Serving Amateur Radio Since 1955

POTA Performer Build

The September 2025 issue of QST helped to popularize the excellent “POTA Performer” antenna. With a telescoping whip and two elevated, resonant radials, the antenna covers 6 through 20 meters, and it doesn’t need a tuner once you’ve worked out the correct lengths for your whip. The QST version of the antenna suffered from one key problem: it could easily cost several hundred dollars to build! This version, designed by James Shugart-N5BKL will cost $60.00 for the full size or $75.00 for the traveler (2 piece) and are easy to assemble.

We’ll be building on October 17 (3rd Saturday) from 9:00 AM til 12:00 noon at Betcha Bingo 2, our normal meeting location.

IN ORDER FOR MATERIALS TO BE PROCURED IN ADEQUATE QUANTITIES WE NEED A COMMITMENT NO LATER THAN October 3rd. NOTIFY RON KF5OMH VIA EMAIL PRESIDENT AT IRVINGARC.ORG OR CALL 972-742-7849.

All of the tools that you need will be available to borrow, but you will be able to work faster if you bring the following items:

• A tape measure
• A soldering iron and solder
• Wire cutters
• A terminal crimping tool for insulated terminals (The simple Radio Shack ones are fine.)
• 7/16, 1/2, and 9/16 wrenches
• A 9/16 socket
• A small Philips screwdriver (#1 size is best)

7 3 Ron KF5OMH

Amateur Radio License Exams

Thinking about getting your ham license or upgrading? The Irving Amateur Radio Club offers exam sessions every fourth Thursday, starting one hour before our monthly meeting. Come join us!

Click here for exam dates and to register!