Simple Ham Radio Antennas

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwYSS335wZw. Zepp (or Zeppelin) Antennas in their myriad forms can provide a wealth of experimental data for radio amateurs seeking to improve the performance of their antennas.  In this video, Stan (W1GV) does an excellent job of explaining the theory, design, and operating characteristics of an antenna design going back more than 80 years.  For a further experiment, try building an Extended Double Zepp antenna for some significant gain and directivity.  The EDZ is a collinear array of two 5/8 waves in phase, which can be used on small city lots for frequencies above 20 meters.  If you have the space, build an EDZ for 40 and 80 meters.  For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is ...

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZkWPP13S6k. In this well-constructed and easy-to-follow video tutorial from Martin (M0ZMF), we learn how to convert commonly available materials into a 6 Meter Delta Loop Antenna that has excellent and proven capabilities for both home and portable use.  Martin provides a helpful materials list and a series of easily understood building sequences to help you with this project.  This video should be part of your reference library. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday).  This week's edition was suspended because of the Easter Holiday). https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. https://paper.li/kh6jrm/1430289353 (Amateur Radio News &...

If you can't see this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjb3IdYGVNw. Rusty (N0KTZ) has done an excellent job of showing how to erect a portable HF antenna during a field outing in the mountains. His set up is simple, effective, and fairly stealthy.  Materials for his antenna launcher and wire holder are available at your neighborhood building supply outlet  You can't beat a simple slingshot, fishing line, and sinkers for launching your HF antenna above nearby trees.  You may want to practice with your slingshot before launching your portable HF antenna.  Rusty takes you step-by-step through the launch sequence.  Well-done video with many helpful suggestions. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday.  This Frid...

Hidden Antenna for HOA restrictions (Parts 1 & 2). https://www.survivalmonkey.com/threads/hidden-antennas-for-hoa-restrictions-part-1-2.55171. Accessed on 29 March 2018, 0438 UTC, Post #1445. Please click link or enter the post title into your browser search box to read the full article. Comment: Operating an amateur radio station in a deed-restricted environment governed by HOAs and CC&Rs can be a daunting challenge, especially if your interest lies in the HF portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. In this post, we see how a little ingenuity and creativity can get you on the air without raising the suspicions of the "antenna police". Here are some of the interesting HF antennas that can be used in HOA/CC&R controlled areas: PAR/LNR Precision End Fedz wires for 20 and 40 meters. Rotary Clothes Hoist. Retractable clothes line. Rain Gutters Zero-Five Flagpole Antenna. Attic Antennas. Each antenna is fully explained and is accompanied by hel...

If you can't see this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch/v=ANskuHor7zs. A thoroughly fascinating, free-ranging discussion on how to build an extremely efficient, cost effective 2 meter beam antenna with a claimed gain of 12.5 dBi.  This video is slightly different than most DIY (do it  yourself) video guides.  Don and his friend actually show how they shopped, selected, and tested their materials before assembling the antenna.  All of the parts were obtained in neighborhood stores.  The video also explains how these two radio amateurs used an antenna analyzer to determine performance stats for frequency and SWR.  You may want to make one of these "Extreme Dream Beam Antennas" for Field Day or for your home station. For more Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bAzominisE. A helpful guide on how to determine the right length of coaxial cable for your antenna.  The video from YG1CCR also shows you how to make coaxial cable work as an impedance transformer and how to make proper SWR measurements. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday afternoon). https://hawaiihamradio.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://amateurradionewsinformation (Amateur Radio News & Information). Views expressed in this video are those of the reporters and correspondents. Be sure to check the blog sidebars and links for more antenna and propagation articles. Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

160m Short Vertical Loft Antenna-G3XBM QRP WEBSITE https://sites.google.com/site/g3xbmqrp3/antennas/160m_loft_ant. Author:  Roger (G3XBM). Please click link to read the full article. Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM) Comment: In a previous post, I showed how a little creativity and experimentation can launch a full-sized 160 meter Amateur Radio antenna.  Fortunately, the two radio amateurs in this video had enough land and tall supports to make this antenna work. If you don't have these advantages, can you still get on 160 meters with a usable signal?  If you're Roger (G3XMB), the answer is a resounding "Yes".  By adopting a modified helical antenna design, Roger was able to put a small 160 meter vertical antenna in his loft (attic).  The idea was to wind a length of PVC piping with as much wire as I could find (a bit like a helical, but on 160m), attach some top capacitance in the form of a couple of horizontal wires, ...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51wEe-1IQ. Now that the solar minimum is coming, more radio amateurs are finding the joys and challenges of working the lower HF bands,  such as 40,80, and 160 meters.  One of the major problems working the lower HF bands is getting an efficient, cost effective antenna for these frequencies.  Antennas for 160 meters can be quite large, requiring a good-sized piece of property to accommodate these "skyhooks."  In this video by "AllAmericanFiveRadio", we see Dave and a friend use a variety of approaches in building, launching, and using this large antenna.  Key to the success of this project was the use of a pneumatic weight launcher to place antenna wires near the top of several trees.  The device is quite clever and effective.  In the past, I've used a slingshot and a bow and arrow to launch lower HF band antennas.  This la...

Easy SWR Adjustment Calculator for Vertical and Dipole Antennas. Post #1440. https://www.momcx.co.uk/quick-swr-calculator-for-vertical-and-dipole-ham-radio-antennas/. Author:  M0MCX. Video:  "DX Commander". Please click link or enter title URL into your browser search box to read the article and to view the video by "DX Commander." Comment: Here's a handy adjustment calculator and spreadsheet for choosing how much to trim your antenna elements to resonance.  This helpful antenna trimming tool will come in handy if you need to add or cut wire from your dipole or vertical antenna elements during portable, emergency, or Field Day operations.  Just download the program and you're ready to go. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday afternoon). https://hamradiohawaii.wo...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GpoJsdLSiU. Operating an Amateur/Ham Radio station from a deed-restricted property (HOA.CC&R) is often a daunting challenge.  If outdoor HF antennas aren't permitted in your area, perhaps a dipole antenna mounted in your attic will get you on the air without raising the ire of the "antenna police."  If your ham radio station is in a wood frame home with non-metal shingles, this idea from K5ACL (SignalSearch) will solve most of your antenna problems.  The video takes you step-by-step through the design, construction, and use of an attic HF antenna.  Another approach would be to use some kind of magnetic loop antenna, either home-built or commercially made. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly po...

Ham Radio-Old TV rabbit ears as a junk box 2 meter antenna. Please click link to see the video.  If the video doesn't respond, please enter this title URL into your browser search box:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XdZeY-KihH8. Author:  Kevin Loughin (KB9RLW). Comment: Kevin has done an excellent job of explaining how to convert an old TV rabbit ears antenna into a simple, inexpensive, and effective 2 meter antenna.  I've built several of these 2 meter antennas from discarded televisions found at my local recycling center.  Like Kevin, I enjoy "re-purposing" old parts and equipment for my various amateur/ham radio projects.  This antenna is small, lightweight, and totally "stealthy" for those living in deed-restricted housing (HOAs and CC&Rs).  Kevin takes you step-by-step through the antenna making modifications.  This is an easy, rewarding, and ultra cheap project that can be used for both home and portable operations.  Vi...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RHyZIkyzwRw. If you enjoy antenna experiments, you may find this 2 meter full wave loop an intriguing project.  This antenna is based on the original Ed Fong Dual Band VHF/UHF (2m/70cm) J-Pole PVC Pipe Antenna.  Most of the materials can be bought at your neighborhood hardware or building supply outlet.  With a good set of tools and a few hours of work in your shack, you will have an antenna with some interesting characteristics.  You could even use this antenna in stealth mode to avoid nosey neighbors in deed-controlled housing (HOAs and CC&Rs). For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday). ht...

Multi-band hf loop antenna. https://www.surriel.com/radio/multi-band-hf-loop-antenna. Accessed on 20 March 2018, 0028 UTC, Post #1436. Author:  Rik van Riel (AB1KW). Please click link or enter title URL into your browser search box to read the full article. Comment: If you're forced to use one HF antenna for your Amateur Radio activities, you may want to consider this simple, effective multi-band loop antenna from Rik van Riel (AB1KW). According to Rik, this loop will permit operation on all Amateur Radio bands from 80 meters to 10 meters.  The antenna uses 86 meters (approximately 242 feet of wire for the multiband loop), which is bit small for 80, 17, and 12 meters, a tad large for 40 and 30 meters, and just right for 20, 15, and 10 meters.  An antenna transmatch  (i.e. "tuner") can compensate for some of the length measurements. Rik does an excellent job of discussing all aspects of designing a resonant hf loop antenna, examining the gain and radiatio...

If you can't see this video, please enter this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch/v=ggGaceHgHcM. If you have a small yard and don't have room for a full-sized HF dipole antenna, N4TMA may have a solution for your.  N4TMA made this video for a friend, showing how a bit of ingenuity, some old CB antennas, some extra wire, a few mounts, and other material available locally can get you on the air with a decent signal.  If you're willing to accept a few trade offs in terms of power, bandwidth, and efficiency, you can have a functioning HF antenna ready for your next QSO in just a few hours. Remember the old saying:  "A compromise antenna is better than no antenna." For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday afternoon). http://amateurradionewsinformati...

If you can't see this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWR5d7t0Aw. Here's an interesting antenna idea that has generated lots of comments over the past few years. Even broadcast stations have experimented with the EH antenna idea, with varying results.  Some claim the EH antenna is no better than a dummy load, while others believe the concept is workable if you pay strict attention to its design parameters. In this video, OM0ET makes a 40 meter EH antenna based on a design by WB5CXC.  Apparently, the homebrew EH antenna works for him.  You may want to build one yourself and see what results you have.  This could be an interesting experiment. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly p...

If you can't see this video, please enter this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfEGHiMc5eI. Here's another entry in the growing availability of compact HF magnetic loop antennas.  These antennas can help those living in deed-restricted areas (HOAs and CC&Rs) get on the air without undue suspicion from neighbors.  This antenna comes from LNR and covers 60 meters through 10 meters, with an option to cover 6 meters in the future.  This video shows you how to set up and operate this portable HF antenna. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday). http://amateurradionewsinformation.com (Amateur Radio News & Information). Be sure to check the blog sidebars for more antenna a...

If you can't see this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ir51s_PbJfg. The Ham Nation program on the TWIT network is one of my favorite programs because of its relaxed style of presentation and the offering of valuable ideas for a variety of amateur radio projects from antennas to operating aids. In this program (episode 266), Dr. Bob Heil, Gordon West, and Don Hill discuss the theory, design, construction, and use of coaxial dipole antennas for both HF and VHF/UHF use.  The explanations are easy to understand and should give you some ideas if you wish to build one of these antennas. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://hamradiohawaii.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). http://amateurradionewsinformati...

If you can't see this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3j3BsYbzwvw. If you want up to 3dB gain broadside to your current HF Dipole Antenna, consider building an Extended Double Zepp Antenna.  According to Stan Gibilisco (W1GV), the EDZ Antenna is a "collinear array of two 5/8 waves in phase." In this video, Stan reviews the theory behind this classic antenna, how to build the antenna, and what kind of feed line is required to make the EDZ work properly.  You will also need a balanced "tuner" or a "tuner"/balun combination to get maximum efficiency from this design.  Also, you will need more room for the antenna elements, especially if you make this antenna to cover Amateur Radio bands from 80 to 10 meters.  You may find the gain worth the effort in making this unique HF antenna. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARR...

Helical Antenna for the 20-meter band http://www.antentop.org/017/files/va3znw_017.pdf Author:  Igor Grigorov (VA3ZNW). Accessed on 13 March 2018, 2105 UTC, Post #1430. Please click link to read the full article. Comment: Thanks to Igor Grigorov (VA3ZNW) for this wonderful idea for a small, easy-to-tune 20-meter helical antenna which can be used on all amateur radio bands from 40 meters to 10 meters with an antenna "tuner."  Igor says this reduced size HF antenna works well, considering its dimensions.  The antenna is also "stealthy" and won't attract the attention of neighbors. The article provides a good step-by-step tutorial on how to design, build, and use this antenna.  Igor's article contains several well thought-out steps: Materials The importance of grounding and ground radial systems Tuning and adjusting the antenna Schematics and diagrams of the antenna Antenna "tuner" requirements For the latest Amateur Radio news...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browswer search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sU9iBLeuTXs. The new military 2.0 multiband tuner free Alpha Antenna is good, practical HF antenna for portable or emergency use.  According to "videosbymike" the antenna doesn't require an antenna "tuner" and easily covers the 80 through 10 meter Amateur Radio bands.  This video does an excellent job of showing how to unpack, assemble, mount, and use this versatile HF antenna.  In this video, portable, foldout solar panels and a solar panel controller provide the power, while a simple tripod holds the antenna in place. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday afternoon). https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://amate...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZmyvtMvEGY. Here's another great video tutorial from Ray of "The Radio Workshop."  In this video, Ray makes strong case for the use of balanced feed lines for multiband HF doublet antennas.  Ray says "the best thing I did for my HF operation was to ditch coax and not worry about the SWR."  With a suitable length of 300 ohm television twin lead or 450 ohm ladder line, an antenna transmatch (i.e. "tuner") and a current balun (usually a 4:1 configuration), you can cover all HF Amateur Radio bands with one antenna.  Just design the doublet for the lowest band of interest and you can use that band and any other HF band above your design frequency for multiband operations.  Ray's instructions are clear and easy to follow. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.Hawa...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TuD5b3btDw. If you're overwhelmed by the QRM, obnoxious operators, and rogue repeaters on the 2 meter (146 MHz) amateur radio band, why not try the much underused 220 MHz band?  In this well-constructed and conversational video, "HamRadioConcepts takes us through the basic theory, operations, equipment, and antennas necessary to use this VHF amateur radio band.  Radio amateurs in the United States nearly lost most of the band a few years ago when UPS successfully lobbied for use of 220-222 MHz for a GPS system which never was developed and marketed.  The old saying "use it or lose it"certainly holds true in the case of the 1.25 meter band.  Despite the loss of this chunk of frequencies, radio amateurs still find this band immensely helpful as 2 meters and 70 cm fill with more repeaters and increased QRM.  The video does a good job of s...

Fractal Antennae http://www.instructables.com/id/Fractal-Antennae. Accessed on 10 March 2018, 0256 UTC, Post #1426. Author:  AMasonAHammond. Please click link or insert the title URL into your browser search box to read the full article, view the photos, and see the fascinating video. Comment: Fractal antennas are one of the most interesting aspects of antenna experimentation.  Fractal antennas can be used for HDTV reception, the reception of FM broadcasts, and even for VHF/UHF operations by license radio amateurs.  Because of Fractal Design,  many antennas can be shrunk to smaller size and weigh less than their expanded antenna cousins.  Fractal Antennas may be of interest for radio amateurs forced to use compromise antennas because deed-restricted housing (HOAs and CC&Rs). Although this article describes the HDTV applications of Fractal Antennas, similar design and construction procedures can be followed for amateur radio applications....

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8hQRjI3BPk. If you need a quick, easy to make, and cheap antenna for the Six Meter (50 MHz) amateur radio band, then this "coaxial sleeved dipole" from 2E0VOV may be what you need.  This "homebrew" vertical half wave antenna is perfect for the 2 meter and 70 cm bands.  You can also apply the same construction procedures to the upper HF amateur radio bands, such as 15, 12, and 10 meters. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these web sites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news. https://hamradiohawaii.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://amateurradionewsinformation.com (Amateur Radio News & Information). Be sure to check the blog sidebars for more antenna and propagation articles. Views expressed in this video are those of the reporters and co...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRkbdTadmUU. Antenna "tuners" are valuable additions to your Amateur/Ham Radio equipment, especially if you can have only one multiband antenna to cover several ham radio bands.  There are many choices available, from commercial automatic "tuners" to manually adjusted "tuners"-- both commercially made and built by yourself. In this well-paced video from Dave Casler (KE0OG) we learn how to adjust manual antenna "tuners", whcih are less expensive that automatic ones, and are perfectly alright for your Amateur/Ham Radio station.  Dave shows us how to "tune" a manual antenna both with an external SWR meter and with the SWR meter built into your HF transceiver. A good, solid tutorial that belongs in your reference collection. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: ...

If you can't see the video please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSioSzSiScc. If you live in deed-controlled housing governed by a HOA or CC&Rs, you may have to be creative and "stealthy" if you wish to pursue HF contacts on authorized Amateur Radio bands.  In this video from rcobo 101, we get an idea of what can be done if you're determined to get on the air.  This on-the-ground HF antenna was inspired by Tom Toia (K3MT) and his "grasswire antenna".  You can find a full explanation of this curiously effective ground hugging antenna by going to the left hand sidebar and checking under "amateur radio antennas--theory and practice" or by searching google under "K3MT grasswire antenna."  The original antenna designed by Tom used a coax feed line, a homebrewed 9:1 balun, and a ground radial wire or a copper ground rod.  In the version shown by rcobo 101, the antenna used 100 feet...

If you can't see this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgOqP8uPEPc. Here's an interesting antenna design for radio amateurs exploring the 630 meter and 2200 meter amateur radio bands.  This classic antenna is basically a top loaded vertical designed for frequencies below the standard broadcast band (472 kHz and 137 kHz).  Even though this antenna is inefficient, a digital signal using the FT8 protocol should get you some contacts.  Good luck! For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (A weekly podcast which is updated each Friday). http://amateurradionewsinformation.com (Amateur Radio News & Information). http://www.southgarearc.org. https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. Be sure to check the blog sidebars for more antenna and propagat...

If you can't see this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch/v=N-rUeIMYXbg. With the exception of a shaky introduction, this video does an excellent job of showing how an old mobile/cell phone antenna can be reused to make a new VHF/UHF antenna for the 2 m and 70 cm amateur radio bands.  The coaxial cable from an old mobile antenna can be converted into a "sleeve" or coaxial dipole antenna suitable for portable, emergency, or home use.  OH2FTG instruction's are clear and easy to follow.  Don't discard that old mobile antenna--recycle it as a new antenna. For the latest  Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday). http://amateurradionewsinformation.com (Amateur Radio News & Information). http://www.southgatearc.org. https://hamradiohawa...

If you can't see this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfLUrVnnQUI. Although there are many excellent commercial grade HF dipole antennas on the market, nothing beats "rolling your own" from spare or surplus parts available in your home or at the nearest hardware store.  In this video from David Casler (KE0OG), we see how "scrounged" or repurposed wire, plastic, and other building materials can turned into a simple, effective, and inexpensive antenna for the 40-meter band (or any other Amateur Radio band you may have in mind).  Dave takes us step-by-step through the design, construction, and use of this uncomplicated, versatile HF antenna.  If you cut your antenna wires carefully, this antenna can be used on the 15 meter band, using the third harmonic of 40 meters.  If you choose to make this antenna, please use your tools safely and take your time.  Your reward will be a high-performance HF ...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbuLpq8219g. The 3D printing wave is impacting Amateur Radio in a big way.  In this video from Kevin Loughin (KB9RLW), we see how easy and quick it is to design a custom center insulator for a dipole antenna using a consumer priced 3D printer, such as the Aldi 3D printer.  Kevin has produced a few videos explaining how to set up and use this fast evolving printer technology in your ham shack.  This video begins with a fairly straightforward project that can be mastered in a short time.  There are several good, basic programs available that will get you started:  TinkerCad and OpenSCAD.  For those with more experience, you may want to try the fusion360 program.  It won't be long before we can print out entire HF, VHF, and UHF transceivers.  Kevin's video is clear, concise, and well organized. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio...

If you can't see this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCyFhWNnNY. Here's a simple fan dipole antenna project from Ms. Sarla Sharma (VU2SWS) of Bombay, India.  Note the particularly excellent feed connection for this uncomplicated, inexpensive antenna that can be made from locally available parts.  If you only want to operate on a few amateur radio bands and don't have access to an antenna transmatch (i.e. "tuner" or "coupler"), then the easily made fan dipole may be what you're looking for.  Mount the antenna as high as possible for best results. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday). http://amateurradionewsinformation.com (Amateur Radio News & Information). https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. ...