Simple Ham Radio Antennas

If you're having trouble viewing this program, please insert this title link into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AwKM7OEzdAM. I enjoyed this video from "commsprepper" showing how a father and his children can enjoy a ham radio activity together, despite the weather.  In this case, the project was a simple 1/2 wave length dipole antenna that let everyone on the "construction" crew take part.  This antenna was cheap, easy to build, and highly portable.  Given some decent height, a resonant dipole antenna will perform very well and will get you many interesting contacts.  It's important that parents share their hobbies with their children.  Hopefully, the children of "commsprepper" will get their amateur radio licenses and join their father on the air. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit my news site: http://www.kh6jrm.info. Be sure to check out the blog sidebars for more antenna and propagat...

If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this title link into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHkg7PVIJ1Y.  An excellent video tutorial from VK6CS on the various types of antenna tuning and matching devices.  This video covers the L match, T match, SPC, Pi, and other matching arrangements to make your antenna impedance compatible with your transceiver's 50 ohm impedance.  Antenna transmatches or "tuners" should be used with balanced feed lines such as 300 ohm television twin lead, 450 ohm ladder line, or homebrewed 600 ohm feed line. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit my news site at http://www.kh6jrm.info. Be sure to check out the blog sidebars for additional antenna articles. Opinions expressed in this blog are mine unless otherwise stated. Thanks for joining us today! Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this title link into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hK0KX0YcvH0. If you need a simple, durable, and easily-made antenna for your HT, then this video from "electronicsNmore" may be what you're looking for.  This variant of the "sleeve dipole" antenna will be more efficient and give you more gain than the "rubber duckie" antenna that comes with most HTs.  This video clearly explains the steps and materials needed to complete this useful antenna. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit my news site at http://www.kh6jrm.info. I also maintain a blog for Hawaii radio amateurs at http://bigislandarrlnews.com. Be sure to check out the blog sidebars for more antenna articles. Thanks for joining us today! Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

Terminated Inverted U low noise antenna. (http://www.crosscountrywireless.net/terminated_inverted_u.html). Accessed on 26 September 2016, 19:55 hrs, UTC. Author:  Chris Moulding (G4HYG). Please click title link or insert title URL into your browser search box to read the full report. Comment: Do you live in a high-noise environment that makes HF operations difficult? Then, this article from Chris Moulding (G4HYG) may be your way out of received noise and into a better HF operating experience. Chris has come up with something he calls the "Terminated Inverted U low noise antenna."  The concept is based on the EWE antenna designed by Floyd Koontz (WA2WVL), who published an article in "QST" back in 1995. Chris says his adapted design is low noise on receive, covers a wide bandwidth between 1.8 MHz and 70 MHz, and can handle around 200 watts of power. Chris does a good job of covering the theory, construction, and use of this antenna.  He provides useful ...

If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this title link into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5U2_D_G5zE. Nice, compact tutorial from Stan Gibilisco (W1GV) on the theory, design, and use of HF Discone Antennas.  Although most discone antennas seem to be used on the amateur radio VHF/UHF bands and by public service agencies, there are a few HF discone antennas in use, particularly in military or government service.  The antenna is broadbanded and offers coverage from 40 meters through 10 meters. A HF discone antenna may be an interesting project. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit my news site at: http://www.kh6jrm.info. Opinions expressed in this blog are mine unless otherwise stated. Thanks for joining us today! Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

U.S. Sharpens Surveillance of Crippling Solar Storms (http://www.nature.com/news/us-sharpens-surveillance-of-crippling-solar-storms-1.20630). Accessed on 24 September 2016, 01:15 hrs, UTC. Reporter:  Alexandra Witze Please click link or insert title URL into your browser search box to read the full article. Comment: It's only a matter of time before a X-Class solar flare or strong Coronal Mass Ejection hits Earth head on with devastating results to our power grids, communications, and our digitally managed economies.  If we're not prepared for the inevitable, we could wake up the next morning in the 19th century. By early October 2016, NOAA should have a better idea of just how dangerous X-Class flares and CMEs are, thanks to a new method of predicting the intensity of solar geomagnetic storms.  Scientists have successfully integrated the data gained from sun-orbiting satellites into a new model that "spells out which power grids are at risk" from intense s...

If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this title link into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMexeDPeRIM. I've heard of fan dipole antennas, but this video shows something different in the "fan dipole family"--the fan vertical HF antenna. Corey Klumper (N0ECK) of Russell, MN show us how he modified the fan dipole concept into something useful for those of us using vertical HF antennas.  The nicely done video shows us the complete design and assembly process.  Corey says his fan HF vertical covers the 40-80 and -160 meter bands.  He used this antenna successfully in the 2015 contest season.  You may want to build a version of this intriguing antenna for your station. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit my news site at: http://www.kh6jrm.info. If you're an amateur radio operator in my home state of Hawaii, please check into my Hawaii ARRL news site:  http://bigislandarrlnews.wordpress.co...

If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this title link into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJHfzeqaW5U. Nicely done video from N7JFP on winding a simple 1:4 current balun. For this balun, he used a single torroid core T-130-2 and two sets of 18 gauge copper wires. Each side of the torroid has turns of wire.  The balun covers 14 MHz through 54 MHz and would make a good foundation for a balanced antenna transmatch (i.e. "tuner") using 450 ohm ladder line or 300 ohm television twin lead for an antenna feeder.  A good project for a rainy evening. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit my news site at http://www.kh6jrm.info. Be sure to check out the blog sidebars for more antenna articles and information. Opinions in this blog are mine unless otherwise stated. Thanks for joining us today! Until next time! Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this title link into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3_LIQ6G6e4.  Exceptionally well made video from NG9D showing you a very simple way to design, make, and erect a vertical closed loop antenna that covers all Amateur Radio bands from 20 to 10 meters. Each construction step is thoroughly explained and shown in the video.  If you follow the instructions, you'll have little difficulty in building and using this antenna.  Attaching a coaxial feed line to the antenna is easy--just solder one end of the antenna to the center pin of the coax and the other end to the braided shield.  An antenna transmatch (i.e. "tuner" would help match the antenna impedance to the impedance of your transceiver. You would also need a vertical support of at least 30 feet/9.14 meters to get maximum performance out of this antenna.  You could also use television twin lead or 450 ohm ladder line to feed t...

If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this title link into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4jGNFGN-RQ.  Here's a handy 9:1 unun from m1tina that will make your use of a longwire antenna much more efficient and pleasurable.  The 9:1 unun is an impedance transformer to feed high impedance, end-fed (unbalanced) random wire antennas, which may exhibit an impedance of a few hundred ohms.  The unun transforms the impedance of the wire into something closer to 50 ohms--something your transceiver will appreciate.  The 9:1 unun is wound on a T200-2 core and has 9 trifilar turns of enamel wire.  This is a great weekend project! For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit my news site at http://www.kh6jrm.info. If you're a radio amateur living on the Big Island of Hawaii, be sure to check my ARRL PIO (public information officer) blog at http://bigislandarrlnews.wordpress.com. Be sure to check out th...

If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this title link into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSoUjs2JwGg. A fascinating discussion from respected broadcast engineer Ron Nott (K5YNR) as he discusses the use of elevated radial systems for AM broadcast stations.  Much of what is said in this video can be applied to amateur radio operations.   Elevated radials seem to work as well or better than radials running along the ground. There are several great articles about elevated radial systems on the internet, among them research done by C.L. Cebik and this one by Ron Nott (K5YNR), the producer of this video: "Transmission Guide:  The Elevated Radial System", Ron Nott (K5YNR), in "Radio Guide", August 2006, p. 8. For the latest Amateur Radio News and Information, please visit my news site: http://www.kh6jrm.info. Opinions expressed in this blog are mine unless otherwise stated. Thanks for joining us today! Aloha...

If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this title link into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTPWYfA_uuQ. This antenna designed by Martin (G8JNJ) and built by Tom (9A5TOM) is another simple, easily erected, and versatile HF vertical antenna suitable for both emergency and portable operations.  The antenna is loosely patterned after the popular Comet CHA-250, but doesn't cost as much as the commercial model.  In this video, Tom uses a 7 meter/22.96 ft telescoping mast to support a helically wound antenna element. Like the CHA-250, the key to a successful operation is the matching transformer about midway up the mast. The video shows how the transformer is built and gives you some  SWR readings for the amateur radio bands between 80 and 10 meters. The antenna doesn't require a transmatch (i.e. "tuner") for successful operation.  Tom says the antenna works best on 40-10 meters and performs as well as the CHA-250. For th...

If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this title link into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XgyH6JQ3XHo. This project from Jerry H. Kolins (K2PFW) will get you on the air in minutes. This emergency antenna reminds me of a "sleeve dipole" where the outer shield of the coaxial cable serves as the "other half" of a dipole.  In effect, the coaxial antenna becomes a vertical dipole.  A good, useful antenna that could be used almost anywhere, including HOA/CC&R controlled housing.  Make one now and keep it as a spare antenna in your "go kit." For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit my news site at http://www.kh6jrm.info. Be sure to check the blog sidebars for other antenna ideas. Opinions expressed in this blog are mine unless otherwise stated. Thanks for joining us today! Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

Fishing Rod Vertical (https://sites.google.com/site/ea4frb/antennaprojects/fishing-rod-antenna). Author:  Melchlor Varela (EA4FRB). Accessed on 15 September 2016, 23:45 hrs, UTC. Please click title link or insert title URL to read the full report and to see the accompanying video. Comment: Here's another idea for a portable vertical antenna which is easily made, highly portable, and inexpensive. In this post, Melchlor Varela (EA4FRB) creates a simple, easily assembled HF vertical antenna that covers the 20, 30, and 40 meter amateur radio bands using a fishing pole mast, some wire, and a homemade coil which is tapped by using alligator clips.  The antenna is based on a design by EB5EKT. This antenna would make a perfect portable or emergency antenna.  The accompanying video shows you how to make this simple, effective vertical antenna. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit my news site at http://www.kh6jrm.info. Be sure to check out...

If your're having trouble viewing this post, please insert this title link into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JG1YUSZicxQ. If you're interested in pedestrian mobile operations, this compact antenna from Peter Parker (VK3YE) will help you realize that goal.  Peter's antenna covers from 7 MHz to 28 MHz and is patterned after the once-popular "Miracle Whip" antenna. You could also use this antenna for emergency operations or even in deed-restricted housing (HOA/CC&R). For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit my news blog at http://www.kh6jrm.info. Be sure to check out the blog sidebars for additional antenna articles. Opinions expressed in this blog are mine unless otherwise stated. Thanks for joining us today! Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this title link into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCXdCLpnju0.  This is post #895 in a continuing series of articles on simple ham radio antennas. In this video from Peter Parker (VK3YE), we get an idea of how simple telescoping, carbon fiber/fiberglass poles can be used to support verticals, slopers, and dipoles in portable or emergency operations. Peter uses poles measuring approximately 5.4 meters/17.7 feet long for his vertical antenna supports.  Poles in a variety of lengths can be ordered from a number of vendors, including a telescoping fiberglass mast from MFJ that measures 33-feet/10.06 meters long.  I use these longer lengths for supporting verticals and loops at my QTH.  The shorter lengths recommended by Peter are idea for portable use. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit my news site at http://www.kh6jrm.info. Be sure to check the blog...

If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this title link into your browser search box: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNXQn3994. Fascinating video from Tuomas Nyland (W2IU) showing how apartment dwellers can still work some great DX from a very limited space using simple equipment such as a classic Kenwood TS-130S, a MFJ Mobile Tuner (945-E), and a simple, homemade magnetic loop antenna.  A little imagination and stealth technology can can overcome many HOA/CC&R restrictions. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit my news site at http://www.kh6jrm.info. Here's an interesting event that VHF/UHF enthusiasts may want to join, propagation permitting, of course: The Hui Aulani Hui Amateur Repeater Club on Hawaii Island is sponsoring its third annual "Hawaiian Island Grid Madness" event on Sunday, 18 September 2016, from 1300 to 1700 Hawaii Time (2300 hrs, Saturday, 18 September 2016 to 0300 hrs Sunday, 19 September 201...

If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this title link into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rui4Q8IwB8k.  Another well-produced, easily understandable video from Peter Parker (VK3YE). In this video, Peter shows us just how easy it is to build, erect, and use a vertically polarized Moxon Rectangle Antenna for portable QRP operations. Peter's antenna was designed for 20 meters and it does an excellent job at this seaside location.  Of course, the ocean water in front of the antenna helps a lot in getting a good signal launch from shore. This antenna is simple, portable, and inexpensive. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit my news blog at http://www.kh6jrm.info. Be sure to check out the various antenna articles in the blog sidebars. Thanks for joining us today! Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this title link into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIgkOICas5Y. An exceptionally done video from VK6CS on another way to tune a manual ATU using an antenna analyzer. The tuner is the popular MFJ Mobile Tuner, Model MFJ-945E.  The antenna analyzer is a kit from YouKits. The video is educational, interesting, and helpful for both the newly licensed operator and the experienced ham. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit my news site at http://www.kh6jrm.info. Be sure to check out the blog sidebars for other antenna articles and reports. Opinions expressed in this blog are mine unless otherwise stated. Thanks for joining us today! Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this title link into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVUrx8xL6EA.  The Buddistick Antenna System is ideally suited for portable and emergency operations.  In this video, Marty Myers (W5MRM) show us how to assemble the versatile Buddistick system in a variety of configurations.  Marty has used this antenna system in his backyard, on portable operations, and in several DX- peditions. The Buddistick Antenna System works best with a counterpoise system about 2-3 feet/.60 to .91 meters above ground. A very informative and well-produced video. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit my news site at http://www.kh6jrm.info. Thanks for joining us today! Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this title link into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6czMjG6y2jQ. This is post #890 in a continuing series on amateur radio antennas.  In this video from"remingtonh", we see a simple, effective antenna system using a photo tripod, a set of radials resting on the ground, and a MFJ-1620T Hamstick. This antenna can be assembled, raised, and taken down in just a few minutes without being seen by curious neighbors.  Considering the limitations of this arrangement, the antenna produced several good contacts for "remingtonh." Perhaps a similar idea can be used in your HOA/CC&R situation. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit my news site at http://www.kh6jrm.info. Thanks for joining us today! Opinions expressed in this blog are mine unless otherwise stated. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this title link into your web browser: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rzL-bNGzPw.  In this excellently produced video, Dan Toma (YO3GGX) shows off his newly constructed QRP Magnetic Loop Antenna that covers all amateur radio bands between 40 and 10 meters.  This homemade antenna is portable, foldable, and remotely tunable. You can get full construction details at http://www.yo3ggx.com.  A beautifully done antenna that can be used for portable and emergency operations, as well as in antenna-restricted housing (HOA/CC&R) situations. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit my news site at http://www.kh6jrm.info. Please check the blog sidebars for other antenna-related articles. Opinions expressed in this blog are mine unless otherwise stated. Thanks for joining us today! Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this title link into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ieriedzr1Es.  Here's a simple, effective, and inexpensive HF antenna based on a design from Frank King (KM4IE).  Most of the materials for this project can be found at your nearest home improvement outlet or hardware store. Some of the antenna items can be found at Radio Shack stores still open or through various ham radio supply houses.  The antenna is basically a vertical helix coupled with a loading coil.  This antenna is suitable for portable and emergency use, as well as use as a "stealth antenna" for housing controlled through HOAs and CC&Rs. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please check out my news site:  http://www.kh6jrm.info. Thanks for joining us today! Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this title link into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0m7XpgGkB4.  The Buddistick antenna system is ideal for portable and emergency operations. The antenna kit is well-built, durable, a good performer, and entirely portable.  In this video, "Tinker John" (W5CYF) shows us one way to set up a Buddistick antenna for camping and portable operations.  All you need are some Buddisticks, a sturdy tripod, some wire for a ground radial system, a battery, and your HF transceiver.  Such a system could also be used in housing controlled by HOAs and CC&Rs...easy up, easy down. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit my news site: http://www.kh6jrm.info. More antenna articles and antenna reference sites can be found in the blog sidebars. Thanks for joining us today! Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

"Umbrella" Antenna for 80 MTRS and up (http://www.dxzone.com/dx32221/umbrella-antenna-for-80-meters.html). Accessed on 05 September 2016, 00:25 hrs, UTC. Reporter:  N4SPP. Please click title or URL to read the full article. Comment: Here's an interesting idea for an 80 meter vertical antenna that doesn't require a lot of space. The "Umbrella" antenna is basically a top-loaded vertical with an attached wire capacity top hat that is sloped down from the top of the antenna.  This antenna bears a striking resemblance to the discone antennas often used in VHF, UHF, and public service bands.  For better performance, you can connect the individual sloping wires to a perimeter wire "skirt." The materials required for this antenna project are modest: Two, 6.5 meter/21 ft fiberglass fishing poles or telescoping rods. 24 gauge wire. 300 ohm television twinlead. An antenna transmatch (i.e. "tuner"). 2 meters/6.56 ft of PVC pipe. 4 ...

If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this title link into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B80eDdEEb5M. This is post # 885 in a continuing series on simple ham radio antennas.  In this well-produced video from GUERRILLACOMM, we learn how to assemble the versatile Diamond D 130NJ Discone Antenna, which provides good coverage of the VHF/UHF amateur radio bands and the 800 MHz public service bands.  This antenna can be used to transmit on the 2 meter and 70 cm ham bands.  This antenna is well-made, sturdy, and easy to assemble. You may want to make one yourself or buy the commercial version--either way, you'll have a good general coverage VHF/UHF antenna which can be used as a backup antenna or for general listening. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please check the blog sidebars.  These news feeds are updated daily. For more in depth news coverage, please visit my Amateur Radio News site: http://www....

If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this title link into your browser search box: https://wwww.youtube.com/watch?v=H0zKNNGa0s. Here's a portable field day or emergency antenna that is simple, easy to build, performs well, and is cheap.  Kevin Loughlin (KB9RLW) has done an excellent job of building an effective antenna with locally available parts, some pvc tubing, ordinary house wire, and a UnUn balun.  This antenna would be usable in housing controlled by HOAs and CC&Rs...easy up, easy down.  Kevin's idea would make a great weekend project. For the latest Amateur Radio News and Information, please check out the blog sidebars.  These news feeds are updated daily. Opinions expressed in this blog are mine unless otherwise stated. Thanks for joining us today! Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this title link into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imFk17gARiA. This is post #883 in a continuing series on amateur radio antennas. Peter Parker (VK3YE) has released another outstanding e-book entitled:  "Hand-carried antennas:  Simple antennas and accessories to operate from almost anywhere." This is a must have reference book for antenna enthusiasts from newly licensed operators to experienced hams.  Peter covers simple loop, end-fed, dipole, and vertical antennas that can be made from inexpensive materials and taken to remote locations for portable or emergency use.  Peter's brisk, easily understood text guides you through basic antenna theory and construction without resorting to complicated mathematics. These antennas can also be used in housing restricted by HOAs and CC&Rs.  For detailed information, please visit http://home.alphalink.com.au/~parker/vk3yebooks. ...