Self-Paced Course — GMRS LOADED VERTICAL ANTENNA
TM-ANT-033 — Open Handout TM-ANT-033 Estimated time: 2–3 hours (reading + practice + field lab) Handout: TM-ANT-033 (gmrs_loaded_vertical/tm.html) — keep it open throughout
What You Will Be Able to Do
TLO-1: Given the required materials and tools — construct the GMRS LOADED VERTICAL ANTENNA per TM-ANT-033, tune it to resonance, and verify performance meets the SWR and resonance criteria stated in Chapter 7.
TLO-2: Given NanoVNA or SWR bridge measurements — interpret resonance and SWR data, apply the required calculations from Appendix A, and determine pass/fail against the stated acceptance criterion.
Scope
This manual covers design, construction, calibration, and field operation of the Gmrs Loaded Vertical Antenna for amateur radio and communications use. Applicable frequency bands: 462–462.725 MHz, 467–467.725 MHz (GMRS channels). All calibration proc
What You Need
Handout
- TM-ANT-033 (GMRS LOADED VERTICAL ANTENNA) — open alongside this course
Equipment (needed for Unit 4 and Unit 5 labs)
- Materials specified in Chapter 3
- NanoVNA or SWR bridge
- Calculator
Course Units
| Unit | Topic | TM Chapters | Est. Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unit 1 | Theory of Operation | Ch. 2 | 20 min |
| Unit 2 | Materials and Construction | Ch. 3 | 20 min |
| Unit 3 | Assembly Procedures | Ch. 4 | 25 min |
| Unit 4 | Calibration and Tuning | Ch. 5, Ch. 6, App. A | 45 min (lab) |
| Unit 5 | Verification and Field Testing | Ch. 7 | 30 min (lab) |
| Final Assessment | 15-question written test | All | 20 min |
How to Use This Course
- Work units in order.
- For each unit: read the assigned TM chapter first, then read the unit, then answer the self-check questions.
- Self-check answers are at the bottom of each unit — try before looking.
- The checkpoint at the end of each unit is a go/no-go.
- Complete the Unit 4 and Unit 5 labs with a real antenna before taking the final assessment.
- Passing score: 13/15 (87%). All calculation questions must be correct regardless of total score.