Review: Salty Walt’s Portable Antenna Sketchbook
Verdict: A practical, hands-on guide that makes building portable antennas as easy—and rewarding—as following a recipe.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Walt Hudson, better known as “Salty Walt,” is an American amateur radio operator who combines a love of DXing with a knack for portable antenna experimentation, particularly near salt water. He shares this passion on his YouTube channel Coastal Waves & Wires, which has attracted more than 30,000 subscribers. His book, Salty Walt’s Portable Antenna Sketchbook, was recently published by the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) and is available through the ARRL, Amazon, DX Engineering, and other outlets. At over 130 full-color pages, the book is both visually engaging and highly practical for amateur operators interested in building their own antennas.
I began reading this book without fully understanding the difference between a counterpoise and a radial. I finished it with that same uncertainty—and that is not a shortcoming. This is not a textbook on antenna theory, nor does it attempt to be. Instead, it is a book about practice. Think of it as a recipe collection for portable antennas, where the ingredients are simple: wire, a mast, and occasionally a balun or unun. Like a baker working with flour, sugar, and eggs, Walt shows how these basic elements can be combined in different ways to produce a wide variety of functional antennas.
The projects are deliberately approachable. No advanced tools or specialized skills are required, making the book an excellent entry point for those new to antenna building. Walt’s formulaic, hands-on style lowers barriers and encourages experimentation. The real strength here is that readers don’t have to slog through dense theory to get to the “good stuff”—the building itself is the good stuff.
A distinctive feature of the book is its integration with Walt’s YouTube channel. Many of the antennas described on the page are demonstrated in corresponding videos, showing construction, setup, and real-world use. This multimedia approach reinforces learning and offers extra clarity for visual learners.
Salty Walt’s Portable Antenna Sketchbook succeeds in demystifying antenna construction for the everyday amateur operator. Rather than dwelling on abstract principles, it invites readers to roll up their sleeves and build something useful with their own hands. For those who learn best by doing—and for anyone who enjoys practical, field-tested designs—it is an inspiring and highly accessible resource. Whether you are new to portable operating or simply looking for fresh ideas to try on your next outing, Walt’s book delivers a refreshing blend of simplicity, creativity, and encouragement.