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=n5hKql_NGaQ This video from WizScience does an excellent job of explaining the theory, design, and operation of a counterpoise system for antennas.  If you have rocky or high resistance soil in your neighborhood, a counterpoise may be necessary to provide a proper ground for your station. According to the video a counterpoise is "a network of suspended wires or cables used as a substitute for an earth connection in a radio antenna system...it is used with a radio transmitter or receiver when a normal earth ground cannot be use because of high soil resistance or other reasons." Try an elevated counterpoise system for your HF antenna.  You may be surprised how much it improves the performance of your antenna. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. ...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=paoYN2auGEU An uncomplicated, straight forward explanation of RF Ground and Ground Planes from KB9VBR Antennas.  According to KB9VBR, "The purpose of the RF Ground is to act as a reflector.  It doesn't radiate RF energy, but instead interacts with the antenna radiating element by mirroring and reflecting that energy, creating a predictable RF radiation pattern..." A good, basic discussion that can be used at club meetings or for instructional purposes for those seeking an amateur radio license. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these web sites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news ( a weekly podcast which is updated every Friday afternoon). https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. https://w...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PtLEj1f773c J-Pole antennas for the 2m and 70 cm (VHF/UHF) Amateur Radio bands come in many sizes, ranging from commercial models based on public service  designs to homebrewed configurations using coaxial cable, 450 ohm ladder line, or even TV twin lead.  Supporting structures can be anything from PVC pipe to wood, including temporary lashups affixed to your home, shack, or garage. In this video, we see a near commercial grade J-Pole antenna based on a design from Silicon Valley engineer Ed Fong.  The fully-encased antenna is lightweight, portable, and adequate for most field and home operations. 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://oahuarrlne...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tafy51yUzQo In this exceptionally clear and understandable video, Kevin Loughin (KB9RLWQ) revives a classic antenna that can be made from locally available materials and used for a variety of purposes, ranging from casual portable operations to last-minute emergencies. This handy 2 meter antenna is easy to build from a piece of 50-ohm coaxial cable; requires only simple tools for construction; and serves as a great "throw-together" antenna for your "go-kit."  Make one of these simple antennas and store it in your vehicle for those unexpected emergencies. 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://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://hamradio...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwBFPu7wSuE If you use certain types of Amateur/Ham Radio antennas, such as OCFs (off center fed dipoles) and "longwire" systems, a rugged 4:1 balun will make your antenna more efficient, reduce high SWR, and perhaps protect your rig from serious damage from commode mode currents riding down your coaxial feed line.  This video takes you step-by-step through the design, construction, and use of this important antenna accessory. 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://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. https://www.eham.net. http://www.southgatearc.org. Thanks for joining us today. ...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCKrrKwTfXg This excellent video from Jim Haslett shows you how to build a simple, effective, and inexpensive Air Choke or "Ugly Balun" for your HF antenna. The purpose of choke balun is to create a high-impedance to common mode currents that would flow on the outside of coaxial cable shielding.  The "ugly balun" will ensure a better radiation pattern for your HF antenna. Most of the materials for this project can be found at your neighborhood home improvement outlet or from an electrical contractor. 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://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MJHQCUVyeU. Here's a great project for those interested in tapping into the often strange world of Very Low Frequencies (VLF).  G3XBM shows us his latest VLF "earth-mode receiving system" using a simple tuned loop, a single FET impedance converter, an external USB sound card, and an ASUS notebook running Spartan Software. If you have a few spare hours during the week, why not try this VLF antenna? The "radio basement" is a fun place to explore. 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://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. https://www.eham.net. http://www.southgatearc.org. Than...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vu2jD0qd8Vo In this video, M.B. Bushcraft show us the antenna he plans to use during a summer SOTA (Summits On The Air) expedition to Mt. Wheeler.  M.B. says it's necessary to pre-test all of your equipment, especially if you're going to operate for several days from a remote location.  His antenna is efficient, well-designed, and uses a good ground radial system. 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://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. https://www.eham.net. http://www.southgatearc.org. Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfrPwdmmky4. The thrill of discovery awaits those radio amateurs willing to try something new.  In this video, VE2ZAZ documents his first EME (Moonbounce) contact with HB9Q.  A comparison between the two stations is fascinating.  While HB9Q's station is quite impressive (50-foot/15 meter dish running about 1 kw of power), VE2ZAZ's equipment is much simpler--a 13-element yagi cut for 432 MHz running around 80 watts.  With a little ingenuity, you can get on EME with modest equipment and a stable digital mode such as JT65B. That's the mode HB9Q and VE2ZAZ used in this video.  For the latest Amateur/Ham 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://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_lmzHe40O0. Australian radio amateur Peter Parker (VK3YE) continues his QRP experiments on a nearby beach.  This time, he uses a half square antenna mounted in the wet sand to establish some excellent contacts with the USA.  A half square antenna is fairly easy to build and it delivers a bit more gain over a 1/2 wave horizontal dipole antenna. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these web sites: 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://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. https://www.eham.net. http://www.southgatearc.org. Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ViodMxV77eM. There are many ways to improve the performance of your VHF/UHF HT.  One of the most effective ways to boost HT performance is to improve the antenna system used with the transceiver.  Most stock "rubber duck" antennas supplied with HTs leave a lot to be desired. In this video from Kevin Loughin (KB9RLW), we see how a simple ground plane antenna can significantly improve the range and performance of your HT. Although there are other methods to improve HT performance (including the addition of a "rat tail" wire to the antenna input), Kevin believes a well-designed quarter wave ground plane to be "the best performing addition you could put on your HT...not that convenient, but it could have its uses."  Use Kevin's design and see if the performance of your HT improves. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and in...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWuYgRyWlmE A random wire antenna can perform reasonably well if you take a few precautions.  In this video, Stan Gibilisco (W1GV) outlines some important things to consider when you design, install, and use end-fed random wire antennas.  A good, general introduction to random wire antennas for the HF Amateur/Ham Radio bands. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these web sites: 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://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. https://www.eham.net. http://www.southgatearc.org. Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEidACZ1Ebc Are you prepared for emergency communications?  Or do you have a portable radio/antenna system you can use for portable use?  If you don't have such a system, you may want to consider the field-capable radio/antenna project used by John Jacobs (NY2MC).  His "CommsToGo Radio And Backpack Antenna" seems ideally suited for portable or emergency use.  In this video, John demonstrates the components of his system, including how to launch the antenna into nearby trees.  This system would make a reliable and simple "Go-Kit" for local emergencies, Field Days, or for just casual operating at the nearest public park. 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 Frida...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8bS1QBH8VwQ. A homebrew yagi is a simple, inexpensive way to build a gain antenna for the upper HF Amateur/Ham Radio bands. In this video, Peter Parker (VK3YE) takes us step-by-step through the design, construction, and use of a simple 2 element wire yagi antenna for the 10 meter band (28 MHz).   Peter's antenna is based on an original design from VE7CA, who published his findings in the November 2001 edition of "QST."  You can scale this antenna for any HF band, depending on the space and resources available.  This would make an excellent club project for the next ARRL Field Day or for any portable operation. 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). ht...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMjmccZ8VLg. An exceptionally well-produced video from Serhat Sertakan (TA1O).  Even though the video is presented in Turkish, you don't have to know the language to figure out how to build this HF antenna covering the 14-18-21-28 MHz Amateur/Ham Radio bands.  The antenna appears sturdy, portable, and easy to erect and take down. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these web sites: 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://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. https://www.eham.net. http://www.southgatearc.org. Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CR8ap-h1GY4. In this exceptionally well-made video tutorial, Julien (OH8STN) takes us step-by-step through the design, construction, testing, and use of a one or three element quad antenna for UHF (70cm).  The construction is straightforward and should not present any problems as you complete this useful antenna for your shack or portable use. 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://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://www.eham.net. http://www.southgatearc.org. Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_2WMbDjoAw. Antennas for the 630 meter amateur radio band (472 kHz-479 kHz) can be large and difficult to fit into an urban lot.  Would you be willing to use this band if a "reasonably small antenna" could be designed and built for this band? Roger (G3XBM) has been doing experiments with "earth electrodes" at his QTH--his results have been impressive for the small amount of power he's using (around 10mW).  According to Roger, his antenna system consists of 2 ground rods placed 20 meters/65.6 feet apart, with the ground connected to the PA by a wire running about 1.5 meters/4.92 feet above ground along a fence.  Despite the constraints and limited size of this "earth electrode" antenna, the system seems to work, even at low power levels.  A fascinating idea worth trying. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and informati...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LF8-UrXqUVA. Carl Oliver has done an excellent job of explaining what a coil is and how it's used to reduce the physical length of a resonant antenna. Carl's explanation is simple, accurate, hands on, and to the point.  This video belongs in your amateur radio 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 afternoon). https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. https://www.eham.net. http://www.southgatearc.org. Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofmUK8o7Jxg. Here's a simple, inexpensive, and totally portable HF vertical antenna suitable for field and emergency use.  AC2TJ has done an excellent job of creating a "vertical helix" antenna capable of covering 80 through 10 meters with an antenna "tuner".  A tripod, a flexible 20-foot/6.09 meters telescoping fiberglass mast, some antenna wire, and a simple ground radial or counterpoise system wraps up the portable package.  I've used similar spirally-wrapped antennas for several years with excellent results.  The key is to wrap about a 1/2 wavelength of wire for your chosen frequency along the full length of the fiberglass mast.  The wrapped 1/2 wavelength wire behaves like a 1/4 wavelength vertical.  Be sure to add a few 1/4 wavelength ground radials for your lowest chosen frequency to improve the efficiency of the antenna....

If you can't view the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAYbkVhsSBY. I've always enjoyed "classic" antennas for their simplicity, efficiency, and low cost.  One of my favorites is the HF Doublet, which can be designed to cover all amateur radio frequencies between 3.500 MHz (80 meters) and 29.000 MHz (10 meters).  In this enjoyable and detailed presentation, Adrian documents his construction of a doublet HF antenna from start to finish.  By using an antenna transmatch (i.e. "tuner"), a 1:4 current balun, and twin feeders (ladder line, tv window line, or homebrewed 600 ohm feed line), you can use Adrian's creation to cover several amateur HF radio bands--all this with one antenna.  Give this "old timer" antenna a try--you won't be disappointed. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www...

If you can't view the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ogxp3yjAzCs&index=110&list=PLKKNqDVcbnzV-vN-gtGhODMTAkmnUDBX0&t=0s. Randy Hall (K7AGE) does an excellent job of describing how to "tune" a 10 meter dipole antenna. Although the video will prove most useful for newly licensed radio amateurs, the information will serve as a general review for all hams who wish to design, build, and use simple dipole antennas.  The length of this dipole is 468/frequency in MHz.  The antenna is cut for 28.3 MHz and measures 16.5 feet/5.03 meters long.  Randy shows us how to use a MFJ Antenna Analyzer to trim the antenna to resonance.  The procedure outlined by Randy can be used for any HF band from 160 meters to 10 meters. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these web sites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a wee...

If you can't view the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YswnVmAKSP0. Australian radio amateur Peter Parker (VK3YE) enjoys experimenting with antennas.  He especially likes to design antennas for portable operations, including what he calls "Pedestrian Mobile."  In this video, Peter compares two magnetic loop antennas for the "Pedestrian Mobile" situation--one being made from copper tubing and the other fashioned from aluminum tubing.  According to Peter, both magnetic loop antennas performed well on the 40 meter Amateur Radio Band, with contacts ranging between 300 and 1500 kilometers.  You can find more magnetic loop antennas on his website at vk3ye.com. For the latest Amateur Radio/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. https://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday afternoo...

If you can't view the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfUbL_4VCww. If you're a fan of the classic G5RV antenna designed by the late Louis Varney (G5RV), you may find this video from the Stamford Amateur Radio Association (W1EE) most fascinating. The team in this video discusses how to design, build, and use an improved variant of Varney's original antenna known as the ZS6BKW.  This antenna was developed by Brian Austin (formerly ZS6BKW, now G0GSF).  In the early 1980s, Austin created computer programs used in conjunction with Smith Charts to calculate optimum dimensions for the classic G5RV. This video uses those calculations to design and build a ZS6BKW antenna from scratch.  The video discusses the G5RV, the ZS6BKW, tuning suggestions, and mounting options.  An interesting examination of a classic antenna and its modern persona. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, plea...

If you can't view the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PF0mBpfwa0A. If you have limited space to install a multiband dipole antenna on your property, you may find this video by Tom (W7TCT) interesting.  In this video, Tom shows us his multiband Off-Center-Fed (OCF) dipole antenna which fits into his limited suburban lot.  He also offers a few suggestions for those wanting to try this dipole antenna variant.  Why not build one and see what results you can gain from Tom's model.  Most of the antenna materials can be found in your junk box or at the nearest home improvement/building supply outlet.  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 https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com https://bigislandarrlnews.com https://www.eham.net...

If you can't view the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5aEhzEz-1k. Australian radio amateur Peter Parker (VK3YE) has inspired many of us to try pedestrian mobile operations.  In this video from VA3OSO and VE3EPQ, we move from Peter's balmy Australian beaches and trails to the much colder climes of Canada to see how two hams cope with the weather as they talk around the world with a pedestrian mobile setup.  Other than monitoring the weather, preparing for the chill factor, and the being mindful of the trailing mobile counterpoise, these radio amateurs appear to have enjoyed the experience of working pedestrian mobile contacts.  Nicely done video which may inspire you to take  your portable HF transceiver on the trail--hopefully when the weather is a bit more forgiving. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www....

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fyOWRTWdDKM. Dave Tadlock (KG0ZZ) has put together an excellent, informative video discussing the theory, design, construction, and operation of basic dipole and inverted v antennas. These classic designs are easily modified for your operational needs and can be built from locally available materials.  The video includes useful tips on construction, modifying, and testing of these two popular antennas.  Download this video and keep it in your antenna 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 afternoon). https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. https://www.eham.net. http://www.southgatearc...

If you can't view the video, please enter this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SwhlSa8CUCk. Here's a simple way to lower the SWR and increase the performance of any HF/VHF/UHF vertical antenna.  Pet (N6PET) found a high SWR on his Comet SBB 15 6M triband mobile antenna. By mounting the antenna on a 2M quarter wave counterpoise made from 2 speaker wires, he was able to drop his SWR below 1:3:1 for the frequency range of 50-54 MHz.  Most conventional wisdom seems to favor the idea that the counterpoise system supplies "the missing half" of a 1/4 wavelength vertical, thus restoring antenna "balance."  If you use vertical antennas, please consider adding a ground radial or counterpoise system to improve antenna efficiency and matching between the antenna and your transceiver. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. htt...

If you can't view the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=th9bPEm9i9k. Propagation seems to favor the lower HF bands (80 meters/160 meters) these days.  A major problem in using these bands is the sheer size of the antennas involved.  If you live on a small urban lot, building and erecting an efficient antenna for 80 meters and 160 meters can be a real challenge. In this video, Callum McCormick (M0MCX) explores several small HF antennas that can be used to work 80 meter and 160 meter contacts.  One of his suggestions is to design and build a linear-loaded inverted L antenna.  While this antenna has limited bandwidth and impedance matching problems, it can get you on the air if you design the antenna carefully.  Callum does a good job of visualizing the linear-loaded inverted L for those of us not blessed with sufficient space for a classic 1/2 wave dipole for these bands. For the latest Ama...

A Cheap Indoor Diple for 80m-15m. Post #1668. https://appalachianow.wordpress.com/2012/03/15-a-cheap-dipole-for-80m-15m. Author:  Josh Benson (NC4JB). Accessed on 05 November 2018, 0052 UTC, Post #1668. Please click link to read the full article by Josh. Comment: If you live in deed-restricted housing, you will recognize Josh's dilema.  Josh says he was compelled to consider an indoor dipole because he has "a townhouse with no attic, no basement, and a postage stamp yard, and putting antennas outside is entirely out of the question."  Does this sound familiar?  I faced this situation a few times during my amateur radio "career". Josh overcame the problem with an antenna that was out of sight, out of mind--namely an indoor dipole that fit the contours of his home and still produced acceptable results. In this post, Josh describes how he solved the antenna problem without violating the HOA/CC&R provisions of his home ownership.  Josh says the...

If you can't view the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atRUzlvmPPc. Here's another exceptional video tutorial from Randy Hall (K7AGE).  In this video, Randy show us how to use the Weak Signal Propagation Reporter (WSPR) to check the performance of your antenna.  The original WSPR program was developed by Joe Taylor (K1JT) and is now enjoying worldwide popularity. According to Randy, the WSPR program gives you real time data about your antenna.  WSPR sends your call sign, power level, and grid square during a short transmission period (usually less than 2 minutes). Receiving stations decode your transmission and post the results online. You can use a website to view a map of the stations you've heard and  the ones that have heard you.  An easy-to-use tool for measuring the effectiveness of your antenna. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: ...

Ham Radio HF/VHF Antenna Lengths. Post #1666 . http://www.hamuniverse.com/hamantennalengths.html. Author:  N4UJW (Hamuniverse.com). Accessed on 03 November 2018, 0400 UTC, Post #1666. Please click link or scroll down to read the complete artice. Comment:  Here's a handy antenna length chart from N4UJW and the staff at Hamuniverse.com.  I copied the chart and placed it above my rig to facilitate HF/VHF antenna design and construction.  The chart covers 1/4 wave verticals, 1/2 wave dipoles, and full-wave loops.  I trust you will find the chart useful as you build new antennas for your station. Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM). Here's the chart: Ham Radio HF/VHF Antenna Lengths Chart in Feet Ham Band (Meters) Frequency (Mhz) 1/4 wave (Feet) 1/2 wave Dipole (Feet ) 1 wave Loop (Feet) 160 1.800 130' 0'' 260' 0'' 558' 4'' 1.850 126' 6'' 253' 0'' 543' 3'' 1.900 1...

If you can't view the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-Uax53rrOM. If you haven't tried the 17 meter amateur radio band (18.068 MHz to 18.168 MHz) yet, you may be surprised just how popular this band is when solar conditions permit.  Antennas for this chunk of the rf spectrum tend to be modest and fairly cheap, especially if you design and build your own antenna from locally available materials. In this well-constructed video from "Marty Drifts", (Jim--WB2FOU), we learn just how easy it is to make a rotatable dipole antenna for 17 meters.  Each step of the construction process is fully explained and reviewed to ensure your understanding of this simple, useful 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 on Friday afternoons...