2-Element Yagi Array Antenna Calculator: A Complete Guide (2025 Edition)

Yagi-Uda antennas—commonly known as Yagi antennas—have long been a preferred choice for applications ranging from ham radio and amateur television to Wi-Fi and satellite communication. Among the simplest yet most effective designs is the 2-element Yagi array, consisting of a driven element and a reflector or director. This configuration is popular due to its balance between simplicity, gain, and directionality.

In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about the 2-element Yagi array antenna calculator: how it works, the physics behind it, the math involved, and how to use an online calculator to design your own high-performance antenna.

---

Table of Contents

1. What is a Yagi-Uda Antenna?

2. Components of a 2-Element Yagi Array

3. Why Use a 2-Element Yagi?

4. Key Parameters in Yagi Design

5. Mathematical Formulas for a 2-Element Yagi

6. How the 2-Element Yagi Calculator Works

7. Step-by-Step Example Calculation

8. Applications of 2-Element Yagi Antennas

9. Benefits and Limitations

10. Top Online Yagi Antenna Calculators

11. Final Tips and Best Practices

---

1. What is a Yagi-Uda Antenna?

A Yagi-Uda antenna, or simply a Yagi antenna, is a directional antenna system made up of:

• A driven element (typically a half-wave dipole)

• One or more passive elements, which include:

  • A reflector (placed behind the driven element)

  • One or more directors (placed in front of the driven element)

Yagi antennas are widely used for their ability to focus signal energy in one direction, offering high gain and directivity.

---

2. Components of a 2-Element Yagi Array

The 2-element Yagi is the most basic configuration and includes:

• Driven Element: The active radiator, typically a λ/2 dipole.

• Reflector or Director: A passive element that alters the radiation pattern.

Two types of 2-element Yagis can exist:

• Driven + Reflector: More common, provides modest gain with a wide beamwidth.

• Driven + Director: Offers slightly higher gain but can be more difficult to tune.

---

3. Why Use a 2-Element Yagi?

While more elements can yield higher gain, a 2-element Yagi has several advantages:

• Simple to build and tune

• Improved forward gain (~4–5 dBi)

• Reduced back lobe radiation

• Compact size, ideal for portable or small-scale applications

These characteristics make the 2-element Yagi ideal for:

• Field day amateur radio setups

• Direction-finding (DF) antennas

• Wireless communication experiments

---

4. Key Parameters in Yagi Design

When designing a 2-element Yagi antenna, you need to consider several key parameters:

Parameter	Description
Frequency (MHz)	Operating frequency of the antenna
Wavelength (λ)	Derived from frequency (λ = c / f)
Element Lengths	Physical lengths of the driven and passive elements
Spacing	Distance between the driven element and the reflector or director
Impedance Matching	Ensuring the antenna feeds correctly into a 50-ohm or 75-ohm system
Boom Length	Total length of the boom holding the elements

---

5. Mathematical Formulas for a 2-Element Yagi

📏 Wavelength Calculation

$$\lambda = \frac{c}{f}$$

• Where:

  • $\lambda$ = wavelength (in meters)

  • $c$ = speed of light (approximately 3 × 10⁸ m/s)

  • $f$ = frequency in Hz

🔧 Driven Element Length

$$L_{\text{driven}} = \frac{\lambda}{2}$$

Or slightly less (approx. 0.47λ) due to end effects.

🔧 Reflector Length

$$L_{\text{reflector}} \approx 0.55 \lambda$$

Slightly longer than the driven element.

🔧 Director Length

$$L_{\text{director}} \approx 0.45 \lambda$$

Slightly shorter than the driven element.

📐 Spacing Between Elements

• Typical spacing: 0.15λ to 0.25λ for reflector-driven

• 0.1λ to 0.2λ for driven-director setup

---

6. How the 2-Element Yagi Calculator Works

A 2-Element Yagi Antenna Calculator automates the calculations based on input frequency and desired configuration. Here’s what it typically does:

1. Accepts operating frequency (in MHz) as input.

2. Computes wavelength (λ).

3. Calculates element lengths based on Yagi design formulas.

4. Provides optimal spacing between the elements.

5. (Advanced calculators) may simulate gain, front-to-back ratio, and impedance.

Input Example:

• Frequency: 144 MHz (2-meter band)

Output Example:

• Wavelength (λ): 2.08 m

• Driven Element Length: ~0.98 m

• Reflector Length: ~1.05 m

• Spacing: ~0.3 m

---

7. Step-by-Step Example: Designing a 2-Element Yagi for 144 MHz

Let’s walk through a full example.

Step 1: Determine Wavelength

$$\lambda = \frac{3 \times 10^8}{144 \times 10^6} = 2.08 \text{ meters}$$

Step 2: Driven Element Length

$$L_{\text{driven}} = 0.475 \times \lambda = 0.988 \text{ meters}$$

Step 3: Reflector Length

$$L_{\text{reflector}} = 0.55 \times \lambda = 1.144 \text{ meters}$$

Step 4: Element Spacing

$$\text{Spacing} = 0.2 \times \lambda = 0.416 \text{ meters}$$

Now you have all dimensions needed to construct a functional 2-element Yagi for the 2-meter amateur band.

---

8. Applications of 2-Element Yagi Antennas

Yagi antennas are used in a variety of real-world applications. A 2-element version is especially useful in:

• Ham radio (VHF/UHF)

• Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz directional boosting)

• Digital TV reception

• RFID reader antennas

• Satellite communication (e.g., weather satellite downlink)

• Directional jamming or detection systems

• Emergency services and mobile command setups

---

9. Benefits and Limitations

✅ Benefits:

• Simple to build, even for beginners

• Lightweight and compact

• Provides meaningful gain (~4–5 dBi)

• Improves signal-to-noise ratio in one direction

❌ Limitations:

• Less gain than multi-element Yagis

• Narrower bandwidth than log-periodic antennas

• Requires precise spacing and tuning for best performance

---

10. Top Online Yagi Antenna Calculators

If you're designing your own 2-element Yagi, here are some excellent free tools:

1. K7MEM Yagi Calculator

   • http://www.k7mem.com/Electronic_Notebook/antennas/yagi_vhf.html

   • Offers flexibility for multiple bands and elements

2. Yagi Calculator by VK5DJ

   • Windows application with modeling features

3. MMANA-GAL

   • Free antenna modeling software for simulating radiation patterns

4. Ham Radio Secrets Yagi Calculator

   • Simple HTML tool with straightforward frequency-to-length conversion

---

11. Final Tips and Best Practices

🧰 Building Tips:

• Use aluminum tubing for lightweight and durable elements.

• Mount elements on a non-conductive boom (e.g., PVC or fiberglass).

• Ensure all connections are well-soldered or crimped to minimize loss.

🧪 Testing and Tuning:

• Use an SWR meter or antenna analyzer to tune for lowest VSWR.

• Adjust spacing and element lengths slightly if performance is suboptimal.

• Test in an open area away from buildings and metal objects.

🌐 Using with a Transceiver:

• Match impedance with a balun or gamma match to prevent mismatch losses.

• Ensure proper grounding and lightning protection if mounting outdoors.

---

Conclusion: Design Smarter with a 2-Element Yagi Array Calculator

The 2-element Yagi antenna is a compact and powerful design that strikes an excellent balance between performance and simplicity. Whether you’re an amateur radio operator, a Wi-Fi hobbyist, or a field engineer, a 2-element Yagi array antenna calculator can save you time and ensure a high-performance result.

By using simple math and the right tools, anyone can build a reliable directional antenna tuned to their desired frequency. With modest effort and low cost, a 2-element Yagi can greatly enhance signal clarity, range, and overall communication quality.

read also 3 Element Yagi Calculator

2-Element Yagi Antenna Calculator

Enter the operating frequency in MHz:

Results:

Wavelength (λ): meters

Driven Element Length: meters

Reflector Length: meters

Element Spacing: meters

Best Broadband Plans for Work from Home in China (2025 Guide)

As remote work becomes more widespread across China, having fast, stable, and affordable internet access is more essential than ever. Whether you're working as a freelancer in Shanghai, managing a business from Beijing, or attending online meetings from Chengdu, a high-quality broadband plan is key to productivity.

This comprehensive guide explores the best broadband plans for work from home in China in 2025, including providers, plan types, speeds, and pricing. Let’s help you stay connected—reliably and affordably.

---

Why Choosing the Right Broadband Plan Matters in China

Working from home requires a consistent, high-speed internet connection that can handle:

• HD or 4K video conferencing

• Large file uploads/downloads

• Cloud-based applications (Google Drive, Microsoft 365, etc.)

• VPN access for international platforms

• Online collaboration tools like Zoom, Slack, and Microsoft Teams

China offers impressive fiber optic infrastructure, but availability and performance can vary by city, provider, and building.

---

Top Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in China

The broadband market in China is dominated by three major state-owned telecom providers and a few smaller players offering niche or regional services:

1. China Telecom

2. China Unicom

3. China Mobile

4. Tianyi Broadband (by China Telecom)

5. Great Wall Broadband (长城宽带)

6. Broadnet (广电网络)

---

1. 🏢 China Telecom (中国电信)

Overview

China Telecom is the largest fixed-line broadband provider in China and covers almost all urban and rural areas. It offers fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) technology with stable performance and good upload/download symmetry.

Plans (may vary by city):

• Plan: 300 Mbps Fiber Broadband

  • Price: ¥100–¥130/month

  • Contract: 12-month minimum

  • Includes: Basic router, installation fee may apply

• Plan: 500 Mbps Broadband

  • Price: ¥130–¥160/month

• Plan: 1000 Mbps (1 Gbps) Broadband

  • Price: ¥200–¥300/month

  • Suitable for: Power users, multi-device households, online content creators

Pros:

• Extensive coverage nationwide

• Stable speeds and reliable infrastructure

• Integrated with Tianyi Cloud services

Cons:

• Higher pricing than competitors

• Limited English support for expats

---

2. 📶 China Unicom (中国联通)

Overview

China Unicom is a major player in northern and eastern China, including cities like Beijing, Tianjin, and parts of Shandong. It also offers good deals in Shanghai and Nanjing.

Plans:

• Plan: 200 Mbps Fiber

  • Price: ¥90–¥120/month

• Plan: 500 Mbps Fiber

  • Price: ¥130–¥180/month

• Plan: 1000 Mbps Fiber

  • Price: ¥180–¥260/month

Pros:

• Competitive pricing

• Stable performance in northern cities

• Discounts for bundling with China Unicom mobile plans

Cons:

• Slower customer support response

• Slightly lower upload speeds vs. China Telecom in some areas

---

3. 📱 China Mobile (中国移动)

Overview

Originally a mobile carrier, China Mobile has rapidly expanded its broadband services in recent years and is now a serious competitor to Telecom and Unicom. It's especially strong in newer developments and southern cities.

Plans:

• Plan: 300 Mbps Fiber

  • Price: ¥80–¥100/month

• Plan: 500 Mbps Fiber

  • Price: ¥120–¥150/month

• Plan: 1000 Mbps Fiber

  • Price: ¥180–¥220/month

Pros:

• Budget-friendly pricing

• Discounts for mobile users

• Newer infrastructure in many areas

Cons:

• Slightly less consistent latency

• Mixed reviews on customer service quality

---

4. 💡 Tianyi Broadband (天翼宽带)

Overview

Tianyi is a sub-brand of China Telecom and offers very similar services but often under promotional bundles. This is often marketed in residential communities or online.

Notable Plans:

• Plan: 500 Mbps Broadband

  • Price: ~¥120/month

  • Often includes: Cloud storage, smart TV services

• Plan: 1000 Mbps Broadband + Mobile Bundle

  • Price: ~¥240/month

Pros:

• Bundled value (TV, cloud, mobile)

• High-speed options

• Often includes promotions like 3 free months

Cons:

• Can be difficult to understand the bundled pricing

• Only available in select cities and buildings

---

5. 🏯 Great Wall Broadband (长城宽带)

Overview

A budget broadband provider operating in select urban areas. Popular in college dorms and rental apartments.

Plans:

• Plan: 100 Mbps Basic Plan

  • Price: ¥60–¥80/month

• Plan: 300 Mbps Plan

  • Price: ¥90–¥110/month

Pros:

• Affordable

• Simple installation

• Good for low-bandwidth users

Cons:

• Speed and latency issues during peak hours

• Not ideal for high-demand remote work tasks

---

6. 📺 Broadnet / Radio & Television Network (广电网络)

Overview

China's state-owned media broadcast company has also entered the broadband space, especially in 2023–2025, offering unique fiber + IPTV packages.

Plans:

• Plan: 300 Mbps + IPTV

  • Price: ¥90–¥110/month

• Plan: 500 Mbps + TV Bundle

  • Price: ¥130–¥160/month

Pros:

• Great for users who want TV + internet

• High compatibility with smart TVs

• Expanding rapidly in Tier 2/3 cities

Cons:

• Not as widely available as China Telecom

• Limited flexibility in bundling

---

Plan Comparison Table

Provider	Speed	Price (approx)	Best For	Contract
China Telecom	300–1000 Mbps	¥100–¥300	Stable work, large households	Yes
China Unicom	200–1000 Mbps	¥90–¥260	Budget users in northern China	Yes
China Mobile	300–1000 Mbps	¥80–¥220	Cost-effective mobile bundling	Yes
Tianyi Broadband	500–1000 Mbps	¥120–¥240	Bundled services + TV + cloud	Yes
Great Wall	100–300 Mbps	¥60–¥110	Students, low-income users	No
Broadnet	300–500 Mbps	¥90–¥160	IPTV + internet users	Yes

---

Best Plans for Different Work-From-Home Needs

👤 Solo Professionals

• China Mobile 500 Mbps Plan

  • Price: ¥120/month

  • Good balance of speed and cost

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families or Shared Homes

• China Telecom 1000 Mbps Fiber

  • Price: ¥250–¥300/month

  • Great for multiple users, smart homes, streaming, Zoom

🎥 Content Creators or Streamers

• Tianyi Broadband 1000 Mbps + Cloud

  • Price: ¥240/month

  • Fast upload speeds and value-added services

🧳 Expats or Short-Term Residents

• Great Wall Broadband 100 Mbps

  • Price: ¥60/month

  • No contract required; ideal for short stays

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

❓ Can I get broadband installed without speaking Chinese?

While most ISPs require interaction in Mandarin, some third-party services and apartment agents assist non-Chinese speakers. In cities like Shanghai, Beijing, or Shenzhen, English-speaking support is easier to find.

❓ How long does it take to install broadband?

Installation usually takes 1–5 days, depending on the provider and your apartment building’s wiring.

❓ Are there data caps on Chinese broadband?

No. All mainstream broadband plans in China offer unlimited data. Speeds may vary slightly during peak hours.

❓ Do I need a Chinese mobile number to apply?

Yes, in most cases, you'll need a local phone number, ID (passport or resident permit), and sometimes a WeChat account for payment or communication.

---

Tips for Setting Up Broadband in China

1. Use an agent or Chinese-speaking friend to apply online or visit the provider’s store.

2. Confirm wiring compatibility in your building. Newer buildings support gigabit speeds more easily.

3. Bundle mobile + broadband for big discounts (especially with China Mobile and Unicom).

4. Install a quality VPN for accessing international platforms like Gmail, Google Docs, or Zoom without issues.

5. Request fiber installation over DSL or hybrid copper options.

---

Final Verdict: Best Broadband Plan for Work from Home in China (2025)

If you're looking for reliable, high-speed internet for remote work in China, these are our top recommendations:

• Best Overall:
  🏆 China Telecom 500 Mbps Plan — Reliable, fast, and widely available.

• Best for Budget Users:
  💰 China Mobile 300 Mbps Plan — Low cost with solid performance.

• Best for Expats or Short-Term Users:
  🌍 Great Wall Broadband — No contract, quick setup, affordable.

• Best for Content Creators or Power Users:
  🚀 Tianyi 1000 Mbps Plan with Cloud — Speed and value in one.

Best Broadband Plans for Work From Home in Tokyo, Japan (2025 Guide)

With the rise of teleworking and hybrid jobs, having fast, reliable, and affordable broadband is essential—especially in a bustling city like Tokyo. Whether you're a remote worker, freelancer, digital nomad, or running a home office, this guide will help you find the best broadband plans for work from home in Tokyo, Japan in 2025.

---

📡 Why You Need High-Quality Broadband for Remote Work

Living in Tokyo gives you access to some of the most advanced internet infrastructure in the world, but not all plans are created equal. Here’s why choosing the right provider matters:

• Speed: To handle video calls, large file transfers, and multiple devices.

• Latency: Especially important for video conferencing and cloud collaboration.

• Stability: Frequent disconnections can disrupt your workflow.

• Support: Reliable customer service is a must when issues arise.

---

🏆 Top Broadband Providers in Tokyo (2025)

Here are the top broadband providers suitable for remote work in Tokyo, based on speed, reliability, coverage, and customer reviews.

---

1. NTT FLET’S Hikari (フレッツ光)

Overview: NTT East’s FLET’S Hikari is Japan’s most widely used fiber-optic network. Most other ISPs like So-net and OCN operate on this backbone. It offers high reliability and city-wide coverage in Tokyo.

🧾 Available Plans (via ISP partners like OCN, So-net):

• Plan: FLET’S Hikari Next Family Type

  • Speed: Up to 1 Gbps

  • Price: ¥5,500 – ¥6,600/month (with ISP + line fee)

  • Setup Fee: Around ¥8800 – ¥22,000 (often waived in promotions)

Pros:

• Broad coverage throughout Tokyo

• Highly stable and fast connection

• Can choose from many partner ISPs

Cons:

• Complex setup (you pay for the line + ISP separately)

• Requires Japanese language proficiency for support

---

2. au Hikari (KDDI)

Overview: Operated by KDDI, au Hikari is another popular fiber service, known for excellent performance in Tokyo's residential areas.

🧾 Available Plans:

• Plan: au Hikari Home 1 Gbps

  • Speed: Up to 1 Gbps

  • Price: ~¥5,200/month (with promotions)

  • Optional ISP Bundling: @nifty, BIGLOBE, So-net

  • Discounts: Up to ¥1,100/month off for au mobile users

Pros:

• Excellent for detached homes and family use

• Bundling discounts with au mobile

• High-speed and stable connection

Cons:

• Limited coverage in certain apartment buildings

• Requires long-term contracts for best prices

---

3. SoftBank Hikari

Overview: SoftBank Hikari is ideal for those using SoftBank or Y!mobile mobile phones. It runs on NTT's fiber network but includes SoftBank's own backend systems and customer support.

🧾 Plans:

• Plan: SoftBank Hikari 1 Gbps

  • Speed: Up to 1 Gbps

  • Price: ~¥5,720/month (after discounts)

  • Mobile Set Discount: Up to ¥1,100 off/month

Pros:

• Simple setup, good for SoftBank users

• Good upload/download symmetry

• Optional Wi-Fi 6 router rental

Cons:

• Less optimal for non-SoftBank mobile users

• Can be less reliable in crowded areas during peak hours

---

4. NURO Hikari (by Sony)

Overview: NURO Hikari is one of the fastest residential broadband options in Japan, offering 2 Gbps speeds. It’s ideal for power users, content creators, and tech-heavy households.

🧾 Plans:

• Plan: NURO Hikari G2V

  • Speed: Up to 2 Gbps (download), 1 Gbps (upload)

  • Price: ~¥5,200/month

  • Contract: 2-year required for discounts

  • Setup Fee: ¥44,000 (often 100% discounted)

Pros:

• Ultra-fast speeds

• Flat-rate, includes ISP + line in one bill

• Good customer satisfaction for performance

Cons:

• Installation can take 2–4 weeks

• Limited availability in some Tokyo apartments

---

5. Docomo Hikari

Overview: Powered by NTT, Docomo Hikari is a bundled internet service for Docomo mobile users. It's convenient and offers extra value through smartphone plan discounts.

🧾 Plans:

• Plan: Docomo Hikari 1 Gbps

  • Speed: Up to 1 Gbps

  • Price: ¥5,720/month (with discounts)

  • Bundle Discount: Up to ¥1,100 off Docomo smartphone plan

Pros:

• Convenient for Docomo users

• Uses FLET’S Hikari backbone (stable and fast)

• Good support channels in English

Cons:

• Speeds and support may vary by ISP partner

• Not a good deal unless you have a Docomo mobile

---

📊 Broadband Plan Comparison Chart (2025)

Provider	Speed	Price (approx)	Contract Required	Notable Features
NTT FLET’S + ISP	1 Gbps	¥5,500–¥6,600	Optional	Choose from many ISPs
au Hikari	1 Gbps	~¥5,200	Yes (2-year)	Mobile bundling discounts
SoftBank Hikari	1 Gbps	~¥5,720	Yes	SoftBank mobile discounts
NURO Hikari	2 Gbps / 1 Gbps	~¥5,200	Yes (2-year)	Very high speeds
Docomo Hikari	1 Gbps	~¥5,720	Yes	Best with Docomo smartphone

---

🔍 How to Choose the Right Plan for Your Work-From-Home Needs

👤 Solo Remote Workers

• Recommended: SoftBank Hikari or FLET’S with OCN/So-net

• Why: Affordable and reliable, with good upload speeds for Zoom calls

👪 Families or Roommates

• Recommended: au Hikari or Docomo Hikari

• Why: Bundling discounts, stable during high use

🎥 Content Creators / Heavy Users

• Recommended: NURO Hikari

• Why: 2 Gbps download makes uploads, editing, and live streams seamless

🏙 Apartment Dwellers

• Recommended: FLET’S Hikari (Mansion Type) or SoftBank Hikari

• Why: Both are widely available in Tokyo’s apartments

---

🧠 FAQs: Work-From-Home Broadband in Tokyo

Q: What is the minimum speed I need for working from home?
A: At least 100 Mbps download / 30 Mbps upload. For multiple devices, aim for 300+ Mbps.

Q: Can I get an English-speaking ISP in Tokyo?
A: Some providers like SoftBank, NTT East, and Sakura Fiber offer limited English support. Consider using a service like GTN or Sakura for expats.

Q: Is installation fast in Tokyo?
A: Installation usually takes 1–3 weeks. NURO Hikari may take longer due to dual-stage installation.

Q: Are there data caps on Japanese broadband?
A: No. Most broadband plans in Japan are truly unlimited.

---

📍 Steps to Get Broadband Set Up in Tokyo

1. Check Address Availability: Use the provider’s online checker with your Japanese address.

2. Apply Online: Applications often require a Japanese phone number and sometimes a My Number card or residence card.

3. Schedule Installation: Technicians usually visit within 2–4 weeks.

4. Receive Equipment: Most providers ship a Wi-Fi router or ONT (Optical Network Terminal).

5. Connect and Confirm: Ensure your upload/download speeds meet expectations.

---

🧾 Final Recommendation: Best Overall Plan for Remote Workers

🏆 NURO Hikari is the best all-around choice if available at your address. With 2 Gbps download speed, low pricing, and unlimited data, it's ideal for remote workers, video editors, and tech-savvy users.

For most users:

• Best Value: au Hikari

• Best for Expats or English Support: SoftBank Hikari

• Most Flexible: FLET’S Hikari with So-net or OCN