Simple Ham Radio Antennas

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser inbox: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPT_YLXclDE If you live on a small urban lot, a classic 1/2 wavelength horizontal dipole antenna may be nearly impossible, especially if you have only a 30 foot X 30 foot (9.14 m X 9.14 m) garden in which to "plant" your antenna. In this video from Tim (2E0TWG), we see how a little ingenuity and creativity can produce a useful doublet antenna capable of serving several amateur radio HF bands.  Tim does an excellent job of describing his antenna, from basic design considerations and construction to actual testing and on-air use.  A thoroughly inspiring project! For the latest Amater/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://bigislandarrlnews.com. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress....

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3ZGJWuzgRs. Another 6 meter antenna you may find useful during the E-Skip openings this summer is the classic "squalo" antenna.  This antenna was once popular for mobile operations and for areas with limited antenna space. Chris (K2CJB) does an excellent job of taking you through the design, construction, tuning, and use of this somewhat unusual antenna.  The antenna is sturdy, portable, and suitable for both home and field use.  Why not build one for the upcoming North American VHF Contest or the June ARRL Field Day emergency communications exercise? You can find exact plans for the 6 meter squalo antenna here: http://pa3hcm.nl/p=312. 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 e...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6PY9TdQj98. There's a good chance that the "Magic Band" (Six Meters) will be active during the 2nd weekend of June as VHF enthusiasts take to the air in the North American VHF Contest.  To get you prepared for that event and the upcoming ARRL Field Day, you may want to consider building this simple 6 meter dipole antenna from readily available parts.  KA5D shows you his simple antenna that is suitable for both home and field use.  Each element is 132 cm/51.96 inches and is tuned for 50.125 MHz USB. 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 blog that is updated each Friday afternoon). https://bigislandarrlnews.com. https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://www....

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jg4Agf3AqQ. Another outstanding video tutorial from Ray of "The Radio Workshop."  In this video, Ray show us how to build a 160 meter antenna that fits into a space occupied by a small garden.  Most radio amateurs living on a small urban lot can appreciate the time and effort that goes into building an effective 160 meter antenna for a limited space. Although Ray admits his antenna isn't the most efficient, it will get you on "top band" with a reasonable signal.  As an added bonus, the antenna also covers all amateur/ham radio bands from 80 meters through 10 meters.  Don't deny yourself the pleasure of working on this fascinating slice of the radio spectrum.  Build this antenna over the weekend and see how well it works in your location. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-tYtbTts0s. If you ever wanted to make a multiband magnetic loop antenna, but were afraid to take on the complexity of such a project, then this interesting, innovative video from Dennis Blanchard (K1YPP) may change your mind.  By using commonly available materials, Dennis show us a simple, practical method of designing, building, testing, and using a magnetic loop antenna for three amateur radio bands (40/30/20 meters).  According to Dennis, the antenna costs approximately $20.00 USD and is capable of handling up to 100 watts (although he recommends keeping the power below 40 watts).  This antenna would make a great addition to a field day site or to a simple home-based amateur radio station. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZkWPP13S6k. If you're looking for a simple, efficient, and low noise 6 meter antenna for your ARRL Field Day experience, then this beautifully designed project from Martin (M0ZMF) is what you need. The video consists of five easily understood sections: Materials Construction of the Base Plate Stub production Final assembly Final set up Martin goes into considerable detail on how to design, build, test, and adjust this high-performance antenna.  Not only does this delta loop have exceptional structural design, but it also is fully portable and easy to set up and take down. Give this antenna "a shake down cruise" during the ARRL Field Day in June...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/...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNgu9nd7fmA. If you need a simple, inexpensive, and efficient HF antenna for the upcoming ARRL Field Day, why not build this "classic" half-wavelength horizontal dipole? In this video, Kevin (N6VLF) reviews almost everything we know about designing, building, tuning, and using this basic antenna.  You can configure the dipole in any number of ways, including the inverted vee, the half-wave sloper, and even a vertical (if you have a very tall support).  You can easily convert the dipole into a multiband HF antenna with the addition of a balanced feed line, a sturdy wide-range antenna "tuner", and an appropriate current balun.  If you follow Kevin's suggestions, you'll have a fully functional, efficient antenna for Field Day in a matter of a few hours. This video would make an excellent presentation for your club or for the ne...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=Rq-9TAcCnxE. If you need an easy to build, inexpensive gain antenna for the 20 meter band, then this basic Delta Loop Antenna may be what you need.  Denis (VE3BF) has done an excellent job of presenting this antenna, which can be used at your home station as well as for the annual ARRL Field Day exercise.  If you use balanced feed line, a 4:1 current balun, and a sturdy antenna transmatch (i.e. "tuner"), this basic design can be used on any amateur radio band between 20 and 10 meters. I've built several delta loop antennas in the past and find them quiet and fairly stealthy in crowded urban neighborhoods. If you follow Denis's suggestions, you'll have an effective 20 meter antenna with little effort and financial expense. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.Ha...

Field Day Antennas Source:   https://www.dxzone.com/best-field-day-antenna/ Accessed on 23 May 2019, 2125 UTC, Post 1876. Content provided by https://www.dxzone.com. Please click link to read the full article. Summary: Approximately 40,000 U.S. and Canadian ham radio operators will join their colleagues worldwide during the 22nd and 23rd of June to participate in the annual ARRL Field Day event.  Field Day is part contest, part emergency communications exercise, and part fun.  Amateur Radio operators will take to the "field" and try to make as many contacts as they can during the short operating window of the event.  Among the stars of this radio happening will be the antennas which will send signals around the globe and through space to reach destinations far and wide. The antennas used will run the gamut from random wires to sophisticated multi-element beams on portable towers.  What antenna will you or your club use during this year's Fie...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWDU3S6goso. If you live in an urban neighborhood plagued by noise and other interference, you may want to build what is called a "double bazooka" antenna. The double bazooka antenna is an efficient, single band antenna which is very quiet and does not require a balun.  The antenna consists of coaxial cable, such as RG-58, or other 50 ohm type with the shield split at the center and the feed line attached to the open ends.  The antenna is broad banded, allowing full coverage of a single band without excessive SWR. In this video, Bill (WX4AR) takes us step-by-step through the design, construction, and testing phases of this of easy-to-build antenna. Why not build one for the upcoming ARRL Field Day?  You may be surprised how well this simple antenna performs in a noisy environment. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbje13U6hC4. This somewhat unusual video from Claude Jollet (VE2DPE) shows how to make a simple, inexpensive, and portable Six Meter Folded Dipole Antenna.  Although there is no voice track, the photos and text comments provide a good overview of the design, assembly, and testing phases of this antenna. According to Claude, the antenna elements "are made from ladder line, fed with ladder line and matched with a step down 4:1 coaxial balun at the bottom of the transmission line..."  The antenna is "cut to resonance at 50.4 MHz and the SWR is below 1:3 between 50.0 MHz and 51.0 MHz." Even though there is no vocal commentary, the photos and text should make construction of this antenna fairly easy. 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 see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCyyH0a_Cpk. Approximately 40,000 radio amateurs from the United States and Canada are expected to participated in the upcoming ARRL Field Day Emergency Communications Exercise.  The event occurs on the fourth-full weekend of June and is designed to test our emergency communications capabilities in the "field." One of the major challenges of Field Day is the selection and erection of antennas to cover the weekend of portable operations.  If your amateur radio club finds an area with plenty of tall trees, you may find these natural supports are perfect for your dipoles, inverted vees, slopers, and loops.  The problem, of course, is to get your antenna elements near the top of these trees with as little safety and engineering risk as possible. Your launch platform can be as simple as my homemade slingshot or as complex as the compressed air cannon ...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDmMhtIwykY. A wonderfully conceived, if somewhat flawed, idea for a 3-element VHF yagi antenna made from easily found objects around Marcial Grey's home.  Marcial does a good job of showing how he used some old aluminum tubing from a discarded television antenna, a bamboo stick, some inexpensive RG-58 coaxial cable, and a spare PL-259 to make this simple VHF yagi.  Marcial says he was able to access a repeater 25 miles/40.5 km from his home. The only weak spot in this video is the uneven quality of the video itself.  The idea is basically sound, and you should be able to get a lot of information from Marcial's effort. 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)...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4P5DdvsLys. In this video, we follow W5KV as he designs, assembles, erects, and uses an Off Center Fed Dipole for Ham Radio.  He discusses the materials, equipment, feed lines, and other tools necessary to make this popular HF antenna work efficiently. 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=jiaHtmOB57Y. Your ARRL Field Day Antenna doesn't have to be complex and labor intensive.  In this video from NG9D, we see how a simple 80 meter end-fed NVIS antenna can bring hours of operating fun and reliable state and regional contacts.  NG9D covers the basic theory and installation of the end-fed NVIS antenna, as well as demonstrating how easy it is to make contacts using simple equipment. If you want to gather some local or regional contacts for your Field Day log, then try this simple, easily erected antenna.  With the use of balanced feed line and a wide-range "tuner", this NVIS antenna can cover several HF bands, giving you both daytime and evening capability with just one 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....

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUwBIG_8vTI. Terry Snyder (WB3BKN) gave this excellent program at the 18 November 2018 meeting of the Harrisburg Radio Amateurs Club.  Terry covers a wide range of random wire issues, including lengths to avoid, grounding, radial systems, and feed line choices.  In addition to giving the lengths to avoid in random wire antennas, he provides a list of recommended wire lengths that should be easy to match with your antenna coupler (i.e. "tuner") and ground radial system. Although Terry's presentation is well-done and easily understandable, I've found it simpler to follow two basic practices for random wire antennas. If you're designing a wire antenna for a single band, make the wire 1/4 wavelength for your preferred frequency.  If you want 80 through 10 meter coverage, build an End Fed Half Wave (EFHW) antenna instead, using a 49:1 bal...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5rLI8FpM9g. If you're using a balanced feed line to energize your OCF (off-center fed) dipole, an EDZ (extended double zepp) antenna, or even a full-sized loop antenna, a 4:1 current balun is a necessary component to these popular HF antennas.  Used with an antenna transmatch (i.e. "tuner"), the easily-made 4:1 balun keeps excessive SWR in check, cuts back on RFI, and keeps common mode currents off your feed line. In this video from Kevin Loughin (KB9RLW), we see how a couple of type 43 toroids, a common resistor, and some surplus wire pieces can be transformed into a useful, efficient 4:1 balun.  Kevin's explanations and demonstrations are clear, insightful, and easily understood. Make one of these baluns for your next HF antenna. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL....

If you can't see this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cS5nlutY_L4. If you're looking for a HF antenna that shows some immunity to man-made noise, then the folded dipole may be worth trying.  In this video, Kevin Loughin (KB9RLW) takes us step-by-step through the design, construction, and use of a 40 meter folded dipole antenna.  This antenna may prove beneficial in areas of high urban noise or other interference. According to "Sparks" (W9DKB), "The folded dipole, being a loop, responds more to the magnetic (H) field of radio waves.  Most man-made noise is electrostatic (E) in nature and less (likely) to be picked up by magnetic antennas." Your feedline can be TV ribbon line (300 ohms), ladder line (450 ohms), or even homebrew 600 ohm balanced line.  Be sure to use an antenna transmatch (i.e. "tuner") in conjunction with a 1:4 current balun to keep SWR and RFI to a minimum. ...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXIUqr3tMpU. More than 40,000 radio amateurs from the United States and Canada are expected to "take to the field" during the last full weekend of June for the annual ARRL Field Day emergency communications exercise.  The event is part contest, part emergency communications, and part fun. One of the most important aspects of this yearly event is operational safety, from generators and tents to antenna erection and food preparation.  In this video from Michael Martens of KB9VBR Antennas, we learn how to prepare for this outdoor event and take the necessary precautions to prevent accidents.  A little pre-planning will go a long way to keeping Field Day a safe and enjoyable experience. 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-aud...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKuaTX442UQ. In this video, "Peter" establishes a sound and thorough understanding of antenna design for any band and frequency.  Peter covers basic antenna theory, including formulas, construction practices, and materials considerations.  If you're looking for antenna ideas for your home shack, the ARRL Field Day, or for any portable operation, please check out this video.  Although the video is a bit long, it covers almost everything you need to know about antennas.  Place a copy of this video in your shack for further reference. 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=4W5FFX3movg. Operating an amateur radio station in a deed-restricted property governed by HOAs and CC&Rs presents a real challenge.  In this video from "remingtonh" we see how a simple monoband vertical antenna can gain multiband capability while remaining nearly invisible to nosey neighbors. The antenna is a modified MFJ-1979 1/4 wave 20 meter vertical coupled to a RadioWavz Patriot 80 adjustable loading coil, supported by a Hustler mast, and tuned in part by a MFJ-959 capacitive matcher.  Remingtonh has installed a good ground radial system to improve the efficiency and performance of the vertical. To make the antenna a bit more stealthy, I would recommend a coat of green or brown paint to help the vertical blend in with its surroundings.  A tilt over device could be used to lower the antenna when it's not being used.  A case of "o...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJpQBy34ubg. If you're looking for a simple, inexpensive, and effective HF antenna for your shack or for the upcoming ARRL Field Day, then this basic 40 meter ground-plane antenna from Stan Gibilisco (W1GV) maybe your answer.  In fact, this was the first antenna I used when I became a novice ham radio operator back in 1977. In addition to the 40 meter band, I also was able to make contacts on the 15 meter band using the third fundamental of the 40 meter frequency. The antenna is simplicity itself.  In this antenna, the 40 meter element and each of its ground radial wires are 33 feet/10.06 meters long.  I used a telescoping fiberglass mast to support the vertical element and some left over "zip cord" for the ground radial system.  I fed the antenna with 50 feet/15.24 meters of RG-8 coaxial cable.  Like Stan's design, my SWR was approximat...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgTWyR7hyII. Here's another fascinating vertical antenna installation.  This time, KC9FFV shows us how he installed and tested his Zero-Five 43 foot/13.109 metre antenna on his property. An interesting note is his use of a chain link fence as part of his ground radial system.  I would have preferred a few more ground rods or some ground radial wires spreading out from the antenna base.  Apparently, KC9FFV gets good results from this installation, so the metal fence apparently helps to create a suitable ground or counterpoise system for this installation.  Other than this minor quibble, this installation is neat, well-planned, and effective. 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 upda...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bOhB2My8qY. In this video, "David S" finishes his 3-part series on how to build the DX Engineering 43 Foot/13.109 Meter 160 to 10 Meter Vertical Antenna.  In this section, David finishes the extensive ground radial system which will boost the performance of the antenna and provide a low take-off angle for DX contacts. Tuning is accomplished by using the DX Engineering Multiband Vertical UNUN in combination with your in-shack wide range "tuner."  DX Engineering supplied the ground plate needed for the attachment of the ground radial system.  Although the radial system is laid on the ground, you may want to bury the radial wires a bit below the surface so that grass covers the radial field.  Once the grass grows a bit, you can trim the area with a lawn mower to keep the installation neat and clean.  You can make narrow slits for the radial...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91j5jsqyCBY&t=327s In part 2 of his 3 part series on building the MBVE-1 DX Engineering Multiband Vertical Antenna, "David S" show us how to prepare the ground stake and ground radial plate for the antenna.  He also begins preliminary construction of the antenna, paying particular attention to the parts inventory and placement of all antenna pieces. Tuning of the well-made antenna is accomplished by using the DX Engineering Multiband Vertical UNUN and your in-shack wid-range tuner.  The commentary is often humorous and inspirational.  All told, a well-produced tutorial for both newly licensed hams and experienced operators. In part 3, David puts all the pieces together, conducts a few basic tests, prepares for on-air tests. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q6dEHL5Mw0Q. Although I've never owned a DX Engineering MBVE-1 Multiband HF Vertical Antenna, I've seen these beauties in action and can highly recommend this antenna for those wanting to establish a serious DX antenna. In this video, "David S" begins a three-part series on the MVBE-1 Vertical Antenna, taking us step-by-step through the unpacking, ground and radio preparation, construction, testing, and final on-air operation. David approaches his task with enthusiasm and a touch of humor, since assembly of this antenna is far from easy.  David pays particular attention to detail and the building of a decent support and ground radial system.  In parts 2 and 3, we learn how to correctly assemble the antenna and conduct preliminary testing of the system. Tuning is accomplished by using the DX Engineering multiband vertical UNUN and your i...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEWb_H2m5k4. How would you like to build a simple, lightweight 2 meter antenna for both portable and home station use? In this video from Paul Athersmith, we learn how to make a homebrew 2 meter Moxon Antenna that is easy to build and is small enough to take with you on portable and emergency operations as well as serve as your prime 2 meter antenna at your QTH. Paul takes you step by step through the design, construction, testing, and on-air operation of this inexpensive, efficient 2 meter antenna.  Most of the antenna materials can be found at the nearest building supply outlet or neighborhood hardware store.  Why not make a 2 meter Moxon Antenna for the upcoming ARRL Field Day? For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: https://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=SYypZ0Ot55I. A nicely done and easy-to-understand tutorial on how to convert 2 "Ham Stick" antenna elements into a portable or emergency HF dipole antenna.  The key to this antenna is the MFJ-347 antenna mount which allows you to make a quick, effective dipole antenna for any portable operation, including the annual ARRL Field Day, a casual day at the park, or even on-air activities from deed-restricted properties (HOA/CC&Rs). According to KJ4YZI of the "HamRadioConcepts" Amateur Radio Channel, this antenna is simple, easy to set up and take down, and only requires a minimum of support pieces.  If you already have a fiberglass mast and a tripod, most of your work is done.  Although you won't get superior performance from this antenna, you will be able to get on the air and make contacts, especially away from crowded urban areas.  ...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEDneotW3ko With the ARRL Field Day rapidly approaching (last full weekend of June), it may be time to consider what antennas will be used in this annual emergency field communications exercise and contest.  Now that propagation is favoring the lower HF bands (40, 80, 160 meters), you may want to consider a specific antenna for each band.  In this Field Day video from 2016, "Ham Prepper" shows us how his club solved the height issue on 160 meters with a balloon-supported 1/4 wavelength antenna. After some preplanning and the collection of a skilled crew, the balloon-assisted antenna was launched successfully.  This somewhat unusual antenna produced good contacts for the club and helped boost its overall score. Make a few experimental HF antennas, test them in a nearby park or field, and prepare for some fun at the end of June. For the latest ...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWWhNABrx4I I'm always looking for unusual antennas that can expand the basic capabilities of simple dipoles and verticals.  The Three-Wire Dipole is such an antenna. In this video, Stan Gibilisco (W1GV) shows us how to build this unusual antenna and describes its advantages and drawbacks.  The antenna is fed with open wire (300 ohm twin lead, 450 ohm ladder line, or homebrewed 600 ohm feed line) and uses an antenna transmatch (i.e. "tuner") with optional balun to reduce RFI and SWR. The space between the top horizontal antenna element and the bottom antenna element is approximately 12 inches /30.48 cm.  The antenna is capable of multiband operation.  If you're looking for a different kind of dipole, then the three-wire dipole may be what you're looking for. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these w...

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. In this video, Dave Casler (KE0OG) does an excellent job of making often complex antenna theory easy to understand.  Dave takes us from simple dipole and vertical antennas to a basic overview of gain antennas, pros and cons of "traps", and how to choose the right feed line for your new antenna.  This video would make an excellent introduction to antennas for both new operators and the experienced ham who may have gotten a bit "rusty" on antenna theory and application.  Dave's presentation is clear, informative, and often entertaining. 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....

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpUSe0yrxjs. In this video, Michael Martens (KB9VBR) discusses baluns and chokes and how these components can prevent RF energy from traveling down the outside of your coaxial cable and creating needless interference to your electronic equipment. Michael does an excellent job of explaining common mode currents, baluns, and RF chokes.  If you use coaxial cable to feed your HF/VHF/UHF antennas, then this video is for you. Keep a copy of this video in your reference library and refer to it whenever you need a balun or choke for your antenna 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://...