Getting ready for field day 2013, I decided to build my own 6m 4 element Yagi antenna. My goal is to have something that’s portable, with a bit of directional gain. If it turns out light enough, it could be useful for some of the easier SOTA activations and maybe the Colorado 14er event.

I am modeling this antenna after the Buddipole antenna system. I would have just purchased those parts, but they do add up fast, and I have my own machine shop!

Counter-sink tool

My Jet BD1331 lathe

Partially finished parts

3/4″ end mill

With Buddipole featherweight whips installed and extended

Close-up of whips installed in rotating collars. 1/4″-20 threads