What kind of antenna is used for portable operations?

• A. Yagi antenna
• B. Quarter-wave vertical
• C. Directional beam antenna
• D. Fixed installation antenna

Answer: (B)

A quarter-wave vertical antenna is well-suited for portable operations due to its relatively small size and straightforward setup. Portable operations often take place in various environments where ease of mobility and quick assembly are crucial, and the quarter-wave vertical meets these needs effectively.

This type of antenna is typically compact and lightweight, making it easy to transport and deploy quickly. It can be mounted on a temporary base, such as a ground spike or a small tripod, which is ideal for field operations. Additionally, when properly designed, a quarter-wave vertical antenna can deliver good performance across a variety of amateur radio bands, especially in the VHF and UHF ranges, which are often used for communications on the go.

In contrast, other types of antennas like the Yagi antenna or directional beam antenna tend to be larger and more complex to set up, making them less practical for portable use. These antennas are generally designed for fixed installations and are optimized for greater gain in specific directions, which can be more cumbersome to manage in a portable context. Fixed installation antennas are intended for permanent setups and are not suitable for quick deployment in changing locations. Therefore, the quarter-wave vertical antenna stands out as the most appropriate option for amateur radio operators engaged in portable operations.