What kind of gain would you expect from J-Pole antenna?
That depends Ken,
A typical J-pole can have upwards to 6 DBI of gain depending on it's wave length and how it's constructed. BTW, you can buy a roll up J-Pole from MFJ for about 19.95 but it's allways good to learn the mechanics of antenna building. The roll up dipole for 2mtrs. will have maybe 3dbi of gain which is still better than the rubber duck which is just resonate at 2bi which means no gain.
The MFJ roll up dipole uses 300ohm twin lead typical to the good old TV antenna lead. I'll let you guys figure out how to match it...
After long thought and surveying of my property, I decided to put up a Delta Loop for HF. I've been on the receiving end of many Delta Loops and they play very well. Much better than a typical Dipole because of the pattern they create and gain factor over a Dipole. The problem is they are big and mine figures out to be about 287' long. They are also multiple band and it's the only solution for me until I can get a Yagi up. The Delta Loop requires a good antenna tuner such as any dipole will as well. I made the Balun for it this weekend and have all the hardware assembled and the total cost is about 35 bucks. Not bad for an efficient HF antenna eh? Just got to get up in them thar trees to string it.
