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=aLgFeTpIX4A. Thanks to Dave Tadlock (KG0ZZ) for this comprehensive look at making a simple 10 meter ground plane antenna.  The antenna can be placed on a mast or deployed as a ground mounted vertical antenna. Dave takes you step-by-step in the design, construction, and testing of this versatile antenna.  Even though propagation doesn't support much 10 meter activity these days, you can get plenty of local and regional coverage during the day.  Why not start a local 10 meter net, conduct code practice, or join Ten-Ten International to keep the band alive?  Technician licensees also have a small slice of the band for SSB contacts as well as CW and other digital modes. Dave has done a thorough job of explaining how to make an effective antenna at a reasonable price. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these web...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HLlmjeBvxNc. Mark (2E0VOV) has done an excellent job of designing, building, testing, and finally using a homebrew antenna "coupler" for his end-fed half wave HF antenna. Mark says the final design and working project took lots of time to finish with many modifications included in the antenna system.  If you follow Mark's suggestions, you'll have an effective, inexpensive "tuner" that will allow multiband use of your new end-fed half wave antenna. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.blubrry.com/arrlaudionews/ 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 Ru...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKUZsC9BZmY. Experimenting with antennas is one of the great joys of ham radio. In this video from Kevin Loughin (KB9RLW), we go back in time to one of the "classic" HF antennas from the 1920s and 1930's.  Kevin's end fed half wave with built-in counterpoise is based on an original 1909 design by German engineer Hans Beggerow, who later used the antenna on Zeppelin Air Ships. Along with other comments, Steve Ellington fills us in on Beggerow's original concept: REPLY Steve Ellington 1 day ago Hans Beggerow's antenna didn't have a counterpoise. That ladder line section was 1/4 wavelength long and acted as a transmission line transformer which transformed the high impedance antenna to a low impedance thus moving the high voltage point far away from the hydrogen filled balloon. It was simpl...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TV3Cj2J3T20. Here's another antenna idea from Australian radio amateur Peter Parker (VK3YE). In this video, Peter describes and demonstrates an end-fed multiband antenna for portable use.  According to Peter, the antenna is a "full-sized half wave on 20 meters and a loaded half wave on 40 meters...the antenna also works on 10 meters." Peter shows us all of the steps needed to make this portable antenna.  If you need a high performance antenna for your next mini-DXpedition, you may want to consider this easily made antenna from "Down Under." For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.blubrry.com/arrlaudionews/ https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. https://www...

Here's an interesting antenna project for those living in deed-restricted housing governed by HOAs and CC&Rs. Title: Broadband Indoor Antenna. Author: Igor Grigorov (VA3ZNW). Source: http://www.antentop.org/007html/007_p59.htm Accessed on 27 August 2019, 2200 UTC, Post 1972. Igor designed and built this antenna in 1994 after "heavy winter winds destroyed my outdoor antenna." In this post, Igor describes a very simple antenna "that can work at all amateur bands." The complete article covers three pages and includes the following: Diagram of the Broadband Indoor Antenna. The 9:1 Transformer Circuit. A circuit for testing the RF transformer. Data for the Broadband Indoor Antenna. ---------------------- For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. https://ww...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TpXibbie1U. Australian radio amateur Peter Parker (VK3YE) currently has 764 ham radio-related videos on his youtube channel.  One of his more popular programs is his "Ask me anything Q &A." The range of topics is quite broad, from antenna design and construction to portable operating and and simple transceiver repairs. At the end of each program (about an hour), he encourages viewers to submit their questions for possible inclusion in this recurring program.  Peter's programs are informal, down-to-earth, and easily understood.  Please check out this program from 23 July 2019 and then submit your question. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.blubrry.com/arrlaudionews/. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. 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=kCq_fOwCLT4. If your backyard or urban property lacks the space necessary for a full-sized horizontal dipole for the 80 meter amateur radio band, then a simple, easy to build Inverted L Antenna may be what you need. In this post, Callum (M0MCX) explains how he made his first inverted L antenna in the summer of 2017 for the IOTA 80 meter contest.  After he built the antenna and learned of its capabilities, Callum said "I loved it...small footprint, some DX capability, and some local activity, too." Why not make an inverted L antenna for your station? For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. https://www.eham.net. http://www.southgatearc.org. Th...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0jVVQ8ReQXA . If you can only erect one HF antenna to cover several amateur radio bands, you may find this multiband doublet from N4LQ (Steve Ellington) is what you need. According to Steve, this doublet is his "only antenna...(it) covers all HF bands..." Steve uses a MFJ-998 auto tuner connected to 60 ft/18.29 meters of ladder line to complete the antenna.  Steve says the 60 ft/18.29 meters of feed line "presents an easy match to tuner for 160 (meters)." For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. 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=c1Ays78mwZA. Multiband HF antennas can achieve higher efficiency and less power loss if you use a balanced feed line. Although 300 ohm television twin lead and 450 ohm ladder line are available from a number of vendors, why not make your own balanced feed line and get even lower losses? In this video, Steve Ellington shows how to make your own balanced feed line. Steve used 12 AWG "Flexweave 545" from The Wireman for his ladder line.  The 6 inch/15.24 cm spreaders are made from acrylic sold by UPC in Lima, Ohio U.S. Plastics. In addition to these materials, Steve used 14 inch/35.56 cm black wire ties to secure the spreaders.  Steve's center-fed antenna measures 130 ft/39.63 meters long and is approximately 50 ft/15.24 meters above ground.  His antenna "tuner" is a MFJ-998.  No baluns or chokes were needed by the antenna.  LMR-60...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fw_T5u_wd0E. Here's an interesting antenna from the Overlook Mountain Amateur Radio Club. This multiband HF antenna was inspired by a design from NE2Q.  The antenna is a 210 ft/64.02 meters Non Resonant Dipole fed by 90 ft/27.43 meters of 450 ohm ladder line.  The ladder line goes into a 4:1 current balun and then connects to an antenna transmatch (i.e. "tune") with a short length of 50 ohm coax. The antenna covers 160 meters through 10 meters and shows a marked improvement over the club's Fan Dipole.  If you have some space, you may want to build this simple, effective, and inexpensive multiband HF antenna. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bigislanda...

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MbXmAcf9MmI . If you're disappointed in the multiband HF performance of your G5RV antenna, try the ZS6BKW antenna as modified by N4UFB and AE4VJ.  With the possible exception of 450 ohm ladder line, most of the materials needed for this multiband HF antenna are readily available.  N4UFB and AE4VJ discuss the theory, construction, and testing of this antenna in easily understood terms. The ZS6BKW design is easily built and quickly adjustable. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. 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=vcyeyphLTIg . HOAs and CC&Rs seem to be the trend in housing these days.  These deed restrictions can create numerous roadblocks to erecting Amateur/Ham Radio antennas for HF/VHF/UHF stations. In this video from KG5OCW, we see how antennas can be designed and used without drawing undue attention to your ham radio activities.  You many find these suggestions helpful in your situation. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. 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=khZRVZnugio. Sometimes it's good to review basic antenna theory and practice before we embark on another antenna project.  What could be simpler than the "classic" HF dipole antenna? In this video from Johnny (W5KV), we learn how easy it is to design, build, test, and use a HF dipole antenna with only simple tools, some 50 ohm coaxial feed line, a cutting board, and some household wire.  An effective HF dipole antenna can be inexpensive, effective, and fun to use. Johnny does an excellent job of taking us from basic antenna theory to completed antenna in only a few steps.  His explanations are clear, concise, and easy to follow. This video would make an excellent club or license class presentation. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http:...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQI2G6uqQhw. A good, simple introduction on installing HF mobile antennas on modern vehicles from the staff of UK-based Waters and Stanton Ham Radio Store. Topics range from antenna installation to proper grounding and noise/hash suppression.  A useful guide for both beginners and seasoned antenna pros. 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 by HQ ARRL). https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://www.eham.net.com. 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=YQr9gg7umg0. Mobile HF antennas can be difficult to install, tune, and use because of several problems, including poor grounding, the use of fiberglass in vehicle bodies, rf "hash" from onboard electronics, and poor connections. In this video from K1GMM, we see how some of these problems can be identified and "tamed".  An important element of K1GMM's mobile HF antenna is the hefty air coil which is tapped to obtain a decent match to his transceiver. K1GMM offers several suggestions that can help make you next mobile HF antenna a bit easier to install and tune. 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 by HQ ARRL). https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. htt...

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 from Stan Gibilisco (W1GV), we learn a few new things about coax-fed dipole antennas and open-wire-fed zepp antennas.  Both of these "classic" HF antennas perform well if we pay attention to the peculiarities of each antenna. While coax-fed HF dipole antennas are simple and easy to build, the zepp or "Zeppelin Antenna" is a tricky "beast" that can prove frustrating to design, tune, and use. Stan offers some useful suggestions on designing and building these antennas, so that your efforts will succeed without problems.  An interesting look at two different HF antennas that can serve you well in the years ahead. For more antenna articles from Stan, please visit:  http://www.sciencewriter.net. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARR...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57IQDnyk2LA.  This is post 1960. Protecting your antenna connectors and exposed wiring is an often missed step in antenna construction.  Your antenna will last longer if you take steps to "weatherize" all exposed wire areas. In this video from ShineMicro, we learn how to seal coax connectors and protect LNAs from water, salt spray, UV rays, and humidity.  The steps outlined in this video are simple, easy to follow, and fairly inexpensive.  If you've invested time and money in designing and building your latest antenna creation, you need to insure that it's protected against harsh weather conditions.  A little protection now will save you a rebuilding project later. 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 (...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXg7ZOAkDyg. Here's another simple, effective, and inexpensive antenna suitable for both home and field use. In this video, VE3BF uses common materials to make a quick and easy 40 meter vertical antenna, which can be used on other amateur radio bands with an "antenna tuner." Here are the materials needed for this project: Shakespeare telescoping 20 carbon fibre fishing pole from Amazon. 33' 9"/10.28 meters of 18 gauge speaker wire. LDG 4:1 balun. 20'/6.097 meters of 50 ohm coaxial cable for the feedline. Extra wire for a simple ground radial or counterpoise 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 by HQ ARRL). https://oahuarr...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsGXJxNkfb8. A nicely done, simple portable vertical antenna for the 40 meter Amateur Radio band from John Saunders.  John does an excellent job of describing this antenna made from commonly available parts. The antenna is compact, easily made, and performs well under field conditions. 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 by HQ ARRL). 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=lZkWPP13S6k. Thanks to M0ZMP for this excellent, well-presented video on how to design and build a 6 meter Delta Loop Antenna.  This antenna is strong, portable, and inexpensive if you use locally available materials. M0ZMP takes you through the entire assembly process with suggestions designed to make this antenna work for you.  This antenna is suitable for both home 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 by HQ ARRL). https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://www.eham.net. http://www.southgatearc.org. Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

Bent Dipole Antennas from KK4OBI Source:   https://www.qsl.net/kk4obi/Center-fed%20Dipole%20selection.html Accessed on 12 August 2019. Content provided by Dick Reid (KK4OBI). One of the simplest and cost effective HF antennas you can build is the "classic" dipole antenna.  The dipole can be fed with 50 ohm coaxial cable for single band use or with balanced feed line into a balanced "tuner" for multiband HF applications. The dipole antenna is amazingly "forgiving" and can be shaped to fit your property or the confines of a portable operation. You can still use a dipole antenna fairly well, even if you have to "bend" it out of shape to fit  your needs. In this post from Dick Reed (KK4OBI), we explore at least 16 types of "bent" dipole antennas that will work in your yard:  These variation range from the traditional horizontal HF dipole and inverted V to bent end dipoles and vertical dipole configurations. Dick provides an in...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6dU2b0AHD1M. If you ever wanted a bidirectional, monoband, broadside HF antenna, then the Bobtail Curtain Antenna may be for you.  The antenna derives from experimental work done by Ernest Sterba in the early 20th century. Stan Gibilisco (W1GV) does a good job of explaining the theory behind this antenna and how to build one for your use.  I've used Sterba-inspired antennas during ARRL Field Day and found them to deliver excellent DX contacts. Curtain arrays are still used by international shortwave stations to deliver powerful signals to targeted areas around the world.  Build a simple Bobtail Curtain Antenna and see what results you get. 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 ...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4kNK8ego1k. Here's a quick video from "SurvivalComms" showing his inexpensive and relatively compact End-Fed Antenna for the 160 Meter Amateur Radio Band. According to the video, the antenna "will cover 160-10m with a tuner and 160, 40, 30, and 15 meters without an antenna "tuner."  You may want to use the reverse beacon network to see how far you signal travels with this DIY antenna wire. 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 by HQ ARRL). 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 e...

If you can see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sdKUkghzE4. Here's another interesting post from Australian radio amateur Peter Parker (VK3YE). In his contact with Joseph (VK7JS), Peter learned that Joseph was using a two-turn magnetic loop just 1.5meters/4.92 ft in diameter made from semi-flexible coaxial cable.  According to Joseph, the entire antenna can be rolled up to a 1 meter/3.28 ft diameter bundle--perfect for both home and field use. This homebrew magnetic loop antenna performed well, considering it was used on the 80 meter amateur radio band.  During the recorded contact with Peter (VK3YE), Joseph (VK7JS) gives a full description of his new antenna.  If you live in a deed-restricted home or apartment, this antenna could be a way of staying on the air. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.o...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-vpRMQWanw. In this video from Greg Alexander, we see the complete design, construction, tuning, and testing sequence involved in making an inverted V "Fan Dipole Antenna." According to Greg, this homebrew multiband HF antenna covers the 40, 20, 15, 10, and 6 meter amateur radio bands.  If you build your fan dipole/inverted V with care, you won't need an antenna transmatch (i.e. "tuner") to solve high SWR issues. Greg does an excellent job of showing us the materials and techniques used to build this simple, easily supported (only one tall support is needed) 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....

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. Here's another antenna idea for those living in deed-restricted housing (HOAs/CC&Rs). Ron C. calls this attic-mounted antenna a "Broadband Butterfly Terminated Dipole" Antenna.  According to Ron C., this BBTD antenna covers 1.8 MHz to 54 MHz with a SWR of less that 2:1. Some of the Buxcom parts cited in this post may be found at Palomar Engineers. You'll also need a High-Z Balun (16:1) and a well-built antenna "tuner" to get maximum efficiency out of this antenna.  According to Ron C., no one can see this antenna from the street, making it "discrete and stealthy." 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). htt...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ext2J6Vs1wA . In this video from "Commsprepper", we see a fairly simple, yet sturdy, way to provide strain relief for your HF Dipole Antenna.  This method doesn't involve PVC pipe or complicated parts integration.  Just follow the video and  you'll have a strong, weather resistant device to help support your dipole 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. http://www.southgatearc.org. https://www.eham.net. 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=g_AX0csSkVw. Here's a fascinating idea for radio amateurs living in deed-restricted housing (HOAs/CC&Rs). In this video, KL7JR makes a pvc pipe-based spiral antenna capable of fitting into his 4 ft X 8 ft (1.21 m X 2.43 m) living room window.  Each bent leg is 17 ft/5.18 m long and fits with some space to share in that window frame. KL7JR describes the antenna in detail: total length of each leg of the antenna is 17 feet long (each 2 inch diameter coil, one per leg, measures about 14 feet of #14 solid insulated wire). I find the solid wire easier to work with and form the coils. I made the coils larger to better utilize the space I had (hmmm will that work?). My windows were of the new high efficiency plastic style which afforded me a lot of glass and not much metal framing to worry about interference. My LDG-100 auto tuner easily tuned 10, 12, ...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=-F7KYLO4Bkg. This Royal Canadian Air Force training film does an excellent job of "demystifying" propagation for both beginning radio amateurs and experienced operators.  Narration by Doug LeBlanc is good, evenly paced, and well illustrated. Despite a few minor flaws, the video is well-organized and thorough.  This video would make a good radio club or license class 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://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=HMWz_UzEYOM. If you want a simple, compact, and easy to deploy multiband HF antenna, please consider the "classic" W3EDP design from the mid-1930s by H.B. Siegal (W3EDP). Siegal's close friend, Yardley Beers (W3AWH), published the details in the March  1936 edition of "QST." As originally built, Siegal envisioned a multiband HF antenna using a wire length of 67 to 85 feet/20.42 to 25.91 meters in conjunction with a counterpoise of 17 feet/5.18 meters.  Both 67 and 85 feet/20.42 and 25.91 meters seem to work well from 80 through 10 meters.  A wide-range antenna "tuner" and a 4:1 current balun are needed to get maximum efficiency from the antenna. In this well-organized video from antenna builder John (WB6V), we get a basic understanding of both the theoretical and practical background of this antenna and some of John's ...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmMAnGRLNfw. Although radio amateurs have used "Zip"cord/Lamp cord successfully for antenna elements and ground radial wires for decades, lamp cord as a balanced feedline has been problematic. The main drawback to lamp cord feedlines has been excessive line loss, especially on amateur radio bands above 40 meters. Yet, properly used, zip cord/lamp cord can be used to make usable portable antennas for emergency field use. In this video, Stan Gibilisco (W1GV) examines the pros and cons of using inexpensive zip cord for HF antenna feedlines.  Basically, this type of antenna is a half-wavelength, center-fed dipole using two conductor lamp cord as a temporary balanced feedline. Do these antennas work?  As Stan says, "It depends."  The only good news in using zip cord for feedlines is that an electrical 1/2 wavelength of any feedline will r...