Two meter antennas are easy to build on the cheap. While you could design
something from scratch using NBS and other formulae, it's far easier to simply
clone one from an existing design. I just finished a five element two meter
"roving" antenna last night which is just a shorter version of the excellent
Directive Systems 7 element design. Cost was zero thanks to some on hand scrap
aluminum and some spare Cushcraft elements. Wander around town and look UP.
Lots of TV Yagis on rooftops no longer being used thanks to the switch to UHF
digital TV, cable and Ku band dishes. All likely free for the taking.
And while you are designing/building something perhaps you could borrow the
Cushcraft antenna I donated to the Club that came from the WB2MIC estate? If
it's too long, just remove the front part of the boom with it's elements. You'd
only lose a couple db gain. Good luck and see you on the band.
73,
Chip
W1AIM
FN34uj and elsewhere