam has about the same gain.  One big wheel alone is better than a halo, but two suitably phased would be better than a small beam.

Roger Lapthorn, G3XBM, is a regular contributor to AmateurRadio.com and writes from Cambridge, England.

4 Responses to “Big wheel antenna”

  • Bob K2TV:

    Cushcraft used to make Big Wheel antennas years ago. I had one and it worked quite well.

  • Dave,K9DVL.:

    Ihave two old Cushcraft big wheels. I have one rebuild, workung on the other one. Planning on stacking them. Have a two to one diver. Any comments woukd be welcom.

  • VERN ROWLAND KA0REN:

    Looking for a builder of BIG WHEEL antennas from/near Joplin, MO named Larry. Anyone know his call sign or email ?
    T N X ka0ren

  • Vern Rowland KA0REN:

    Disregard previous post ! Found Larry !

Leave a Comment

Subscribe FREE to AmateurRadio.com's
Amateur Radio Newsletter
News, Opinion, Giveaways & More!

E-mail 
Join over 7,000 subscribers!
We never share your e-mail address.



Also available via RSS feed, Twitter, and Facebook.


Subscribe FREE to AmateurRadio.com's
Amateur Radio Newsletter

 
We never share your e-mail address.


Do you like to write?
Interesting project to share?
Helpful tips and ideas for other hams?

Submit an article and we will review it for publication on AmateurRadio.com!

Have a ham radio product or service?
Consider advertising on our site.

Are you a reporter covering ham radio?
Find ham radio experts for your story.

How to Set Up a Ham Radio Blog
Get started in less than 15 minutes!


  • Matt W1MST, Managing Editor




Sign up for our free
Amateur Radio Newsletter

Enter your e-mail address: