Update on 8/23/2026: only three kits are left! Please email me at nt5tm at w5fc dot org to order one. Kits will be available for pickup or purchase (with updated, illustrated instructions) at the September DARC meeting.

Last-minute update! A special backpacking version of this kit will be available for an extra $15.00.

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 and is easy to put together. We’ll be building it from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM on Saturday, August 22nd, 2026 in the 3rd floor community room of the Dallas Medical Center–the same place our club meets. I’ll be updating this post with more details, including detailed construction instructions. Ten kits are reserved so far. Five are still up for grabs! If you’d like to sign up and reserve your kit, please fill out the sign up form!

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)

I look forward to seeing you on Saturday!