Build Your Own Cubical Quad!
A Hands-On PPRAA Workshop for Fox Hunting & Long-Distance Repeater Work
Ready to level up your VHF / UHF game?
Join the Pikes Peak Radio Amateur Association (PPRAA) for a practical, build-it-yourself class where you’ll learn how to construct a Cubical Quad antenna designed for:
• Fox Hunting (Radio Direction Finding)
• Reaching distant repeaters with stronger, clearer signals
What You’ll Build
In this class, you’ll construct a directional Cubical Quad antenna for 70 cm(UHF). This compact loop-based antenna provides:
• Strong forward gain
• Excellent front-to-back rejection
• Cleaner signal-to-noise performance
• Portable, field-friendly design
You’ll walk away with a working antenna and the knowledge to modify or improve it. Target Frequency is the 70 cm band (420 to 450 MHz range)
Why It’s Perfect for Fox Hunting
Fox hunting (hidden transmitter hunting) depends on directionality and clear signal changes. A Cubical Quad excels because it provides:
• Sharp signal peaks when aimed at the transmitter
• Deep signal nulls when pointed away
• Reduced confusion from signal reflections
• Lightweight handheld usability
Why It’s Excellent for Distant Repeaters
The same properties that make it great for direction finding also make it outstanding for long-range repeater work:
• Higher gain than a handheld rubber duck
• Improved signal-to-noise ratio
• Better fringe-area performance
• More reliable repeater access from weak-signal locations
What You’ll Learn
This isn’t just assembly — it’s understanding.
• How a full-wave loop works
• Why quads often sound quieter than simple dipoles
• How element spacing affects gain and pattern
• Feedpoint matching basics
• How antenna patterns help in direction finding
• Practical field tuning techniques
Who Should Attend?
• New hams wanting hands-on building experience
• Members interested in fox hunting
• Operators wanting better repeater reach
• Anyone curious about directional antenna design
What to Bring
• Basic hand tools (screwdriver, pliers, tape measure)
• Basic soldering tools
• Your 70cm handheld (for testing).
Event Details
Date: March 28, 2026
Location: Penrose Library (Penrose Aspen Room)
20 N. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Time: 1000 (10 am) to 1300 (1 pm)
PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED!
Fee: $20. This fee will cover all materials and attendees will be provided all materials to build the antenna.
Build It. Aim It. Hear the Difference.
Whether you’re chasing the fox or reaching that far-off repeater, a Cubical Quad gives you the directional advantage!
Class Attendance and Antenna Materials: $20.00