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=1T_1K1eMCkc. Designing, building, and installing an Amateur/Ham Radio tower is serious business.  In this video, Chris travels to the mountains of Westcliffe, Colorado to help his dad build a ham radio repeater tower.  Chris experiences high winds and a minor cable issue during the installation of the 30-foot/9.146 meter tower.  Although the process seams simple and fairly safe, don't assume all steps will go smoothly.  Fortunately for Chris and his dad, the installation was solid and presented only a few minor problems.  If you doubt your ability to install a tower, please consult a professional rigger or engineer. 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 afte...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWvgAxkoh2s. If you're facing severe antenna limitations imposed by deed-restricted housing (HOA/CC&R), you may find this "stealthy" antenna system from Patrick Dortch worth your time. Patrick has placed all of his antenna feed lines in "secret" underground tunnels which lead to a distant group of trees concealing his two antennas.  Nothing suspicious rests above ground for peering eyes to see.  About the only thing I would add are locks and vermin protection to his feed line boxes.  A beautiful, but somewhat costly answer to the "antenna police". 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:/...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5AHKAz3Zh4 What better way to test a new HF portable antenna than to subject it to winter conditions?  In this video from Michael Martens (KB9VBR), we get an excellent idea of how this new Chameleon Emcomm Portable Antenna works in an actual Winter Field Day environment.  According to Michael, the new antenna is "especially designed for short and long range" applications as well as for "manpack HF communications."  Michael adds that the antenna "is ideal for hiking, backpacking, and both tent and Recreational Vehicle (RV) camping." The video is useful, informative, and easy to understand. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.Hawaii ARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday afternoon). https...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KVSoM6w73o Larry, the "RadioHamGuy", offers a simple, elegant, and functional way to establish reliable 2 meter communication from your home.  Larry uses a surplus 5/8 wavelength magnetic mobile mount antenna, a fairly empty attic, and a few cables to make a "stealthy" 2 meter antenna for his garage ham radio shack.  About the only thing I would add to this excellent arrangement is a "drip loop" for his coaxial feed line before it enters the roof vent.  As antenna experimenter Kevin Loughin (KB9RLW) points out, Larry's 2 meter antenna "can be used on 6 meters as a 1/4 wave antenna with a 1.3:1 SWR on the lower end of the band." So, using Larry's antenna set up, you can get two antennas for the price of one. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiA...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ju5HNzsO1Ns. Ron C has put together an outstanding HF multi-band dipole in his attic.  Like many of our fellow radio amateurs, Ron faces antenna restrictions imposed by HOAs and CC&Rs.  Ron shows us how to use available space to design, build, test, and use an antenna that remains "stealthy" and effective.  All you need is a single feed line, several single band dipoles connected to a center connector, and perhaps an antenna transmatch (i.e. "tuner") to get on the air without raising the suspicions of neighbors.  "Fan Dipoles" are suitable for portable operations such as Field Days and emergency communications exercises.  If you carefully trim each single band dipole and keep the elements separated by a few inches, an antenna "tuner" may not be necessary.  A "Fan Dipole" may be the answer to those of us who...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqJrm0OffiM Australian radio amateur Peter Parker (VK3YE) always has something new in the field of simple, homemade antennas that actually work and produce contacts. In this video, Peter ventures into the realm of pedestrian mobile, something I've never tried, but would like to experience in the months ahead.  Peter's pedestrian mobile station consists of a telescoping fiberglass pole, 6 meters (19.68 feet) of wire, a simple L tuner, an a trusty Yaesu FT-817.  The antenna is  1/8 wavelength on 7 MHz and 5/8 wavelength on 28 MHz.  The small homemade L tuner tames the SWR and permits easy contacts without damaging the QRP rig.  Make one of these antennas for portable and emergency use.  The antenna system is fairly small and should fit into your vehicle with few problems. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, pleas...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZmyvtMvEGY An effective, simple, and inexpensive multiband HF dipole antenna is as close as your "junk box" and the local building supply outlet. If you can find some 300 ohm television ribbon feed line, a 4:1 current balun, and an extra antenna transmatch (i.e. "tuner"), you'll be able to make a classic "doublet" antenna that will serve you well for many years. In this video, Ray of the "Radio Workshop" show us how to build an ultra-simple doublet antenna with commonly available parts.  The doublet is suitable for both home and field operations.  Try one--you won't be disappointed. 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...

ARRL drops efforts to pass the Amateur Radio Parity Act. Accessed on 25 January 2019, 0304 UTC, Post 1753. Source:  http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter?issue=2019-01-21. Editor:  Rick Lindquist (WW1ME). As the old saying goes:  "Close, but no cigar."  The ARRL Board of Directors has decided to abandon legislative efforts to save the "Amateur Radio Parity Act".  The legislative package was aimed at relieving some of the antenna restrictions found in deed-restricted properties (HOAs and CC&Rs).  Over the past few years, the "Amateur Radio Parity Act" has come close to passage, but was stopped cold when the U.S. Congress rejected the measure. Rather than try another congressional battle, the ARRL has decided to appeal directly to the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) for antenna relief. Here's the official position of the ARRL from the 24 January 2019 issue of "The ARRL Letter": "ARRL Board of Directors Issues Statement...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXIUqr3tMpU One of the great experiences facing radio amateurs is the annual ARRL Field Day, usually held on the last full weekend of June.  Field Day is part contest, part emergency preparedness, and mostly fun.  Approximately 40,000 hams throughout North America will "head to the field" to set up operating sites, erect portable antennas, power emergency rigs, and divide time between swatting pesky insects and making contacts. In this video by Michael Martens (KB9VBR), we learn that communicating "in the wild can bring out a myriad of challenges, the largest, notwithstanding, is operator and station safety."  Michael takes us step-by-step through the basic safety and operating procedures that will protect your life while you make contacts with your fellow radio amateurs.  Pay particular attention to his comments on generators, grounds, a...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9Jq8iucEDA A visit to the annual Quartzfest in Arizona should be on the "must see and do" list for those radio amateurs who travel throughout the United States in their recreational vehicles (RVs).  In this video, Randy Hall (K7AGE) drops by the gathering of RV hams and takes a tour with Bob (N2OML) to sample the atmosphere of this mobile ham community.  In the video, we'll see some fascinating mobile installations, antennas, and equipment. 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 jo...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0WB-3UToLg Here's another outstanding video tutorial from Dave Casler (KE0OG).  This time, Dave discusses the theory and terminology of antennas used for amateur radio communications.  The video does and excellent job of  explaining the workings of several antenna types, including dipoles, inverted Vees, verticals, loops, and quads.  His illustrations and photos are clear and easily understood.  This video would make an excellent program for your next club meeting or for an upcoming amateur radio license class. 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://bigislandarrln...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ar9F2sck0iI Here's a quick and easy Folded Dipole Antenna made from locally available materials.  According to Stan Gibilisco (W1GV), all you need is a half wavelength of TV Ribbon (300 ohms) or Ladder Line (450 ohms), a 4:1 current balun, a length of 75 ohm TV Cable (such as RG-6), some F to SO-239 adapters, and an antenna transmatch (i.e. "tuner") to keep SWR below 1.5 to 1 across the band of choice.  Stan says the slight mismatch between 50 ohm and 75 ohm cables can be handled by most modern transceivers without much loss of power. That mismatch is in the neighborhood of 1.5 to 1 without a "tuner".  With Folded Dipole Antennas, I've always used a "tuner" to be on the safe side. So, if you have some TV Ribbon and a length of RG-6 TV cable in your junk box, why not build a folded dipole antenna?  With a little luck, you...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqnpmj8hxtQ. Rich Rodgers has come up with another way of using a stealth antenna in his deed-restricted property.  In this video, Rich shows how he positioned a vertical full wave loop antenna between some elevated bird houses to disguise his HF antenna.  According to Rich the antenna SWR is acceptable with an inline antenna transmatch (i.e. "tuner").  You could also use a 4:1 current balun between your antenna "tuner" and antenna feed to reduce SWR even further. I've used several full wave loop antennas on 40 meters using balanced feed line and a balun-"tuner" combination to give me multiband coverage.  Rich's project is simple and should get you on the with air minimum problems.  Just make sure HOA "enforcers" don't examine the bird houses too closely.  One could always use a telescoping fiberglass mast ...

Best amateur radio videos of 2018.  https://www.jpole-antenna.com/2018/12/30/10-best-amateur-radio-videos-of-2018/. Accessed on 19 January 2019, 0413 UTC, Post 1747. Author:  Michael Martens (KB9VBR). Please click the title URL to view your selections. Michael Martens (KB9VBR) has assembled 10 of his most popular antenna and equipment videos for an overall look at trends making headlines in 2018.  Here are his most requested Amateur/Ham Radio videos of the past year: 2014 Subaru Outback radio install. NVIS or Near Vertical Incident Skywave Propagation. 2 meter VHF Quarter Wave Antenna. Intoduction to AFRS. How to build a DMR codeplug. Building a DVmega and Pi-Star DMR Hotspot. ICOM IC-718 transceiver controls and functions. October 2018 Channel Update. MURS or Multi Use Radio Service. Are Baofeng handheld radios illegal? All of these videos are fascinating, easy to follow, and offer valuable suggestions to both novice and experienced radio amateurs...

. If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wrfmmb-YNyI Now that radio amateurs have gained limited access to the 630 meter and 2200 meter bands, it may be time to build some simple antennas to make contacts on those frequencies (472 kHz and 137 kHz).  Working these bands presents a few challenges, including the lack of ready-made equipment and antennas to make contacts, the relative low efficiency of antennas that are available, and the severe power restrictions imposed by the FCC on those bands (about 1 watt ERP). Despite these limitations, hams across North America are making some fascinating contacts, often with homebrew equipment and antennas.  In this well-made video from Kevin Loughin (KB9RLW), we learn how to make a simple, inexpensive, and fun-to-use magnetic loop antenna for the 630 meter band.  Kevin says his design works and is eagerly pursuing more contacts on the low frequenci...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LrcMsrOYesI Here's a simple, easy-to-make dipole antenna for the 2 meter amateur radio band. Alin Samson has done a commendable job of taking us step-by-step from the design process through the final construction phase.  Most of the components can be found in your local hardware or home improvement store.  Alin carefully explains each step of the process, so you won't make any errors during the building phase.  This antenna would make an excellent club project.  The 2 meter dipole antenna is sutiable for both home and portable use. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and events, 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://bigis...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vxft-rYHGDw Are you looking for an easy, fun, and simple antenna project.  Then, this 2 Meter 1/4 Wave Ground Plane Antenna from Michael Martens (KB9VBR) is what you need.  The antenna design uses a SO-239 connector, some stiff wire, a few nuts and screws, and a convenient length of PVC pipe.  The radiating element is connected to the center pin of a coaxial feed line (50 ohm--RG-8, RG-8X, or even RG-58), with the radial wires attached to the coax shield.  The simple ground plane antenna makes a great portable or emergency antenna.  Make one today for your "go-kit". 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:...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxZ4rro2aKo If you want a simple, cheap, effective, and fun-to-build 3 element yagi for the 2 meter band, then this video from Darin Boehrnsen (KF7TOV) is for you. This homebrew 2 meter antenna uses materials easily bought from the nearest hardware or home improvement outlet, including some steel tape measures, a few pieces of PVC pipe, plastic pieces, and nuts, bolts, and screws from your junk box.  These antennas are great for portable and emergency use as well as for RDF (radio direction finding) contests and events.  Make one of these antennas for your emergency "go kit" and store it in your vehicle.  An excellent club project! 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&index=23&t=74s&list=PLj8-NKcZtRf6vQ-s5qvvrRjumICN_GRpH. Here's another great antenna video from Australian radio amateur, Peter Parker (VK3YE).  In this video, Peter shows us how to build a simple, inexpensive 2-element wire yagi for 10 meters.  This project can be made in just a few hours using locally available materials from your neighborhood home improvement or hardware store.  This uncomplicated wire beam can be used at home or in the field.  Be ready when those unexpected 10 meter openings happen. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.infor. 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://bigi...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvZ7z-6wAy0 Michael Martens (KB9VBR) offers an excellent, easy-to-understand video on the design, construction, and use of NVIS (Near Vertical Incidence Skywave) antennas.  These antennas offer effective HF range out to a distance of between 100 and 300 miles (162 to 486 km).  A NVIS antenna is a good choice for local and regional EMCOMM and 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). http://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=v4x5inJcajw Australian ham Peter Parker (VK3YE) shows some of the capabilities of his homebrew "Half Square Antenna" for 10 MHz and above.  A half square antenna is a wire antenna with two vertical radiators fed in phase.  One vertical element (1/4 wave length) is fed at the top where it's attached to a SO-239 connector. The other side of the SO-239 is attached to a horizontal half wave phasing line, then connected to another vertical element (1/4 wave length) aiming at the ground.  Thanks to some help from a nearby Australian beach, Peter was able to make contact with EA8YT/M on 10 MHz, another station on 14 MHz, and finally an EA station on 7 MHz.  As Peter suggests, you can set up your half square antenna with the help of two telescoping fiberglass fishing rods (squid poles) For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please v...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KWt6eaxSK04 Do you want a simple, effective, low visual impact antenna for your 10 meter operations?  If you do, then this video tutorial by machinist Don Nichols (KV4PH) will guide you in the right direction.  Don presented this program to members of the Vienna Wireless Society Radio Club on 12 August 2016.  The finished project is almost a work of art--a testament to Don's skill as a machinist. During the lull in the current solar cycle, the 10 meter amateur radio band makes an excellent vehicle for local and regional contacts.  Please encourage your friends with technician class licenses to work some CW or SSB on this band.  Why not organize an informal, local net on 10 meters?  You can use Don's project to make something workable for your 10 meter work.  For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit t...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jUiKZ3EIiIc HL1ZIX (The Stingy Ham) calls the classic Moxon design the "perfect first beam for the new ham."  In this well-made, evenly paced video, we learn how to make a simple Moxon beam for your home station.  Along the way, we get some fascinating new antenna ideas based on the Moxon principle and see some practical examples of this versatile antenna.  This would make an excellent weekend project for those with limited space and funds. 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...

. If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rq-9TAcCnxE Here's an easy, inexpensive, and versatile antenna from Denis (VE3BF).  The classic delta loop antenna can be used for both home and field use.  The antenna exhibits modest gain and can be vertically polarized by feeding the antenna at the bottom.  To get multiband performance (20 meters through 10 meters), use 450 ohm ladder line, 300 ohm TV twin lead, or homemade 600 ohm twin lead in conjunction with a 4:1 balun and an antenna transmatch (i.e. "tuner").  I've built several variations of this design for 80-10 meter coverage.  Best of all, most of the materials can be found in  your "junk box" or at the nearest building supply or home improvement outlet. Have fun! For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please check these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.or...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXg7ZOAkDyg Operating your amateur radio equipment in field conditions can be a lot of fun if you have some compact, well designed equipment for your venture outdoors.  It goes without saying that a strong, easy to erect, and portable HF antenna will serve you well in Mother Nature's playground. In this video, Denis (VE3BF) shows us how some wire, a simple 4:1 balun, and an inexpensive fishing rod can become the basis of a great outdoor antenna.  Denis uses a spirally-wound wire on a readily available Shakespeare telescoping 20 carbon fiber fishing pole from Amazon to form a simple, inexpensive portable antenna for 40 meters and other bands.  When you're done with operating, the fishing pole collapses into an easily carried package which can be stored with the antenna components in your vehicle for the next field or emergency situation. Also, this ...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y473hOmif-E If you live in deed-restricted housing controlled by HOAs and CC&Rs, this antenna from Ron C may be of interest.  Ron calls this discrete and stealthy antenna the "Broadband Butterfly Terminated Dipole (BBTD).  Ron takes you-step-by-step from design to finished product.  Although this project will take some time to build, the results will be worth it.  As long as neighbors can't see this antenna, you should be able to operate in peace  Also, you can try other in-house antennas, such as magnetic loops, small verticals, and half-wave dipoles spread over your ceilings.  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://hamradiohawa...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWZZlpHJKT8 Now that propagation is favoring the lower HF bands (160 meters through 40 meters), it may be a good idea making an antenna for these bands.  Because of the size of 160 meter antennas, you may have to make some uncomfortable comprises to use the "Top Band".  Inverted Vs and L antennas can offer you decent performance at a reasonable cost. However, if you have a fairly large property with several tall trees,  you can follow Bob Holowenko's inverted L design and have a high performance antenna in a few hours. Bob's antenna consists of 127 ft/38.71 m of wire with 6 X 127 ft/38.71 m radial wires.  Despite some limitations, Bob calls his homemade inverted L "one of the best performing antennas I've played." Why not experiment with a variety of designs and configurations?  Antenna experimentation is one of the joys...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser searchbox: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfnvqQeDLoQ Here's a simple, inexpensive 9:1 balun for end-fed long wire antennas.  These antennas are suitable for both permanent home stations, as well as for field and emergency operations.  "Tinker John" (W5CYF) does an excellent job of describing how to build one of these UnUn baluns for end-fed random length wire antennas.  With a little planning, this useful antenna accessory can be made in only a few hours. 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 ...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uf31ecwFjjQ. If you're tired of underperforming multiband HF antennas, why not try a full-sized Windom Antenna?  In this video, New Zealand ham Peter Echer and his 6-year old daughter  use a redesigned Windom Antenna to reach around the world--with his daughter even conversing in Russian!  Peter takes you through the step-by-step process of designing, building, installing, and using this "classic antenna" from ham radio's distant past.  An excellent, well-produced video. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.Hawaii ARRL.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://ww...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4W5FFX3movg Here's a nicely done multiband vertical antenna suitable for radio amateurs living in deed-restricted properties (HOAs/CC&Rs) or  lacking space to erect a full 1/2 wavelength horizontal dipole.  All you need is some creativity, a few spare parts, and a good radial system. In this video, the antenna consists of a MFJ-1979 (1/4 wave 20-meter telescoping mast) a RadioWavz "Patriot 80: adjustable loading coil, a Hustler mast, and a MFJ-909 capacitive meter.  The key to making this homebrew vertical antenna is using a decent radial system and loss loss coaxial cable feed line.  An antenna transmatch (i.e. "tuner") could also be added to keep SWR losses low.  Such a system could also be employed for portable use during the ARRL Field Day, SOTA expeditions, or just casual operations in a public park. For the latest Amateur/Ham R...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your blog search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqzalqkmsBo Here's another HF magnetic loop antenna suitable for deed-restricted properties or for portable operations.  This video from Kuba (SP5TOF) should give you some ideas for a small, field portable 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). 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=ORFXg0w7vHA This is post 1729 in a continuing series of articles on simple ham radio antennas. In this video from Engineering Funda, we get a comprehensive explanation of "Dipole Antenna Feeding Techniques."  The video tutorial covers four major dipole antenna designs: The center-fed dipole. The off-center fed dipole. The delta matched dipole. The inverted-L dipole. This video can serve as a basic antenna review for those preparing for amateur radio license exams.  You may want to keep a copy of this video for 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 afternoon). https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. ...