Self-Paced Course — HELICAL ANTENNA — 2M SATELLITE

TM-ANT-035 — Open Handout TM-ANT-035 Estimated time: 2–3 hours (reading + practice + field lab) Handout: TM-ANT-035 (helical_antenna_2m_satellite/tm.html) — keep it open throughout

What You Will Be Able to Do

TLO-1: Given the required materials and tools — construct the HELICAL ANTENNA — 2M SATELLITE per TM-ANT-035, 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 the Helical Antenna — 2M Satellite, a specialized antenna for operation on 2M satellite (144–146 MHz). Design approach: Solenoid helix operating in axial mode: multi-turn helical conductor producing circular polarization and high g

What You Need

Handout

  • TM-ANT-035 (HELICAL ANTENNA — 2M SATELLITE) — 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

  1. Work units in order.
  2. For each unit: read the assigned TM chapter first, then read the unit, then answer the self-check questions.
  3. Self-check answers are at the bottom of each unit — try before looking.
  4. The checkpoint at the end of each unit is a go/no-go.
  5. Complete the Unit 4 and Unit 5 labs with a real antenna before taking the final assessment.
  6. Passing score: 13/15 (87%). All calculation questions must be correct regardless of total score.