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=Mht2YyWAH1I To quote "Tinker John" (W5CYF) in this helpful, informative video, "effective and safe grounding is a complex and often controversial subject." The purpose of this easy to understand video is to show some of the ways to safely ground your entire amateur radio station, and thereby, reduce noise and the risk of injury.  If you have questions this video can't answer, please consult a professional engineer who will identify your specific needs and recommend ways to make your station safe. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday afternoon). https://paper.li/kh6jrm/1430289353 (Amateur ...

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWfqZOVqzeA. This is post #1235. Although the telephone wire leading to your home may make an excellent antenna, please be careful how you use this "last resort" antenna. Kevin Loughin (KB9RLW) does a good job of explaining how to adapt your telephone line for radio reception, and warns about the safety precautions involved in using this antenna.  Of particular concern is the 48 volts DC present on an active line and the 90 volts DC present when a call comes in.  That's sufficient voltage to destroy a small transistor radio.  To avoid this issue,  just add a capacitor in series to eliminate the line voltage and a high pass filter to suppress the ringtones. Hopefully, we won't have to resort to this method of communications. But, in this violent century, one never knows when such antenna solutions may be necessary. For the latest Amateur R...

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHK7kKsVVw0. One of the most fascinating portions of the electromagnetic spectrum lies in the area below 300 kHz--the realm of Low Frequency (LF) and Very Low Frequency (VLF).  The "basement" of the RF spectrum contains all kinds of interesting signals, from military communications (for submarines, mostly) and time signals to atmospheric noise and the sounds of the Earth itself.  Now that radio amateurs are allowed to explore some of this spectrum (630 meters and 2200 meters), you may want to build an antenna to familiarize yourself with the phenomena present way below the standard broadcast band. In this video, Kevin Loughin shows you an antenna called a "ground spike" that can be used to monitor these very low frequencies.  The antenna is simple, inexpensive, and fun to use. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please ...

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPGmad2MMVM. "soccerkicker266" has done an excellent job of building this portable 2 meter yagi antenna based on a design by KD5IVP. This radio amateur took the antenna to the summit of Mr. Adams (12,281 feet/3744.2 meters) and was able to contact a repeater in Pullman, Washington 211 miles/341.8 kilometers away with only 5 watts.  A nice, simple, effective antenna for portable use. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday afternoon). https://paper.li/kh6frm/1430289353 (Amateur Radio News & Information). Other sites of interest: Hawaii Science Digest (https://paper.li/f-1476233615). Hawaii Intelli...

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnN0NVGqtKQ. A ground radial or counterpoise system is necessary to get maximum performance from your HF vertical antenna.  Installing a ground radial system can take hours if you have to dig a small trench for each radial element. If you plan on having many radials, such as 16 to 32 buried wires, you could spend most of your weekend inserting wires into grooves and covering them up with earth.  In this video, Rich Rogers manages to install a basic ground radial system in about 10 minutes using an electric edger tool and tamping down the wire with his foot.  Plastic lawn staples can be used to hold down the wire until the grass grows back or soil covers the slit trench. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites, http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. ...

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XgQFJYCXpo. Another excellent video tutorial from Peter Parker (VK3YE).  This time, Peter builds a 144 MHz, 4-element yagi antenna.  The emphasis in this video is on dimensions and proper spacing of antenna elements.  This antenna is suitable for a variety of amateur radio uses, including portable/emergency operations, 2-meter SSB, and DX-peditions.  As configured by Peter, the antenna is horizontally polarized. You could add a gamma match to provide a bit more spectrum. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday afternoon). https://paper.li/kh6jrm/1430289353 (Amateur Radio News & Information). Ot...

If you can't view this video, please enter this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29CA_IPyg9M. This end-fed halfwave antenna from 2E0VOV is based on the popular "Par Endfedz" QRP multiband antenna.  In this case, 2E0VOV used a FT140-43 toroid with a total of 16 windings and a 100 pf capacitor across the feed point. The 40 meter loading coil is made from 58 feet/17.68 meters of enamel wire wound tightly on a 20 mm form. A good, simple, inexpensive antenna suitable for portable and emergency operations. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday afternoon). https://paper.li/kh6jrm/1430289353 (Amateur Radio News & Information). Other sites of interest: Hawaii Science Digest (https://p...

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_GGGW9usTQ. If you're hardpressed to get on the air from a deed-restricted property, you may find this quickly designed and built indoor antenna from JC Haywire a possible solution.  The wire antenna was suspended from a support in his apartment stairwell.  Here's the project description: It was a speaker cord from the Walgreens down the street. I split the cord, put one side up the stairwell and tied it to a curtain rod--put the other end into the kitchen and laid it on the floor--and I was getting out of that wood-framed bungalow pretty well. I used an alligator clip to 'ground' the rig and the counterpoise wire to the chair I was sitting in. That's it. Radio is fun! Fairly crude, but it works! 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=rxZ4rr2aKo. According to KF7TOV, only a few hours are needed to make this portable 2 meter, 3 element yagi antenna.  Most of the parts should be available at the nearest home improvement or building supply outlet.  Your total cash outlay should be around $15.00.  You will find this yagi useful for both home and portable operations, including radio direction finding ("foxhunts") activities. For the latest Amateur Radio News and Information, please visit these web sites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https;//oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. https://paper.li/kh6jrm/1430289353 (Amateur Radio News & Information). http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday afternoon). Other sites of interest: Hawaii Science Digest (https://paper.li/f-1476233615). Hawaii...

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch/v=SG9AgVbDxHM. If you need a quick, short antenna mast, then this idea from "Theoffroader" may prove useful.  The antenna was made from surplus lumber and a few hinges. The mast can be lowered when it's not in use--a great idea for a stealth antenna. This short mast (approximately 10 feet/3.04 meters) could be used to support a VHF or UHF antenna. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these web sites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday afternoon). https://paper.li/kh6jrm/1430289353 (Amateur Radio News & Information). Other sites of interest: Hawaii Science Digest (https://paper.li/f-1476233615). Hawaii Intelligence Digest (https://hawaiiintel...

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anPhX5kICU. In this video, M6JDM demonstrates another simple way to solder a PL259 connector to coaxial cable. All it takes is a little practice to master this radio art. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday afternoon). https://paper.li/kh6jrm/1430289353 (Amateur Radio News & Information). Other sites of interest: Hawaii Science Digest (https://paper.li/f-14762335615). Hawaii Intelligence Digest (https://hawaiiintelligencedigest.com). Hawaii Intelligence Daily (https://paper.li/f-1482109921). Be sure to check the blog sidebars for more antenna and propagation articles. Opinions expressed on this bl...

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 a handy, lightweight end-fed HF antenna for portable and emergency operations. KD9EAS says he built this antenna for low wattage QRP use "to be compact and inexpensive."  The antenna uses 33-feet/10.06 meters of hookup wire with a 9:1 unun wrapped on a T-106-2 toroid.  The design is based on the end fed matchbox antenna from the Emergency Radio Club of Honolulu (EARCH). For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday afternoon). https://paper.li/kh6jrm/1430289353 (Amateur Radio News & Information). Other sites of interest: Hawaii Science Digest (https://paper.li/f-1476233615). Haw...

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IR-8T0QjUjM. A 1:4 current balun is a handy device if you use 450 ohm ladder line, 300 ohm television twin lead, or homebrewed 600 ohm balanced line to feed your antenna. In this video from N7JFP, we see how to make a simple 1:4 HF Current Balun with 15 turns per side.  This balun uses a T-130-2 toroid and 18 gauge copper wire. N7JFP says this is a low power device (around 5 watts) suitable for 20 and 40 meters. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. https://paper.li/kh6jrm/1430289353 (Amateur Radio News & Information). http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated every Friday afternoon). Other sites of interest: Hawaii Science Digest (https://paper.li/f-1476234...

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch/v=i6VrbsYsx6s. If you live in a deed-restricted antenna environment (HOA/CC&R), this indoor loop from Joe Baille may enable you to get on the air.  According to Joe, he used 86 feet/26.219 meters of #16 AWG wire to form a two-turn loop around the ceiling of his apartment. He used a CG-3000 automatic antenna "tuner" to work several HF bands.  Although there is no commentary or test data provided by Joe, the antenna seems to work.  As long as you keep power below 10 watts you should have no problems with rfi. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://paper.li/kh6jrm/1430289353 (Amateur Radio News & Information). http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast w...

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4efv1tb3ME. If you have the space, time, and the help of a few close friends, this full-sized 80 meter loop antenna will be worth the effort to design, build, erect, and use. In this video, Bas Lev (PE4BAS show us the 4-hour project compressed into a few short minutes. With a bit of help from friends or your radio club, construction time can be reduced significantly.  While this antenna is perfect for NVIS (near vertical incident skywave) propagation, it will also perform well on several Amateur Radio HF bands if 450-ohm ladder line or 300-ohm television twin lead is used in conjunction with a balanced antenna "tuner." This loop antenna would be useful on ARRL Field Day events or other portable operations now that propagation is favoring the lower HF bands. 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=1_Q0ORT93M. Here's another informative and well-produced tutorial from Julian (OH8STN), the creator of Survival Tech Nord. Over the past few weeks, Julian has produced a series of videos on "Man Portable Off-grid Power for Amateur Radio". This video addresses the use of solar power for your emergency "GoKit".  Julian's explanations are clear, simple, and thoroughly understandable.  He also discusses antennas and other equipment needed for portable and emergency operations. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday afternoon). https://paper.li/kh6jrm/1430289353 (Amateur Radio News & In...

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-s7pbFZyUY. If you want full dipole antenna performance but don't have enough space to erect a full-half wavelength horizontal dipole, then a simple sloping dipole antenna may be the answer.  In video, Stan Gibilisco (W1GV) presents a simple tutorial on how to design, build, and use a slopping dipole antenna.  All you need is one tall support and a place to tie off the bottom part of the sloper.  Stan also discusses what portion of the sloper should be attached to the center pin of your coax feed line.  A simple, inexpensive antenna that will keep you on the air in a restricted space environment. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly ...

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Peq69M02Bvk. Sometimes, you have to let your imagination run wild, especially when it comes to antennas. In this video, Wilson Hines (W4BWH) finds himself with a lot of property to erect a huge antenna--in this case a 265-foot/80.79 meters "Carolina Windom Antenna." Wilson says he gets great signal reports on all Amateur Radio bands from 160 through 10 meters.  While most of us don't have the room for such a monstrous antenna, we can certainly maximize the space we do have by designing antennas that are efficient and well-built. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites, http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https;//bigislandarrlnews.com. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast updated each Friday afternoon). https://paper.li/kh6jrm/143028...

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1uUVMaRFMv4. Here's a simple antenna that you may want to try for your next Amateur Radio activity. In this video, Hiram Vazquez takes us step-by-step in the design, building, and use of a Delta Loop Antenna.  The Delta Loop receives well, exhibits low noise, shows some gain over a dipole antenna (about 3 dB), and can be built from locally available materials.  You can feed a delta loop antenna with 50-ohm coaxial cable for single band use or with 450 ohm ladder line for multiband use. For multiband coverage, design the antenna for the lowest frequency of use, use 450 ohm ladder line as a feeder, and run the feeder through a balanced antenna "tuner" or a 4:1 balun before connecting the antenna system to your HF transceiver. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these sites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahu...

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVVCbaRAUWk. Here's a handy device that will keep rf off your coaxial cable feed line. PD1AIV has done an excellent video tutorial covering the basic tools, materials, and construction practices needed in making an "ugly balun" or RF choke suitable for 8o through 10 meters. You will need around 19 to 21 feet (5.49 to 6.40 meters) of 50 ohm coaxial cable plus fittings to make the choke. PVC pipe, screws and nuts, and a few connectors will be all you need to complete this project. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https;//oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast updated each Friday afternoon). https://paper.li/kh6jrm/1430289353 (Amateur Radio News & Information). Othe...

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v-wH0RNIr9cqE. Experimenting with antennas and limited spaces is fun and educational.  In this video, we see how a garden in the UK can be used to accommodate a homebrew dipole antenna.  According to "Daz", this 108-ft/32.92 meter antenna works on all bands from 80 to 10 meters "without any problems." Although coaxial cable is used as the feed line into an antenna "tuner", he concedes that ladder line would probably work better. He used an "air coil" made from 7 turns of coax at the base of the antenna. Despite the antenna's appearance and length to fit dimensions, it worked well. Don't be afraid of trying various antenna designs--that's part of the fun of Amateur Radio. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpr...

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MyML4xIGQ0. Nicely done video from Thomas (rcobo101)(AC2RJ), showing us how to operate HF QRP SSB temporarily from a HOA zone.  His antenna was supported on a 20 foot/6.097 meters telescoping fishing pole with a 16 foot/4.878 meters counterpoise.  His Yaesu-817 QRP HF transceiver did very well on the 20 meter band during the recent CQ WPX SSB 2017 contest.  Don't let deed-restricted properties stop your enjoyment of Amateur Radio. For the latest Amateur Radio News and Information, please visit these sites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast updated each Friday afternoon). https://paper.li/kh6jrm/1430289353 (Amateur Radio News & Information). Other sites of interest: Hawaii Science Digest (https://pa...

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofmUK8o7Jxg. Thanks to "rcobo 101" for this simple, effective, multiband HF vertical antenna. Basically, the antenna is a vertical helix wrapped with 1/2 wavelength of wire for the lowest band of operation.  The winding serves as a 1/4 wavelength vertical and can be used with a suitable ground radio/counterpoise system and antenna "tuner" for the HF band of choice.  Although multiband operation is certainly possible with an antenna "tuner", this particular design works best on the band of your choice.  In this video, "rcobo 101" used 35 feet/10.670 meters of speaker wire wrapped as a helix on a 20 foot/6.097 meters telescoping fishing pole.  As such, this antenna is ideal for the 20 meter band.  According to "rcobo 101", his antenna "tuner" allows satisfactory operation on all amateur radio bands fr...

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QmuycdeMyA. Camping and Amateur Radio make an excellent combination.  Enjoy the beauty and solitude of the great outdoors while contacting the world with your portable "Go-Kit." Here's a nicely done video from K0PIR made during a camping trip to the Black Fox campground in the Black Hills of South Dakota...great scenery complimented by a fast flowing stream and pleasant surroundings. K0PIR's simple operating system is more than enough to get you plenty of contacts.  A simple antenna (with ground system if you're using a vertical antenna), a small antenna "tuner", a multiband HF transceiver, and a solar-powered battery should give you hours of fun and relaxation without all of the noise, traffic, and confusion of an urban setting. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these sites: http://www.Hawai...

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZkWPP13S6k. An exceptionally well-made tutorial on how to build a simple delta loop antenna for the 6 meter Amateur Radio band.  Martin (M0ZMF) does an outstanding job of taking you through each step of the design and building process. This simple delta loop has excellent and proven performance. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday afternoon). https://paper.li/kh6jrm/1430289353 (Amateur Radio News & Information). Other sites of interest: https://paper.li/1476233615 (Hawaii Science Digest). https://hawaiiintelligencedigest.com (trends in geopolitical intelligence and cybersecurity). https://paper.li/f-...

W2LI Magnetic Loop Antenna (http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/13332#148452). http://www.w2li.org/magloop). Author:  W2LI. Accessed on 05 August 2017, 21:05 hrs, UTC. Please click links or insert title URL into your browser search box to read the full article. Comment: Over the past few months, I've republished several videos and articles about magnetic loop antennas from the worldwide Amateur Radio community. Whether they be commercially made or homebrewed by radio amateurs, magnetic loops have allowed those with restrictive housing arrangements (HOAs and CC&Rs) to enjoy both HF and VHF/UHF radio operations again.  Magnetic Loop Antennas are easy to set up and break down, making them ideal for portable, emergency, and home use. While I enjoy making my own HF antennas, I can see the need for a sturdy, easy to assemble antenna for those of us lacking the resources for antenna parts or have little skill in designing and building antennas.  This is where pro...

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3_Iaf7dIo0. This antenna project is one of the things that makes Amateur Radio so fun and fascinating--turning junk into something useful. In this case, KK6FUT has converted an old bicycle wheel/rim into a homebrewed magnetic loop antenna for the 15 meter and 20 meter ham bands.  The loop is made from a discarded bicycle wheel/rim after the spokes have been removed. KK6FUT made slits with a hacksaw and used an old AM/FM variable capacitor for tuning. While this loop is primarily for receiving, it can be used to transmit with a 4 to 5 watt signal. SWR measurements are quite good--1.0:1 on 15 meters and 1.4:1 on 20 meters. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio news ...

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qEQN_FV0Pk. A simple vertical antenna can be an amazingly effective way to launch your signals, especially if you lack the space to erect a dipole, inverted vee, or even a small yagi-uda beam.  In this video. Ric (K8YIO) show us his simple vertical antenna and ground radial system. Most of the materials can be found at the nearest hardware or building supply outlet.  This simple antenna has given Ric plenty of DX.  The video is loaded with lots of suggestions that will help you design, build, and use this antenna at your home station. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast updated each Friday afternoon). https://paper.li/kh6jrm/143...

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8dDmfb4NMYw. Here's a low-cost answer to a common problem shared by shortwave listeners and radio amateurs. Namely, how to connect one antenna among several radios. The answer is found in a simple HF Antenna Splitter that you can build yourself. The HF splitter is for listening only.  The splitter is not intended for transmitting. "The Radio Hobbyist" has done an excellent job of showing the assembly of this simple, useful tool.  While you can find HF splitters online, you may want to save some money and build one yourself. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news ( a weekly podcast which is updated every Friday afternoon). https://paper.li/kh6jr...

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_VmFGVAR7k, NVIS (near vertical incident skywave) antennas are perfect for local, state, and regional communications during portable or emergency operations.  NVIS antennas radiate signals at a high angle, making them ideal for coverage out to approximately 300 miles/486 kilometers.  I've used low-slung dipoles (approximately 17-feet/5.182 meters above ground) for local Hawaii nets and rag chews around the state. In this video from "Commsprepper", we learn how to set up a basic NVIS antenna based on a design from W9WIS (http://w9wis.us/NVIS.html). This antenna is simple, easy to erect, and inexpensive.  Other NVIS antennas can be configured as tuned end-fed wires, low level loops, and even magnetic loops. Have some fun and build a NVIS antenna today. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please check these websites: http://w...