New England Sci-Tech in Natick is holding an innovative course that teaches students how to build and tune a UHF (70cm), 1/4 wave vertical antenna with ground plane using simple, off-the-shelf materials and a nanoVNA.
According to their website, the project will have two goals:
- To teach the practical use of the nanoVNA to make measurements on RF components and systems, with an emphasis on antenna measurements, and
- To have each participant build, tune, and test a (hopefully) weather-proof ground-plane antenna suitable for base-station use at home, or for portable use in outdoor ham activities.
Cost of the activity will be minimal, just enough to cover the hardware. Participants are asked to purchase their own nanoVNA (cost ~$60 to $90) and bring it to the session.
[The course is currently sold out, but the group intends to offer it again in the near future.]