Simple Ham Radio Antennas

If you can't view the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfnvqQeDLoQ. This video offers a good, clear, and simple way to design and build a 9:1 UnUn for "Long Wire Antennas."  Tinker John (W5CYF) says this inexpensive, one-evening project uses locally available materials and will prove useful for both portable and home operations.  Why not make one for your emergency "Go-Kit?" 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 view the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hq7HAOYjZA. If you want a cheap, easy to make, and totally portable antenna for your next operation in the great outdoors, then this excellent video from WI9LL may be what you're looking for. According to WI9LL, the antenna was built to meet the need "for low wattage QRP use"...and designed to be "compact and inexpensive." The antenna uses a 9:1 UnUn wrapped on a T-10602 toroid, "using minimal hardware to be lightweight."  A very nice, compact antenna.  Why not make one for your emergency "Go-Kit"? 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://bi...

If you can't view the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcyeyphLTIg. If you live in deed-restricted housing (HOA/CC&Rs), this video from KG5OCW is a must see.  This well-produced and easily understandable presentation should give you several ideas for mounting an outdoor HF antenna while avoiding the attention of nosey neighbors.  The important thing to remember is "out of sight, out of mind."  When all else fails, use an indoor antenna mounted in your attic or a simple HF magnetic loop antenna that can be set up  and taken down quickly in your backyard.  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 view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBS-CNtY2Uk. Fascinating video from Kevin (KB9RLW).  The short answer is yes, depending on ground conductivity and the local noise environment.  Kevin shows us that a "ground antenna" does work if you're willing to accept less than stellar performance.  There have been some SOTA (Summits on the air) events where ham antennas have been located at high altitudes without the benefit of trees or other supports.  Contacts were made despite the limitations of height above ground.  It's also worth mentioning the "Grasswire Antenna" from K3MT which seems to work fairly well.  Check the blog sidebars for the K3MT "Grasswire Antenna" page, which gives the specifics for this antenna. While on-the-ground transmitting antennas may not perform well, receiving antennas mounted a short height above ground seem to produce excellent res...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8hv1iLTUM8. It's amazing what you can make with just a few feet of wire, a few connectors, ceiling hooks, tape, and some creativity. In this video, we see a few examples of HF wire antennas which can be made from locally available materials.  This video does a good job of showing the construction details of an inverted Vee "Slinky" antenna, a modified half square antenna for 20 meters, and an indoor two-turn HF loop. Getting on the air may be as close as your garage, storage room, and the proverbial "junk box" kept by most radio amateurs.  Don't be afraid to experiment with homebrew antenna designs.  That's part of the fund of being a ham radio operator. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please check these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-ne...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GK0NAVltTE. In this video, Callum (M0MCX) shows us a very simple way of double checking how much to trim your vertical and dipole elements.  The calculator is a great tool with the spreadsheet easy to understand.  All units are in the metric system, so those of us still using the old foot and inch measurements will have to make a few simple adjustments. 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 searchbox: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UO_HFc5lEcM. Ham Nation is one of my favorite video podcasts.  Each issue covers several fascinating aspects of Amateur/Ham Radio. In this video,we get an extensive discussion about the theory, construction, and use of Loop Antennas.  The Loop Antenna portion begins at 5:59 and ends at 13:48.  Other parts of the video include a Christmas in Finland, installing powerpole connectors, and Winter Field Day. 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=HHBm5wPJBcU. In this video, Eric (KG4YZI) takes step-by-step from the unpacking of the Hy-Gain AV 680 9 band HF vertical through the construction, testing, and use of this popular vertical antenna.  Eric says the antenna can run the legal power limit for all amateur/ham radio bands from 80 through 6 meters.  The antenna comes with a preassembled counterpoise system, "so you don't have to install hundreds of feet of measured wire in the ground."  Eric adds that the antenna performs well and would be the antenna of choice for those with limited space.  Just make sure the counterpoise system is well marked so people and animals don't trip over the wires. 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 wh...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRTo01Qttbc&vl=en. This video from Dave Casler (KE0OG) is part of a continuing series of programs on Amateur/Ham Radio practices and operations.  In this video, Dave tackles the controversial question of what makes a better antenna:  Verticals or Dipoles. Dave discusses both types of antennas, using antenna modeling software (EZNEC+) to answer some fundamental questions. Armed with this information, you can better plan your next antenna based on the environmental and legal parameters of your property.  The size of your lot, the existence of deed-restrictions (HOAs/CC&Rs), and your budget will determine how best to use the data shown by Dave. The important thing is to get on the air. A compromised antenna is better than no antenna at all. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these web sites: 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=SXqSY5JKQzs. Now that HF propagation is favoring the 160/80/40 meter amateur radio bands, you may want to consider a multiband antenna covering these bands.  K7PP wanted to cover 160/80/40 meters with a single feed line without using an antenna "tuner", and still be effective, inexpensive, and relatively easy to build.  In this video, K7PP takes us from start to finish with the "classic" Fan Dipole Antenna.  The antenna has withstood several years of bad weather and continues to provide reliable 3-band coverage.  K7PP says the only weak spot in his antenna design is the bamboo spreaders which have taken quite a beating from winter snow and ice. You can also configure this antenna as an inverted Vee, thus simplifying the construction process and eliminating several support masts.  The fan dipole is a reliable, simple, and effective HF an...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_0-jBKGNTs. It's not too early to think about your ARRL Field Day antenna.  Why not try something new, such as this helium balloon supported 40 meter vertical antenna? "HamRadioConcepts" shows how a group of radio amateurs built an HF long wire balloon antenna for the 2016 ARRL Field Day near Vero Beach, Florida. Using only 25 watts into a MFJ-993B antenna "tuner", this group made a lot of interesting contacts.  Al long as you have helium, a sturdy weather balloon, a good tuner, and a suitable counterpoise or ground radial system, you should do very well.  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://h...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-DPVuyU8Pg. Another excellent and easy-to-understand video tutorial from Dave Tadlock (KG0ZZ).  In this video, Dave shows us a simple step-by-step procedure to make a dual-band 2 meter and 70 centimeter ground plane antenna.  This antenna will let you connect with both 2 meter and 70 cm repeaters in your area.  The antenna is fairly easy to make with locally available materials.  This homebrew dual-band antenna is suitable for both home and portable use.  Dave's video would make an excellent club presentation. 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://bigislandarrlne...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQfj9879K_c. Nicely done video tutorial by Bob Plank (KK4DV) on how to design, build, and use a multi-band dipole antenna.  Bob's dipole covers the 40, 20, 17, and 10 meter amateur radio bands.  According to Bob, this antenna is "an easy project done in 1 day."  He used the customary formula for half wavelength dipoles and a simple antenna program called N2IMP from hamuniverse.com. Although I have no issues with the antenna design or its construction, a far simpler way to get multi-band HF performance would be to use a 40 meter dipole antenna fed by open line wire such as 300 ohm television twin lead or 450 ohm ladder line coupled to a 1:1 or 4:1 balun and run into an antenna "tuner" with a short length of 50 ohm coaxial cable (RG-8,RG-8X, or even RG-58). Either way, you'll have an antenna that will perform on several amateur ra...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-cUNs274rU. If you need a strong, sturdy, and weatherproof center connector for your home or portable dipole antenna, then this video from Ed (W4EDF) is what you need. Ed does a surplurative job of taking us through the design and construction of this center connector, using commonly available parts from the nearest home improvement or hardware store.  This dipole antenna center connector is perfect for the portable antenna described in the video (credit to KF7ETX). 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. Tha...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzWfeQVdtzY In this video, Stan Gibilisco (W1GV) explains some of the quirks found in two popular HF amateur/ham radio antennas--the coax fed dipole and the zepp. Although the title of this post is somewhat sarcastic, the basic theory, construction, and operation behind the common dipole and zepp antenna are sound and easily grasped.  Stan pays particular attention to how these antennas are fed and what to expect from voltage and current fed antennas.  These topics are important if you wish to reduce SWR and avoid problems associated with a mismatched antenna system. 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://hamradiohaw...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmWlOisao-I. Every once in a while I like to indulge myself with some of the "classic" antennas that advanced the art and science of radio communication.  One of my favorites of the 1930-1940 era is the Rhombic Antenna, which is still used by some shortwave broadcasters, the military, and even a few radio amateurs. In this video from Dave Casler (KE0OG), we get a good historical background and basic theory of this remarkably large antenna.  Although most of us don't have the real estate for such gargantuan antennas, it's fun to dream of putting one on the air.  The only time I used one of these antennas was on an ARRL Field Day many years ago, when my local club managed to secure temporary use of a large private property in the Puna District of Hawaii Island.  The antenna was most successful in snagging stations from the east coast of the U...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMeOMwf2DJU. Sometime in your amateur/ham radio "career" you'll run into baluns and their intricate relationship with antenna performance.  A balun is a device to convert a balanced transmission line to an unbalanced transmission line and vice-versa.  Baluns are vital in coaxial cable fed transmission lines, especially where long wire and off-center dipoles are concerned. In this video from David Casler (KE0OG), Dave answers questions about baluns, how there're made, the various ratios used (such as 1:1, 4:1, 9:1 and other values), and how baluns enhance antenna performance and ultimately protect your transceiver.  Dave's explanations are clear and easily understood.  This video would make an excellent presentation for a club meeting or an amateur radio licensing class. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please vi...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ftBthATNdcg. Stan Gibilisco (W1GV) does an excellent job of explaining the general theory behind "longwire antennas."  This video discusses basic antenna theory, construction tips, antenna patterns, ground radial/counterpoise systems, and limitations of long wire antennas.  A good, basic introduction to a versatile antenna which has been used since the beginning of the 20th century. 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, 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=8tONL3eQqnA. Despite the title, this exceptionally produced video from the Russian Federation (courtesy of RA9FTM) outlines what can be done with the proper site selection, equipment, and personnel.  The video takes you step-by-step through the installation of a sophisticated top band (160 Meters) antenna--a process that is far from simple.  What this video does so well is to outline what must be done to get maximum performance from amateur radio bands in the lower part of the HF radio spectrum.  The key to this antenna is a thoroughly planned process, incorporating the best equipment possible, a decent site for the antenna, and a well-trained crew familiar with tower design and safety.  This antenna could be managed by an amateur radio club, which would draw on the experience of its members.  If you want to install an antenna such as this,...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=za3xQs6wAR0. An often neglected part of a vertical HF antenna is the installation of a good ground radial or counterpoise system.  The ground screen supplies what is commonly called "the missing half" of a vertical antenna.  In this video we see how Dominic Smith installed a buried ground radial system for his Hustler 6-BTV vertical antenna.  Even though Dominic lives in a valley, the ground radial system allowed him to increase the efficiency of the Hustler antenna and grab some interesting DX contacts. Although the number of ground radial wires isn't firmly set in stone, it's probably a good idea to install as many radial wires as you can.  From my own experience on 40 meters, I've found a radial system consisting of 16 to 32 one-quarter wavelength wires seems to improve the performance of my homebrew 40 meter helix antenna.  Many c...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yM6RGiFkdMM. It's not too early to think about your ARRL Field Day antenna.  A little planning now could result in better scores and more fun when the third weekend in June rolls around. Field Day Antennas should be simple, easily erected, and entirely portable. In this 2014 video from the Strasbourg, Virginia Field Day event, W4EDF demonstrates how to assemble and deploy a free standing painter pole with only one person doing the work.  W4EDF covers materials, wire, knots, poles. and guying techniques for windy conditions.  This video should give you some excellent ideas for your next Field Day 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://oahua...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=igggHkOQYKQ. The idea for this video from "N2RRAny" came from a last moment decision to enter the 2011 ARRL 10 meter DX contest. With no 10 meter antenna available, he used his old Antron 99 CB antenna to get on the air.  He added a base plate and 8 ground radial wires to complete this impromptu 10 meter vertical antenna on a cold winter's day.  The Antron 99 seems to work very well on 10/11 (CB), and 12 meters.  So, if you have an old CB antenna in the garage, why not modify it a bit for 10 meters?  At the very least, you get an antenna at no cost. Have fun! 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://hamradiohaw...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4TTT2QwYVc. One of the drawbacks of using random length wire antennas and 1/4 wavelength vertical antennas is the requirement to have a good ground radial or counterpoise system. Installation of an antenna's "missing half" often involves a significant amount of wire and expense.  For those of us venturing into the 160 meter amateur radio band, your task is just about as daunting as setting up a ground radial system for an AM broadcast station--i.e. you'll need a lot of radial wires to cut ground losses and boost the efficiency of your antenna. In this video, "uksnipper1" has decided to take the ground radial system seriously by planning and installing an effective ground screen for his hf activities.  He says the time, expense, and effort resulted in much better performance of his end fed wire antenna. If you're not up to a ...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9wgdhi__MlU. This part 2 of Paul's (OM0ET) Random Wire Antenna using a homemade 9:1 UnUn.  In part 1, Paul reviewed the general theory and construction steps needed to make this valuable accessory for random length wire antennas.  In part 2, Paul makes a few minor adjustments based on a few tests conducted at his shack.  The result is an attractive, functional, and portable UnUn suitable for home, portable, or emergency use.  As with most random long wire antennas, be sure to use a good ground radial or counterpoise system along with an antenna transmatch (i.e. "tuner"). 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=2M9Aep6DHz8. Random Length Wire Antennas can be a lot of fun to use if you have a sturdy balun and decent ground radial or counterpoise system to control SWR and stray RF in your shack.  In this video, Paul (OM0ET) shows us how to design and build a 9:1 UnUn for this versatile antenna.  The balun uses a T 130-26 toroid from an old PC Power Supply.  The original design comes from VK6YSF (https://vk6ysf.com/unun_9-1_v2.htm). In part 2, Paul will test the final antenna design and balun on his Xiegu X5105 transceiver running only 5 watts output. 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 with is updated each Friday afternoon). https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. h...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dw1rz0CVn90. In this excellently presented video, Julien (OH8STN) helps us build our own Man Portable Magnetic Loop Antenna.  The video discusses two different magnetic loop antennas based on Chameleon Magnetic Loop station kits. According to Julien, the goal of this tutorial is to "build a practical and portable HF field antenna, which won't take up a lot of space, (and) weight, which can be used with our QRP radio on the go."  This video should give you a few ideas for your next portable and emergency HF 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...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tafy51yUzQo. If you need a quick emergency VHF/UHF antenna requiring a minimum of tools and effort, then this video from Kevin Loughin (KB9RLW) is for you.  All you need is a tape measure, some cutting tools, a length of RG-6 television coax cable, a few "F" to BNC connectors, and some imagination to make a fully usable antenna for 2 m and 70 cm.  You may want to make one of these antennas for your emergency "go-kit" or for a spare in case your regular VHF/UHF antenna fails.  A nicely done video with plenty of good 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 afternoon). https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://hamradiohawaii.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=tjb3IdYGVNw. Portable operations in the great outdoors can be a true invigorating experience if you plan ahead.  One of the main problems with going to the "field" is launching your antenna.  Although there are all kinds of homemade and commercial devices to put your long wires, dipoles, and inverted Vees over or through surrounding trees, I've found a simple slingshot, some monofilament fishing line, a used fishing reel, and a collection of clasps and sinkers the simplest way to position your antenna. In this video, N0KTZ uses a 3.0 Magnum Slingshot and some commonly available fishing gear to launch an effective, simple portable antenna.  N0KTZ's chosen location is approximately 12,000 feet/3,658.5 meters above sea level and presents a stunning backdrop for a weekend of impromptu operating in the "field". The video is a well-pr...