Simple Ham Radio Antennas

If you're having trouble with viewing this video, please insert this URL into your browser search box: https://youtu.be/msthFfDbF94. Nice, basic tutorial from Tommy Horozakis on how to design, build, and use a 5/8 wavelength vertical antenna for 15 meters.  This is part 1 of a 2 part series.  A properly designed 5/8 wavelength vertical can give you a theoretical gain of nearly 3dB over a quarter wavelength vertical, so investing a little more space and time in building this antenna will pay off in a stronger signal.  For the latest Amateur Radio news and events, please check out the blog sidebars.  These news feeds are updated daily.  You can follow our blog community with a free email subscription or by tapping into the blog RSS feed.  Thanks for joining us today!  Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM). Related articles HF versus VHF/UHF Thin Is in for Invisibility Cloaks Amateur Radio Buffs' Quest to Connect Quake-Ravaged Nepal This Spewed Out...

If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this URL into your browser search box: https://youtu.be/5B0wCP2Tsdw. Here's a very simple multi band dipole antenna designed by W5XJ. This dipole antenna is 110 feet/33.54 meters long and uses 450 ohm ladder line as the feed line.  The ladder line is fed into a 4:1 balun and then into an automatic LDG antenna tuner with a short length of 50 ohm coaxial cable.  The antenna is usable from 6 meters to 80 meters using an antenna tuner.  Most of the materials can be bought at the nearest hardware or home improvement store. You can order ladder line and coaxial cable from a variety of online sources.  I've built similar antennas with excellent results.  For the latest Amateur Radio news and events, please check out the blog sidebars.  These news feeds are updated daily. You can follow our blog community with a free email subscription or by tapping into the blog RSS feed. Thanks for joining us today! ...

If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this URL into your browser search box: https://youtu.be/kn9awmZaINI.  This is part two of Dan Vanevenhoven's look at amateur radio apps for smart phones.  This time, Dan looks at Android apps for amateur radio.  From exam preparation to remote control configurations, these apps can make your amateur radio station more efficient and easier to operate.  Excellent video tutorial.  For the latest Amateur Radio news and events, please check out the blog sidebars. These news feeds are updated daily.  You can follow our blog community with a free email subscription or by tapping into the blog RSS feed. Thanks for joining us today!  Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert the following URL into your browser search box: https://youtu.be/GabQTB6REo. Well produced video from Dan Vanevenhoven on the amateur radio apps that can be found in Apple devices.  This handy list will prove useful if you need a quick antenna formula, a list of "Q" codes, some license study materials, or even an interface for Echolink.    For the latest Amateur Radio news and events, please check out the blog sidebars. These news feeds are updated daily. You can follow our blog community with a free email subscription or by tapping into the blog RSS feed. Thanks for joining us today!  Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert the following URL into your browser search box: https://youtu.be/RRkbdTadmUU.  Another excellent tutorial from Dave Casler (KE0OG).  This time, Dave explains the general theory behind manual antenna tuners and how to tune them with both an external SWR meter and with the SWR meter built into your transceiver.  In this tutorial, Dave uses an old MFJ-901B manual antenna tuner to provide multiband coverage on his 80-meter full wavelength loop antenna.  Dave's explanations are easy to understand and provide a good general review of SWR and manual antenna tuner operations.  For the latest Amateur Radio news and events, please check out the blog sidebars. These news feeds are updated daily.  You can follow our blog community with a free email subscription or by tapping into the blog RSS feed. Thanks for joining us today!  Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

If you're having difficulty in viewing this video, please insert this URL into your browser search box: https://youtu.be/6QwBiz_LB9M.  This simple, easily build antenna "tuner" is suitable for random wire antennas, especially end-fed half wavelength wire antennas.  A good, basic tutorial from Stan Gibilisco (W1GV).  There are commercial versions of this tuner available from several manufacturers, including MFJ.  But, you'll have more fun if you build your own antenna "tuner."  For the latest Amateur Radio news and events, please check out the blog sidebars. These news feeds are updated daily.  You can follow our blog community with a free email subscription or by tapping into the blog RSS feed. Thanks for joining us today!  Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert the following URL into your browser search box: https://youtu.be/0Jnp4BDST8U.  If you're looking for a lightweight, easy to build, and simple to operate portable or emergency antenna, then this homebrewed magnetic loop antenna from the "RadioHamGuy" (WD0AKX) may be just what you need. Most of the materials were obtained from local hardware stores or from WD0AKX's shack.  The antenna is designed to cover amateur radio frequencies between 20 MHz and 30 MHz.  The instructions in this video are clear and well illustrated.  This would make an excellent weekend project.  For the latest Amateur Radio news and events, please check out the blog's sidebars.  These news feeds are updated daily.  You can follow our blog community with a free email subscription or by tapping into the blog RSS feed.  Thanks for joining us today!  Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

A good, basic introduction to the theory, design, and building of a 10 Meter Ground Plane Antenna from Dave Tadlock (KG0ZZ). If you have difficulty in viewing this video, please insert the following URL into your browser search box: https://youtu.be/aLgFeTpIX4A.  Most of the materials for this simple, efficient antenna can be found at the nearest hardware store or building supply outlet.  I built one of these antennas a few years ago using material and wire from the Home Depot Store in Hilo, Hawaii .  If you mount this antenna at least a half wavelength above ground (approximately 16.5 feet/5.03 meters), you will get some excellent performance on 10 meters.  Of course, propagation will play a significant role in helping your signal go beyond your immediate neighborhood.  If you mount this antenna at ground level, but sure to install a good radial ground system.  For the latest Amateur Radio news and events, please check out the blog sidebars. Thes...

If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this URL into your browser search box: https://youtu.be/CxX-MmiQTxs. Very nice video describing the portable station of Barry Kery (KU3X).  Well-thought out, simple, and effective selection of equipment for portable or emergency use.  The equipment includes a Yaesu 897D transceiver, a cw paddle, a clock set to UTC , an RF choke , a 12-volt Gel Cell battery, and a homebrewed vertical antenna using a Hustler 22-inch/55.86 cm short mobile mast, air tuned coil, clamps, and an adjustable metal rod at the top of the coil.  The arrangement includes four radial wires, each being a 1/4 wavelength piece of wire corresponding to 40, 20, 15, and 10 meters.  This system can be set up in minutes and can be stored as part of your emergency radio equipment in your car or van.  For the latest Amateur Radio news and events, please check out the blog sidebars.  These news feeds are updated daily.  You...

If you have trouble viewing this video, please insert this URL into your browser search box: https://youtu.be/y3_LIQ6G6e4. An excellent video from Lynn (NG9D), showing just how easy it is to build and erect a full wave loop antenna covering the amateur radio bands between 20 and 10 meters. You can change the polarization by attaching the feed line at various points around the full wave loop.  You will need an antenna transmatch (i.e. antenna tuner) to tune out the reactance as you switch bands.  I prefer using 450 ohm ladder line or 300 ohm television twin lead for my feed lines. These feed lines are attached to a 4:1 balun and then connected to my trusty Drake MN-4 antenna transmatch with a short length of RG-8X coaxial cable.  The loop is a quiet receive antenna and should give you about 2dB gain over a dipole antenna.  Loops are fun to make and can be assembled from materials around your shack or from the bins at the nearest hardware or building supply store. ...

If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this URL into your browser search box: https://youtu.be/wiwgvB7RI6M. Safety expert Michael Bangay provides you with important information about working around mobile base stations and radio communication antennas.  Sometimes, we can get careless with RF and antenna materials--an attitude that can spell trouble, injury, and possible death.  Follow these simple guidelines from Michael and your next antenna project will proceed safely and efficiently.  For the latest Amateur Radio news and events, please check out the blog sidebars.  These news feeds are updated daily.  For those chasing DX, I've provided a few simple propagation tools that will help you determine which bands to use when you "flip the switch." You can follow our blog community with a free email subscription or by tapping into the blog RSS feed.  Thanks for joining us today! Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this URL into your browser search box: https://youtu.be/zNtTIvPFcrI.  Excellent antenna tutorial by Rick Hiller (W5RH),given  during the 15 September 2015 meeting of the Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club. Good, practical, simple to understand presentation of antenna basics.  For the latest Amateur Radio news and events, pleae check out the blog sidebars.  These news feeds are updated daily.  You can follow our blog community with a free email subscription or by tapping into the blog RSS feed. Thanks for joining us today!  Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM). Related articles Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Operators Compete Worldwide $50SAT 19 months in Space and still working

If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert the following URL into your browser search box: https://youtu.be/XBFursd_wbc.  If you have the time, an experienced tower crew, and some money, you can erect the 160 meter antenna of your dreams like Manu Antoni (F8FKI) did in France. Of course, a few acres of land won't hurt either.  Manu's antenna installation rivals that of many AM medium wave broadcast towers in the United States, namely, he has a full 1/4 stick (177-ft/53.96 meters), a complete 120-radial ground system using 40 meters/131.2 feet of wire for each radial, and a sturdy loading coil.  With a little top loading, Manu could also work 630 meters (472 kHz-479 kHz), depending on licensing requirements. For the latest Amateur Radio news and events, please check out the blog sidebars.  These news feeds are updated regularly.  You can follow our blog community with a free email subscription or by tapping into the blog RSS feed.  Thanks ...

If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this URL into you browser search box: https://youtu.be/7za6gPWcNng. Another great antenna tutorial from Dave Tadlock (KG0ZZ).  In this video, Dave shows you how to design, build, and erect a 40 meter inverted v dipole antenna .  Most of the materials for this antenna can be found at the nearest hardware or home improvement store .  The inverted v gives a good account of itself and only uses one support to get the antenna above ground.  For multi-band use (40 through 10 meters), replace the coax feed line with 450 ohm ladder line or 300 ohm television twin lead.  Take this feed line and attach it to a 4:1 balun . Run a short length of 50 ohm coaxial cable from the balun to your antenna transmatch (i.e. tuner).  If you prefer using coaxial cable, the 40 meter inverted v dipole antenna can be used on its third harmonic to give coverage of the 15 meter ham band.  The SWR may be a bit high...

If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this URL into your browser search box: https://youtu.be/FRms2AoLO0I.  Intriguing video from NG9D, showing how he used a toy hula hoop, a MFJ-9232 portable loop tuner, an ICOM-703 QRP rig, a cw paddle, some wire, and a 10-foot (3.04 meters) PVC pipe to make a portable HF Amateur Radio Station.  While the overall efficency of this antenna is low, he did get some excellent contacts on the 20 meter amateur radio band.  This antenna would be ideal for deed-restricted properties or for emergency/portable use. For the latest Amateur Radio news and events, please check out the blog sidebars.  These news feeds are updated daily.  You can follow our blog community with a free email subscription or by tapping into the blog RSS feed.  Thanks for joining us today!  Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

If you're having trouble viewing this video, please enter this URL into your browser search box: https://youtu.be/GLhNUmolKKY. Nicely done video from Dave Tadlock (KG0ZZ).  In this presentation, Dave shows us how to build a coil-loaded 40/80/160 meter inverted V Dipole Antenna .  Dave says the 3-band inverted V can fit into his small city lot and will give radio amateurs a chance to work 160 meter contacts without a lot of real estate.  There's a good chance that the 40 meter segment will also work on 15 meters, that band being a third harmonic of 40 meters.  This would make an excellent weekend project.  Building antennas is half the fun of Amateur Radio.  For the latest Amateur Radio news and events, please check out the blog sidebars.  These news feeds are updated daily.  You can follow our blog community with a free email subscription or by tapping into the blog RSS feed. Thanks for joining us today! Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM). Relat...

If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this URL into your browser search box: https://youtu.be/DGDdpQ_xrYI. Excellent introduction to the 160 meters amateur radio band from the folks at the "OfficialSWLchannel."  Well done and thoroughly understandable.  The video covers basic antenna theory, opertional procedures, modes in use, and how propagation defines how this band is used.  For the latest Amateur Radio news and events, please check out the blog sidebars.  These news feeds are updated daily. You can follow our blog community with a free email subscription or by tapping into the blog RSS feed.  Thanks for joining us today!  Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM). Related articles Ned Stearns, AA7A, Now Maintaining World Above 50 MHz Standings A Hiker Found a 2-Year-Old GoPro that was Launched Into Space and the Footage is Awesome 3D Printed Capsule Returned to Students After Two Years Amateur radio Letter Re: How to Obtain Your A...

If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert the following URL into your browser search box: https://youtu.be/FBGSv15Cgn8.  Here's an easy, simple, and effective 6 meter antenna that can be made from an old outdoor television antenna.  I've made similar antennas for 2 meters. Both of these simple designs are good for local and regional contacts, depending on propagation.  This would make an excellent weekend project and could cost you almost nothing, depending on what you have in the garage or shack.  Have fun!  For the latest Amateur Radio news and events, please check out the blog sidebars. These news feeds are updated daily.  You can follow our blog community with a free email subscription or by tapping into the blog RSS feed. For up-to-the-minute news developments, please check my headline news online paper--http://paper.li/kh6jrm/1430289353. Thanks for joining us today!  Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

If you have trouble viewing this video, please insert the following URL into your browser search box: https://youtu.be/DqIOmDHceLs. Here is a good, basic tutorial on the "Magic Band" known as 6 meters.  The band can be considered "magic" because it displays characteristics of both VHF and HF propagation. The six meter band sits on the edge of worldwide propagation and line of sight operations. You never know what 6 meters will do on a given day.  The video is well-presented and easy to understand.  Antennas for this band are fairly short. A dipole antenna for 6 meters (at mid band) would measure approximately 9 feet/2.74 meters.  For the latest Amateur Radio news and events, please check out the blog sidebars.  These news feeds are updated daily.  You can follow our blog community with a free email subscription or by tapping into the blog RSS feed. Thanks for joining us today!  Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert the following URL into your browser search box: https://youtu.be/InLEq04R5So.  This is part two of Andrew McNeill's series on Quadrifilar Helix Antennas.  This well-made video tutorial focuses on the 5.8 GHz band where many routers are used for broadband internet connections.  This antenna can be modified to support Amateur Radio bands in this general frequency range .  An excellent video.  For the latest Amateur Radio news and events, please check out the blog sidebars.  These news feeds are updated daily. You can follow our blog community with a free email subscription or by tapping into the blog RSS feed.  Thanks for joining us today!  Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM). Related articles VHF-UHF Mountaintoppers, Rovers Asked to Observe Radio Quiet Zones HAMSPIRIT.DE's Review on Airspy vs SDRPlay Amateur radio A Hiker Found a 2-Year-Old GoPro that was Launched Into Space and ...

If you're having trouble viewing this video, please enter the following URL into your browser search box: https://youtu.be/TwYSS3352Zw.  An excellent tutorial on the theory, construction, and use of the popular Zepp (or Zeppline) antenna .  Stan Gibilisco (W1GV) does a good job of explaining how this half-wave antenna works.  If you have sufficient space, the Zepp will perform very well.  As Stan suggests, you can get multiband performance of this antenna by using 450 ohm ladder line or 300 ohm television twin lead to feed signals to a balun and an antenna transmatch (i.e. "tuner").  For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please check out the blog sidebars.  These news feeds are updated daily.  You can follow our blog community with a free email subscription or by tapping into the blog RSS feed. You can find more Amateur Radio news at my news site:  http://kh6jrm.net.  Thanks for joining us today!  Aloha es 73 de Ru...

8 If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert the following URL into your browser search box: https://youtu.be/ag7Or4T8I3w. This well- constructed and explained video by Andrew McNeill demonstrates a simple way to design and build a simple Quadrifilar Helix Antenna for 2.4 GHz.  Although this antenna was built to extend Wi-Fi range, a few easily made modifications can fit this handy antenna into Amateur Radio frequencies nearby.  Excellent video with simple, easy to follow instructions.  For the latest Amateur Radio new and events, please check out the blog sidebars. These news feeds are updated daily.  You can follow our blog community with a free email subscription or by tapping into the blog RSS feed.  You can find more Amateur Radio news by visiting my news site at http://kh6jrm.net. Thanks for joining us today!  Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert the following URL into your browser search box: https://youtu.be/rxxBdeRi6Jg. Although this article doesn't pertain directly to Amateur Radio antennas (it's about television antennas), the basic, well-explained information in this professionally produced video can apply to a variety of antenna situations, including Over The Air (OTA) antennas for those of us "cutting the cord" with our cable or satellite internet providers or for radio amateurs modifying tv antennas for ham radio use on the 2 meter and 70 cm bands.  Good, basic information.  For the latest Amateur Radio news and events, please check out the blog sidebars.  These news feeds are updated daily.  You can also follow our blog community with a free email subscription or by tapping into the blog RSS feed. Thanks for joining us today!  Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM). Related articles Ham radio on BBC Radio Shropshire Opponents' Re...

If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this URL into your browser search box: https://youtu.be/D_igfVU5Jxk. The seven-member  FT4TA DXpedition Team has just released a beautifully produced video record of their expedition to Tromelin Island in the South Indian Ocean .  A great job by everyone involved in this project.  During the period 30 October 2014 to 10 November 2014, the team logged 70,000 contacts.  A lot of hard work went into this effort.  For the latest Amateur Radio news and events, please check out the blog sidebars.  These news feeds are updated daily.  You can follow our blog community with a free e-mail subscription or by tapping into the blog RSS feed. You can find more ham radio news at my news site:  http://kh6jrm.net.  Thanks for joining us today!  Aloha, Russ (KH6JRM) Related articles 'QRO Club' offers free DXpedition travel amps Carolina DX Association Forms Carolina DX Foundation

If you're having trouble viewing this video, please enter this URL into your browser search box: https//youtu.be/CbQwLPVG70.  Simple, clear tutorial on building a 20 meter vertical dipole antenna from the popular "Hamstick" antennas.  Brian Downes does an excellent job of assembling this useful portable or emergency antenna.  If you feed this vertical dipole with 450 ohm ladder line or 300 ohm television twin lead and put that line into a 4:1 balun and then into an antenna transmatch (i.e. "tuner"), you will have a nice 20 meter through 20 meter antenna.  Either way, this project is an excellent way to use what you have on hand to build an antenna.  For the latest Amateur Radio news and events, please check out the blog sidebars.  You can follow our blog community with a free e-mail subscription or by tapping into the blog RSS feed.  For more Amateur Radio news, please check out by news site at http://kh6jrm.net.  Thanks for joining us to...