Simple Ham Radio Antennas

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=264KI-xyxXE. End-fed random wire antennas can sometimes be the solution to erecting HF antennas on small urban or rural lots.  In this video, Stan Gibilisco (W1GV) discusses the advantages and disadvantages of these simple, easily made antennas.  As with any compromise antenna, there are significant problems related to SWR, antenna matching, and grounding systems.  Stan does a good job of explaining how to overcome the design limitations of end-fed wires.  To use one of these antennas, particularly wires ranging from 30 feet/9.146 meters to 40 feet/12.195 meters, you'll need a wide-range antenna transmatch (i.e. "tuner") and a good ground radial or counterpoise system.  The use of balanced feed line, such as 300 ohm television twin lead or 450 ohm ladder line, in conjunction with a 4:1 current balun and an antenna "tuner", will enable...

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdIFgaR1Fig. Never underestimate the creativity of amateur radio operators.  In this video, we see how KF4BWG uses horse fence wire to make and operate a multiband HF dipole antenna.  If you have a metal fence on your property, consider using it for either the antenna or part of a ground radial system. You may be surprised how well this "antenna of convenience" works. For more Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.wordpress.com. http://www.kh6jrm.info (breaking news for radio amateurs). Other sites of interest: http://hawaiisciencedigest.com (science and technology news for radio amateurs). https://hawaiiintelligencedigest.com (trends in geopolitical intelligence, strategic forecasting, terrorism, politics, and cybersecur...

Antenna Gain (http://www.eham.net/articles/38645). Author:  Robin Cross (W0FEN). Accessed on 29 April 2017, 04:55 hrs, UTC. Please click link to read the full article. Comment: A simple, excellently phrased tutorial on Antenna Gain/Antenna Directionality for VHF/UHF by broadcast engineer Robin Cross (W0FEN). Robin discusses the pros and cons of having "gain" antennas for VHF/UHF mobile work.  Robin says there are times when a simple 1/4 wavelength whip will produce more contacts than the 5/8 wavelength "gain" antennas being touted in the media.  He cites several examples where a shorter antenna will often prove more satisfactory than a higher gain mobile antenna. Robin says you can use a simple test to determine if a "gain" antenna is necessary for your mobile operation: To visualize this, hold your hand out with the first two fingers in a V shape. Your fingers should be above and below horizontal. As you rotate your hand vertically, the li...

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_Axs2ut7sE. Thanks to Gil (aka RadioPrepper.com) for this simple, effective vertical antenna which can be used for both home and portable operations.  The 19 foot/5.79 meters antenna wire is supported by a 19.68 foot/6 meter telescoping fiberglass fishing pole.  The antenna system uses a small Z-Match antenna "tuner" and a 9:1 EARCHI UNUN along with a suitable ground radial system.  Gil's rig is an Elecraft KX2 running about 5 watts output.  In the video, he's enjoying a cw contact with a station in Sweden.  Gil's entire system (rig, antenna, tools, and power supply) is contained in a small carrying case which can be stuffed in a knapsack or kept in a vehicle for emergencies.  A very nice arrangement. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews...

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1SePX-NPrw. With propagation now favoring the lower HF bands (160 meters through 40 meters), you may want to make a simple, effective antenna for the 80 meter band which will deliver good daytime regional performance as well as some good night time contacts. In this video, "Lockemeister" shows us one of his experimental vertical loops for 80 meters.  You can get acceptable 80 meter performance with a 50 ohm coaxial cable feed line and an antenna transmatch (i.e. "tuner").  To cut down on RF feedback and SWR losses, you may want to attach a 4:1 balun to the feed line just before it enters your "tuner".  Another suggestion would be to feed the antenna with 300 ohm television twin lead or 450 ohm ladder line connected to a 4:1 balun before it runs into your "tuner".  This will give your loop antenna multiband capabilit...

10 Ultra Stealth Antenna Designs for HOAs (http://forums.qrz.com/index.php?threads/10-ultra-stealth-antenna-designs-for-hoas.260566/). Author:  KC8VWM. Accessed on 26 April 2017, 05:35 hrs, UTC. Please click link to read the full article. Comment: Operating from a deed-restricted property can be challenging.  Just because the "housing police" says "no antennas" doesn't mean you can't get on the air.  You have to be clever and "stealthy" to erect an antenna where restrictive rules are the order of the day. In this article by KC8VWM, we learn how common, everyday objects such as old satellite dishes, bicycles, and even a badminton net can be used as makeshift antennas without your neighbors even knowing about your real intentions. Here are 10 ideas for making an "ultra stealth antenna" in deed-restricted housing: Use a Weather Instrument project as an antenna. Solar powered lights can be used for informal vertical antennas, ...

J Pole Antenna Calculator by K4ABT (http://www.hamuniverse.com/jpole.html). Author:  G.E. "Buck" Rogers, Sr. (K4ABT). Accessed on 25 April 2017, 04:55 hrs, UTC. Please click link to read the full article. Comment: Thanks to G.E. "Buck" Rogers, Sr (K4ABT) for this ultra simple, easy to understand J Pole Antenna Calculator for HF, VHF, and UHF amateur radio bands.  Just enter the operating frequency and calculate the dimensions of your J Pole Antenna.  Using this type of antenna can be a bit tricky, so G.E. recommends the following additional step: "On most of the J Pole designs out there, a choke should be used as close to the feedpoint of the antenna as possible to help prevent rf on the feedline and creating difficulty with SWR readings. For 2 meters, the coil is 4 turns of coax at 5 inches in diameter. You should get good results with the choke within 3 or 4 inches of the feedpoint on 2 meters. Hint: Use the last part of your feedline as the cho...

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kXRz6fPFKY. If you live on a small urban or rural lot, erecting a full-size 80 meter horizontal dipole antenna can be quite a task.  In this video from Peter Parker (VK3YE), we learn how to convert a 40 meter horizontal dipole antenna into a serviceable dipole for the 80 meter band.  The secret is to add loading coils to both ends of the dipole antenna.  Peter supplies the necessary coil winding data, materials list, and tuning procedures to get your old 40 meter dipole working on the 80 meter band.  Although this modification won't be as efficient as or capable of the same bandwidth of an 80 meter dipole, this antenna will get you on the air from a small size lot.  You may even be able to operate this antenna on the 3rd harmonic of 15 meters, where the 40 meter portion of the dipole will serve as a 3/2 wave length antenna on 15 meters. ...

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://wwww.youtube.com/watch?v=XjtE_SZjQ-g. In this video from Stan Gibilisco (W1GV), we learn the a classic way to shorten a dipole antenna without sacrificing performance and ease of operation.  If the coils are built correctly, you will lose only a small percentage of the signal normally found on a full horizontal  half wave dipole antenna.  Stan does a good job of explaining the theory, design, and operation of this easily made HF antenna.  This antenna is a good compromise for radio amateurs living on a small city or rural lot. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.wordpress.com. http://www.kh6jrm.info (breaking news for radio amateurs). Other sites of interest: http://hawaiisciencedigest.com (science and technology news for ra...

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WI6Cy4ovig. Here are two excellent examples of 70 cm Yagi beam antennas made from commonly available materials.  The first antenna is a 7-element beam with a wooden support structure, while the more polished 10-element beam uses aluminum to support the antenna elements.  Both antennas, along with a sturdy rotator atop a small mast, will give you excellent performance between 430-440 MHz (70 cm).  You can cut the antenna elements to conform to the 70 cm allocations in your area.  Video supplied by M0UKD). For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.wordpress.com. http://www.kh6jrm.info (breaking news for radio amateurs). Other sites of interest: http://hawaiisciencedigest.com (science and technology news for ...

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v-T5OMkha4k_4. Why should repeaters have all the fun when it comes to antennas?  In this video, Stan Gibilisco (W1GV) shows us how to make a six element VHF collinear antenna that will give your signal a significant boost.  Stan bases his antenna on a popular collinear design used for VHF repeater sites.  Although the project takes a bit of work and experimentation, the improved results on the 2 meter band will be worth the effort. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.wordpress.com. http://www.kh6jrm.info (breaking news for radio amateurs). Other sites of interest: http://hawaiisciencedigest.com (science and technology news for radio amateurs). https://hawaiiintelligencedigest.com (trends in geopolitical int...

The 26-Foot Untuned Vertical--7 Bands (http://www.eham.net/articles/29052). Author:  Dave Benzel (KD6RF) Accessed on  20 April 2016, 02:50 hrs, UTC. Please click link or insert title URL into your browser search box to read the full article. Comment: If you want a fairly efficient, multiband HF vertical that is only 25 feet/7.62 meters long, then this untuned vertical from Dave Benzel (KD6RF) is just what you need.  According to Dave, the 25 foot/7.62 meters long antenna is "quantitatively similar" to the 43 foot/13.109 meters vertical antenna, but is only about half as long and "is designed to provide acceptably efficient operation from 40 through 10 meters."  With ground and feedline losses major issues for vertical antennas, Dave solved those issues by using 7/8" heliax feedline, an elevated counterpoise consisting of a long metal fence, and nearby "shorting rod" with a coil, which serves as a decoupling device for higher bands. Dave pro...

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVKRnQmrx3k. Here's an easily made dipole antenna for 40 and 20 meters that could be used for portable, home, or emergency operations.  This antenna can serve as a backup antenna for the 2017 ARRL Field Day Event, set for 24-25 June 2017. If you follow the step-by-step instructions from "RC286", you should have a working 40/20 meter dipole antenna in a few hours. Most of the materials can be found at the nearest hardware store or building supply outlet. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpres.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.wordpress.com. http://www.kh6jrm.info (breaking news for radio amateurs). Other sites of interest: http://hawaiisciencedigest.com (science and technology news for radio amateurs). https://hawaiiintelligencedigest.co...

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?=v=IKuLDnwuy8M. Here's another great antenna idea for the upcoming 2017 ARRL Field Day Event on 24-25 June 2017.  With propagation favoring the lower HF Amateur Radio bands (160 meters through 40 meters), a combination 40/80 meter coil loaded inverted V dipole would make an ideal antenna for this annual event.  With the proper coils, an antenna "tuner" won't be necessary to work 40 and 80 meters, which should give regional daytime performance and good night time range. An inverted V only needs one supporting mast and a few tie-off stakes. Dave Tadlock (KG0ZZ) does an excellent job of explaining how to tune this two-band antenna.  When you're done with Field Day, keep this project in your shack in the event of emergencies or local DX-peditions. Also, Dave has produced an outstanding video explaining how to build this antenna.  To see t...

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qI6zWMZ1dEU. Here's another simple, inexpensive antenna project from Dave Tadlock (KG0ZZ).  In this video, Dave shows us how to make a 2 Meter roll-up j-pole antenna using ordinary television twin lead.  You can use this antenna for home, portable, or emergency use.  This would make a great back up antenna for the 2017 ARRL Field Day Event.  The gain of this antenna is approximately 3 dB over a 1/4 wavelength 2 Meter vertical antenna. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.wordpress.com. http://www.kh6jrm.info (breaking news for radio amateurs). Other sites of interest: http://hawaiisciencedigest.com (science and technology news for radio amateurs). https://hawaiiintelligencedigest.com (trends in strate...

Pedestrian mobile magnetic loop for 40 to 10 meters. (http://www.dxzone.com/cgi-bin/dir/jump2.cgi?ID=29456). Accessed on 15 April 2017, 20:35 hrs, UTC. Author:  Peter Parker (VK3YE). Please enter title URL into your browser search box to read the full article. Comment: Here's another great portable antenna idea from Peter Parker (VK3YE).  In this post, Peter shows you how to build a "pedestrian mobile magnetic loop for 40 to 10 meters."  This may be the best portable HF antenna available for SOTA (Summits On The Air), emergency, or other field work.  This antenna may be ideal for radio amateurs living in deed-restricted housing (HOA/CC&Rs). The article is divided into these helpful sections, each supplemented with drawings and photographs: Radiation element construction, feed arrangements, support structure, capacitor assembly, and results. According to Peter, the magnetic loop is ideal for portable operations, because "it's light and robust en...

Field Antenna for 40m (http://www.dxzone.com/qsy32623-field-antenna-for-40m) (http://www.antentop.org/017/ua6agw_md_017.htm). Author:  Alexander Grachev (UA6AGW). Accessed on 15 April 2017, 00:40 hrs, UTC. Please insert either of these title URLs into your browser search box to read the full article. Comment: Here's another fascinating antenna that can be used either at home or in portable or emergency situations.  You may want to make one for the 2017 ARRL Field Day, set for Saturday and Sunday, 24-25 June 2017. Alexander Grachev (UA6AGW) takes you step-by-step through the design, building, and operational phases of this intriguing antenna.  The antenna combines an internal circular loop with a diamond-shaped outer loop to cover several HF Amateur Radio bands.  There are several excellent photographs, graphs, and antenna measurements to help you build this antenna. According to Alexander, "this antenna was designed for installation in field conditions ...

If you can't view this video, please enter the title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-aX8IDebLk4. If you want to use an attic antenna without resorting to an antenna transmatch (i.e. "tuner"), try this intriguing antenna design from Stan Gibilisco (W1GV). The antenna is a simple, easy to make, and fairly efficient dipole using end-loading coils.  Most of the material for this "stealth" antenna can be ordered online from Amateur Radio outlets or obtained locally from the nearest building supply or hardware store. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.wordpress.com. http://www.kh6jrm.info (breaking news for radio amateurs). Other sites of interest: http://hawaiisciencedigest.com (science and technology news for radio amateurs). https://hawaiiintelligencedigest.com (trends in strategic...

If you can't view this video, please enter this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLhNUmoIKKY. With propagation favoring the lower HF bands, you may want to design, build, and use this 40/80/160 Meter coiled-loaded Inverted V Dipole Antenna.  This antenna doesn't require a ground radial system or an antenna transmatch (i.e. "tuner"). Dave Tadlock (KG0ZZ) shows you how to make this 3-band HF antenna that will serve you well at your home station or at your ARRL Field Day activity site. Dave does an excellent job of taking you step-by-step through the design and building phases.  In the end, you will have a multiband inverted V that will get you on the lower HF bands at a reasonable cost. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please check out these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.wordpress.com. http://www.kh6jrm.info (breaking news for rad...

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddQxI12Qz6M. In our last post, I described a simple 6 meter vertical ground plane antenna that will get you on the "magic band" in just a few hours.  If you want a bit more gain and some directivity, try this homebrew 6 meter dipole antenna from KF7TOV. The antenna can be built with commonly available materials from the nearest building supply outlet or neighborhood hardware store.  This would make an excellent weekend project or an emergency antenna for the 2017 ARRL Field Day event. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.wordpress.com. http://www.kh6jrm.info (breaking news for radio amateurs). Other sites of interest: http://hawaiisciencedigest.com (science and technology news for radio amateurs). https://h...

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7i3NnN2KwQ. The 6 meter (50 MHz) Amateur Radio band is a fascinating group of frequencies often called "The Magic Band" for its fascinating propagation characteristics. The band exhibits both HF and VHF properties and can sometimes reach out thousands of miles. In this video from Peter Parker (VK3YE), we see how an old VHF television antenna can be recycled into an efficient 6 meter ground plane antenna.  The radiating vertical element and the radial wires are both 1/4 wavelength long and vary depending on the chosen frequency. Peter says he has received many contacts using only 5 watts of power. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.wordpress.com. http://www.kh6jrm.info (breaking news for radio amateurs). ...

If you can't views this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9PLgWoyfsY. Randy Hall (K7AGE) has produced another fascinating and easy-to-follow tutorial for radio amateurs.  This time, Randy takes us step-by-step in making a 20 watt QRP Dummy Load.  The material list is simple and readily available from several Amateur Radio stores and distributors.  You may have some of these components in your "junk box." Material list: 8 X 100 ohm 3 watt metal film resistors. 1 X 1N5711 diode. 1 X .001 uF capacitor. BNC or SO239 connector. The dummy load even has a test meter to measure the voltage used in your QRP transceiver.  A very nice weekend project. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.Hawaii ARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.wordpress.com. http://www.kh6jrm.info (breaking news for radio amateurs). ...

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KswsesN79e8. The ARRL 2017 Field Day is approaching, with the emergency communications event set for Saturday and Sunday, 24-25 June 2017.  If you want to make an effective multiband HF antenna for those days, check out this video from the Montrose Amateur Radio Club which designed, built, and used an antenna on site for the 2013 ARRL Field Day. Notice the use of 450 ohm ladder line and the antenna "tuner" to get multiband coverage. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these sites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.wordpress.com. http://www.kh6jrm.info ( breaking news for radio amateurs ). Other sites of interest: http://hawaiisciencedigest.com (science and technology news for radio amateurs). https://hawaiiintelligencedigest.com (trends in geopol...

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFbJ7xym_Dg. Here's part two of "DENMONKEY's" 40 meter delta loop antenna.  In part 1, we gathered the materials, worked out a practical design, and began attaching the stranded electrical fence wire to the delta loop design.  In part 2, we get ready to finish the construction and begin testing of the antenna.  Delta loops are simple, low noise antennas that can readily be applied to NVIS (near incident skywave) operations, Field Days, or other portable communications requirements. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.wordpress.com. http://www.kh6jrm.info (breaking news for radio amateurs). Other sites of interest: http://hawaiisciencedigest.com. https://hawaiiintelligencedigest.com (trends in geop...

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWIsU1Sy3NY. Full-wavelength HF loop antennas are especially useful in high noise, urban areas.  A Delta Loof HF Antenna, whether it is a monoband project using 50 ohm coaxial cable as the feedline or a multiband affair using balanced feedline to feed the antenna, is a worthwhile project that will reward you with plenty of contacts. The antenna is fairly quiet and is a perfect antenna for NVIS (near vertical incident skywave ) applications. In this video, "DENMONKEY" provides a useful, easily understood tutorial on how to make a simple 40 meter Delta Loop HF Antenna from common materials found at the nearest home improvement or hardware store . In part 2, we'll see how our preparation pays off, as the antenna is raised to its operational height. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http...

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_0jBKFNTs. How about some antenna experiments during the upcoming ARRL 2017 Field Day Communications exercise on 24-25 June 2017?  In this video, we see how a group of radio amateurs used a long wire antenna supported by a helium -filled balloon for contacts on 40 meters during the 2016 ARRL Field Day held north of Vero Beach, Florida .  The antenna worked very well.  If you're really ambitious, try a 160 meter end-fed wire supported by a helium-filled weather balloon .  Don't forget the counterpoise/ground radial system, a 9:1 balun , and an antenna "tuner" to round out the antenna package. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.wordpress.com. http://www.kh6jrm.info (breaking news for radio amateur...

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnN0NVGqtKQ. One of the more tedious chores in building an efficient, effective HF vertical antenna is the creation of a ground radial or counterpoise system. Putting in such a system is often time consuming and and frustrating.  In this video from Rich Rogers, we see how a simple edger can help you lay out a buried radial system that will increase the efficiency of your HF vertical.  Each groove takes about 10 minutes to dig.  Ground or lawn staples will make sure your radial wires stay in the ground.  A good weekend project that will improve the performance of your HF vertical antenna. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.wordpress.com. http://www.kh6jrm.info (breaking news for radio amateurs ). ...

2m Yagi for SOTA (http://www.dxzone.com/cgi-bin/jump2.cgi?ID-32621). Author:  Matt (K0MOS). Accessed on 04 April 2017, 00:25 hrs, UTC . Please click link or insert title URL into your browser search box to read the full article and to see the accompanying video. Comment: The Summits on the Air (SOTA) program has grown considerably over past few years, with more radio amateurs than ever strapping on their packs to make contacts from nearby peaks.  Lightweight gear and simple  antennas are a must. However, not all antenna designs that look good at ground level can actually stand up to the rigors of backpacking to high peaks. Although the 2 meter Yagi antenna used by Matt (K0MOS) did the job, it practically fell apart when he used it atop a tall peak.  The video record of Matt's antenna adventure in the mountains is a cautionary tale for all of us depending on a few pieces of wire to maintain communications. As one responder to his article mentioned,...