Simple Ham Radio Antennas

If you can't view this video, please enter post title or title URL (https://youtu.be/iBogIqzF_-k) into your browser search box. Thanks to Hawaii Island radio amateur Lloyd Cabral (KH6LC) for this video from Pavel Korobko showing 9-year-old Sergey (R4WBF) operating in the recent CQ WPX CW 2017 Contest.  This young man is a real pro and puts me to shame.  I hope Sergey continues his life-long adventure into Amateur Radio.  If you contact this new ham, be sure to send him a QSL confirmation. 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). http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/audio-news (updated every Friday). Other sites of interest: http://hawaiisciencedigest.com (science and technology news for radio amateurs). https://hawaiiintelligencedigest.com (trends in ...

If you can't view this video, please enter this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOOCWG7xDHo. Here's part 2 of Earl Andrew's (VE3AB) video tutorial on building an inverted L antenna for 160 meters on a small city lot.  An excellent example of what can be done in a small space with locally available materials.  If you haven't tried 160 meters because of space issues, try this idea from Earl. 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). http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/audio-news (published each Friday). Other sites of interest: http://hawaiisciencedigest.com (science and technology news for radio amateurs). https://hawaiiintelligencedigest.com (trends in geopolitical intelligence and cybersecurity). Be sure t...

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jfqgfEmrP4. With propagation favoring the lower HF bands (160, 80, and 40 meters), here's a simple inverted L antenna that will allow you access to these bands at a modest price, depending on locally available materials. In part 1 of this 2-part series, Earl Andrews (VE3AB) shows us how to protect the base and feed point of the antenna from bad weather.  Earl uses a compost container at the base of the antenna to keep snow away from the automatic antenna tuner (ATU) and feed point of the inverted L.  He uses a homemade loading coil (around 100 uf) to help "tune" the antenna. In part 2, we will see some of the construction and wiring details of this antenna. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.wordpress...

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KsesesN79e8. Here's an ambitious antenna project that you and your fellow radio amateurs can design, build, and use on site during the upcoming ARRL Field Day emergency communications exercise.  This video follows several hams as they actually build, erect, and use this antenna for the KC9OLF Field Day station back in June, 2013.  Please note the use of 450 ohm ladder line for the antenna feeder, which, with a wide range antenna "tuner", will give this station multiband HF capability.  Also note the system for launching the antenna into a nest of trees approximately 72-fee/21.195 meter above ground.  This antenna performed very well and was worth the effort to build it.  This antenna would make an excellent club project. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these sites: https://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://...

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCf3vfZEqYI. Here is some useful antenna knowledge, courtesy of the U.S. Army.  This video tutorial covers the theory, design, construction, and use of field expedient antennas.  While much of the video applies to Army mission requirements, it contains many suggestions for making portable and emergency antennas. You may be able to use this information for the upcoming ARRL Field Day emergency communications exercise during the last weekend of June. 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). http://www.arrl.org. Be sure to check the blog sidebars for more antenna and propagation articles. Opinions expressed in this blog are mine unless otherwi...

If you can't view this video, please insert this title link into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsrgGy_JhpY. Here's another simple multiband HF portable antenna using common materials found at your nearest hardware store or home improvement outlet.  The antenna support is a common telescoping painter's pole.  Just add a dipole for each band of interest, separate each antenna by a few inches, hook up a convenient length of 50 ohm coaxial cable, add a choke balun and an antenna "tuner" if desired, and you're ready to go.  An excellent emergency and portable antenna for field operations. 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). http://www.arrl.org. Other sites of interest: http://hawaiisciencedigest.com (science and tec...

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-cUNs274rU. Here's a little item from W4EDF that could make erecting that portable or Field Day antenna a bit easier--a sturdy, easy to use center support for your dipole.  In this video, Ed (W4EDF) takes you step-by-step through the design and construction phases of the original Field Expedient dipole antenna platform introduced by KF7ETX.  A very nice addition to your portable station equipment. 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). http://www.arrl.org. Other sites of interest: http://hawaiisciencedigest.com (science and technology news for radio amateurs). https://hawaiiintelligencedigest.com (trends in geopolitical intelligence and...

Compact Multi-band Field Day Antenna (http://www.nc4fb.org/wordpress/compact-multi-band-field-day-antenna-80-10-meters/) Accessed on 23 May 2017, 20:45 hrs, UTC. Author:  NC4FB. Please click link to read the full article. Comment: How about a new and different HF antenna for the 2017 ARRL Field Day on 24-25 June 2017? In this post, NC4FB offers a variation on the popular G7FEK nested 1/4 wavelength compact Marconi antenna that fits into a space of 46-feet/14.02 meters long and 24-feet/7.31 meters high.  This antenna offers a low angle of radiation, covers 80 through 10 meters, and is coax-fed.  An antenna "tuner" is required to optimize antenna performance. Construction guidelines are here: http://www.g7fek.co.uk/software/G7FEKantennas.pdf. NC4FB offers his opinion on this cleverly designed multi-band HF antenna: My friend KI4PMI and I always like to try something different each ARRL National Field Day.  This year we selected the G7FEK as ...

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NeWOvIx8bms. Camping and ham radio are great companions. In this video, we get a basic tutorial on how to combine both hobbies into one enjoyable pursuit.  Some of the suggestions shown here can also be applied to the upcoming ARRL Field Day exercise on 24-25 June 2017.  If you're assigned to the late evening operating crew, you'll be glad you set up your tent and operating position as explained in this video.  Most of the materials for this camping operation can be obtained locally or from equipment you already have in your ham shack. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these web sites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.wordpress.com. http://www.kh6jrm.info (breaking news for radio amateurs). http://www.arrl.org. Other sites of interes: http://hawaiisci...

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser searchbox: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXo0XucRpt0. Here's another intriguing portable antenna idea from NG9D.  In this video, we learn how to design, build, and use a 3-band HF "Lambda" antenna, so named because it resembles the Greek letter "Lambda." Basically, the antenna approximates a 1/4 wavelength 40 meter vertical with a single 1/4 wavelength elevated radial wire or counterpoise.  This antenna requires an antenna "tuner" for multiband HF use.  The video covers construction tips, "no solder" assembly, and how to make a homebrewed feed line. 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). http://www.arrl.org. Other sites of interest: https://ha...

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IkNxByRYhGY. Australian radio amateur Peter Parker (VK3YE) is well known for his work with portable HF antennas.  In this presentation before the Eastern and Mountain Radio Club, Peter discusses various antennas suitable for HF Pedestrian Portable Operation.  Peter offers a wealth of suggestions regarding antennas, batteries, radios, and support structures that will facilitate "radio on the go".  Especially interesting is the explanation of his bamboo pole-supported Slim-Jim antenna for 20 meters and his small, hand-held loop antenna.  A great presentation. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuaarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.wordpress.com. http://www.kh6jrm.info (breaking news for radio amateurs). http://www.arrl.org. Be sure to chec...

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPdtN6AtXmI. You don't need a lot of fancy, expensive equipment to enjoy an effective portable ham station for outdoor operations, such as the upcoming ARRL Field Day.  In this video from Lynn (NG9D), we see just how simple it is to put up a random wire antenna (about 75 feet/22.86 meters) using a tree as support. Lynn completes his portable station with some Ten-Tec QRP cw gear, a MFJ antenna "tuner", a power supply, a simple ground radial/counterpoise system, a simple hand key, and a short length of coaxial feed cable (about 20 feet/6.097 meters). Lynn's set up is light and thoroughly portable. This station can be carried on your back or left in your vehicle for emergency use.  Why not participate in Field Day as a 1B station at the nearest park or even in your own back yard? For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please vis...

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=up8WL4CPVY8. Here's another great Field Day Setup, courtesy of Tracy (VE3TWM) and Randy (VE3OZR).  This QRP operating "camp" was erected in Rattlesnake Park, Ontario, Canada and used two antennas, a Yaesu 817 HF transceiver, and some excellent outdoor shelters.  According to Tracy (VE3TWM), the horizontally polarized antenna was a 66-foot/20.12 meters long HyEndFed 4 band HF antenna, while the vertically polarized antenna was the EZ Military Antenna from Alpha Antennas.  As you can tell from this short video, both Randy and Terry had a great time grabbing elusive Field Day contacts from this beautiful park.  Hopefully, this well-organized portable station will give you some good ideas for your Field Day operation. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlne...

I you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_HyTYek318. Here's all you need to know about the ARRL Field Day from preparation to antennas.  This podcast from 22 June 2016 features expert advice and helpful suggestions from Bob Heil, Gordon West, George Thomas, Don Willbanks, and Amanda Allen.  Although there are some controversial issues over tuning portable vertical antennas, this issue of "Ham Nation" is fundamentally sound on both theory and practice.  The 2017 ARRL Field Day is set for 24-25 June. 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). http://www.arrl.org. Be sure to check the blog sidebars for more antenna and propagation articles. Opinions expressed in this blog are mi...

If you can't view this video, please insert the this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch/v=oOXcSqNd6PY. Here's another antenna idea for radio amateurs planning to participate in the 2017 ARRL Field Day emergency communications exercise as a single operator portable station.  Randy Hall (K7AGE) participated in the 2016 ARRL Field Day as a single station operating from a hilltop near his home in Gold, Oregon. His truck ran his station from the back of his pickup truck, using a 20-foot/6.097meter pole to support a 20 meter dipole antenna.  His Yaesu-857 was powered by deep cycle batteries charged with solar panels.  Randy was able to fill his log without any problems. Perhaps a simple station such as the one demonstrated by Randy will encourage you to operate in the "outdoors" away from urban noise and traffic.  Although many radio amateurs will participate with their radio clubs in this annual event, there are some of us who c...

Solving Final Loop Problems (https://w2lj.blogspot.com/2017/05/solving-final-loop-problems.html). Author:  Larry Makoski (W2LJ). Accessed on 15 May 2017, 20:55 hrs, UTC. Please click link or enter title URL into your browser search box to read the full article. Comment: One of the major issues facing builders of homebrewed magnetic loop antennas is how to support the loop without it falling over because of wind, weather, and other factors.  In this post, QRP enthusiast Larry Makoski (W2LJ) found a simple answer to supporting his magnetic loop antenna, with help from Ido Roseman (4X6UB) and the neighborhood Home Depot outlet. As illustrated in his post, Larry bought a Husky Tripod assembly that supports an industrial grade halogen construction light.  With a few modifications, this sturdy tripod was able to support Larry's magnetic loop antenna without it being overturned by wind and bad weather.  Larry added that the cost of the large-based tripod was mode...

New WannaCry Ransomware Emerging and How To Protect Yourself (https://www.wordfence.com/blog/2017/05-how-to-protect-yourself-against-wannacry/). If this link doesn't connect, please enter the entire headline title into your browser search box. Author:  Mark Maunder of Wordfence Security. Accessed on 15 May 2017, 03:55 hrs, UTC. Comment: This blog usually discusses antennas, various "tuners", homebrewed equipment, and ways to improve the antennas at your disposal.  However, in this post I will leave antennas for a moment to review a serious threat to all of us using the Windows OS, especially older, unsupported versions such as Windows XP. According to Mark Maunder of Wordfence Security, a second wave of the "WannaCry" ransomware appears to have started just a few hours ago.  Maunder says "this is going to be a rough week for Windows users."  Although code experts have found two "kill switches" in the first round of WannaCry attacks...

Field Day the Simple Way (www.arrl.org/field-day-the-simple-way). Author:  Charlie Pitchford (N4QET). Accessed on 14 May 2017, 06:40 hrs, UTC. Please click title link to read the full story. Comment: I always look forward to the ARRL Field Day emergency communications exercise.  The event allows me to practice my cw and SSB skills, to help erect antennas, to encourage new operators to get on the air, and to socialize with members of the Big Island Amateur Radio Club.  This year, Field Day occurs on 24-25 June 2017. Although I try to attend my club's Field Day activities, there are times when prior commitments keep me at work or at home.  In these cases, I have a portable antenna, solar panels, batteries, and a good tent to keep me covered while I grind out a few contacts as a 1B (single transmitter, portable) station from my back yard. This year, a variety of home projects and family commitments will keep me home, operating solo from the back yard while ...

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6X_D1CLImo. Here's a well-produced video from Kevin, whose antenna experience in a deed-restricted environment (HOA/CC&R), can help you get on the air from a small urban lot.  The antenna is the popular and highly rated Zero-Five 40 through 10 meter vertical antenna.  Using a LDG tuner with his HF transceiver, Kevin was able to make several successful contacts from this restricted space.  You could also make a similar vertical antenna from a telescoping fiberglass pole, some household wire, a simple ground radial/counterpoise system, and a wide-range antenna "tuner."  Let your imagination be your guide. Don't let space limitations stop you from enjoying Amateur Radio. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.wo...

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hq7HAOYjZA. Here's one of the most compact portable antennas I've ever seen.  Nearly everything fits into a small tupperware container.  According to author KD0AES, the heart of the antenna system is  a 9:1 unun wrapped on a T106-2 toroid and a minimum of hardware to insure lightweight operation. This antenna, used with a QRP rig and a sturdy antenna "tuner", should give you hours of fun on the air. Add this simple, inexpensive antenna to your portable "go kit" and you're set to go on HF. 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). http://www.arrl.org. Be sure to check the blog sidebars for more antenna and propagatio...

If you can't view this video, please enter this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-mj1IyoxIY. Thanks to Steve Roberts (W1SFR) for this simple tutorial on how to use his end-fed 40-6M antenna.  The kit comes complete with the balun transformer and all the necessary pieces and wire, except for the carrying bag.  Steve uses a weighted fishing sinker to launch the antenna into a nearby tree.  This antenna is suitable for portable, emergency, or even ARRL Field Day operations. 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). http://www.arrl.org. Be sure to check out the blog sidebars for more antenna and propagation articles. Opinions expressed in this blog are mine unless otherwise stated. Thanks for joining us today. Aloha e...

Comparing the performance of an inverted vee dipole with a small transmitting loop on 40m (http://www.sotabeams.co.uk/blog/comparing-the-performance-of-an-inverted-vee-dipole-with-a-small-transmitting-loop-on-40m/). Accessed on 09 May 2017, 19:15 hrs, UTC. Author:  Richard Newstead. Please click link to read the full article. Comment: Have you ever questioned the efficiency and ease of operation of the antenna you use for portable operations, such as SOTA, IOTA, and Field Day activities? Radio amateurs certainly have a wide selection of antennas available for such activities, ranging from homemade dipoles to commercially made verticals and magnetic loops. In this expertly written essay, Richard Newstead compares two popular antenna systems:  an inverted vee dipole and a small transmitting loop called the "Chameleon P-Loop." In "carefully controlled conditions", Richard puts each antenna through a series of transmitter tests, reception reports, and perfo...

If you can't view this video, please enter this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmjboqLhxO4. In this video, EA2BD shows us several simple ways to take antenna wire with you to portable operations such as the Summits On The Air (SOTA) without the wire tangling or snarling up into a mess.  These suggestions will come in handy when you prepare your ARRL Field Day antennas or make antennas for RACES, ARES, or SATERN service. 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). http://www.arrl.org. Be sure to check the blog sidebars for more antenna and propagation articles. Opinions expressed in this blog are mine unless otherwise stated. Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM)

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofmUK8o7Jxg. Here's an ultra simple and effective multiband HF antenna for both portable and emergency use.  This antenna could also be used in the upcoming ARRL Field Day event on 24-25 June 2017. In this video, "rcobo107" (AC2RJ) wraps 35 feet/10.67 meters of speaker wire around a 20 foot/6.097 meters long fiberglass pole, creating a HF vertical helix antenna.  The copper shield of his coaxial feed line serves as the antenna counterpoise.  An antenna "tuner" is used to reduce the SWR on the antenna. This homebrewed antenna works on several HF bands, including 6 meters as evidenced by contacts made during the recording of this video.  You may want to make one of these simple antennas for portable use. The antenna can be stored easily in your vehicle. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: ...

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Mgd06UAHbU. You don't have to belong to an Amateur Radio Club to participate in the 2017 ARRL Field Day on 24 and 25 June 2017.  With a little ingenuity and a few pieces of furniture from your home or shack, you can operate portable from your backyard and still have lots of fun.  In fact, there is a special category for home stations, using power from the electrical mains or power from alternative means, such as generators, solar panels, or batteries. In this video, "motoforlyfe" shows us his simple backyard Field Day station, complete with a venerable ICOM-730, power supply, and a homebrew inverted Vee Dipole antenna.  Log all of your contacts and send them into the ARRL. You could win your category. Good luck this year.  Have fun and make some memorable contacts. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these webs...

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4jGNFGN-RQ. Here's a handy item that will make using an end-fed random length wire antenna easier and more efficient.  A 9-1 unun used in combination with an antenna "tuner" and a good ground radial or counterpoise system will make that random wire perform better than expected. This short video tutorial from "mk1tina" guides you through the process of designing, building, and using a 9-1 unun for your end-fed antennas.  According to "mk1tina", the core used is a T200-2 with 9 trifilar turns of enamel wire. The case is fairly small, measuring 120mm by 80mm.  Although the unit is rated at 400 watts, it may be best to run power levels below 100 watts to keep components cool.  You may want to bring one of these 9-1 ununs with you to the ARRL Field Day, just in case you may be using a random length wire antenna. For the late...

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xK6oxWVtGI. While there is no "perfect" antenna, this simple, proven design for a monoband HF vertical using a 1/4 wavelength vertical radiator and four, 1/4 wavelength sloping radial wires comes very close to being a foolproof design that will give you many hours of operating pleasure.  In effect, this antenna is a variation of the familiar ground plane antenna seen in many omnidirectional VHF and UHF antennas.  A ground plane antenna designed for any HF band from 20 meters to 6 meters should work very well with locally made materials. I have a 20 meter version of this antenna fed with RG-8 coaxial cable, and it works quite well, considering the poor state of HF propagation these days.  I use an old Drake MN-4 antenna "tuner" to reduce the small amount of SWR found in this antenna. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, ple...

Parallel Circular Conductor Transmission Line Calculator (http://www.dxzone.com/cgi-bin/dir/jump2.cgi?ID=31023). Author:  Serge Y. Stroobandt (ON4AN). Please click link to read the full article. Accessed on 04 May 2017, 05:30 hrs, UTC. Comment: Thanks to Serge Y. Stroobandt (ON4AN) for this excellent tutorial on how to make a balanced transmission line out of circular conductors, such as common speaker wire.  He provides a simple fill-in-the-blanks tool that will simplify your calculations for making "homebrew" balanced feed line.  He also provides a good mathematical analysis of the construction process and offers appropriate formulas for those who wish to study the theory in more detail. Serge provides a practical example of a parallel circular conductor transmission line from Leon Salden (VK3VG). For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislan...

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZkWPP13S6k. A professionally produced step-by-step tutorial from Martin (M0MZF) on how to design, build, and use a 6 meter delta loop antenna.  Martin gives you a complete list of tools, supplies, and construction techniques that will be required to build this sturdy, weather-resistant 6 meter antenna.  Most of the materials can be found at the nearest hardware or building supply outlet.  This antenna will be a welcome addition to your antenna "farm". 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 geopolitical intelligence, strategic foreca...

Ferrite Rod TX Antennas-G3XBM QRP WEBSITE (https://sites.google.com/site/g3xbmqrp3/antennas/ferrite_tx). Author:  Roger (G3XBM). Accessed on 01 May 2017, 20:30 hrs, UTC. Please click link to read the full article. Comment: I found this intriguing article from Roger (G3XBM) while I was searching for some experimental antenna ideas.  I must admit that using a ferrite rod as a transmitting antenna never really crossed my mind.  I've used ferrite rods as antennas in small transistor radio projects, but never in a transmitting capacity. Roger's ferrite rod antenna consists of 80 turns of 0.5 mm diameter wire with a 365 pF air-spaced variable capacitor in parallel with about 60 turns of the wire and in the 50 ohm range of one of the lower taps.  Roger says he was able to get a 1:1 SWR on 40 meters using a Yaesu-817 running 5 watts of power. Roger adds that the antenna was tried in a vertical position, and received many reports of his WSPR signal throughout Eur...