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=uYLKy8wKeCI. If you want to experiment with a different kind of amateur radio antenna, you may find this video from Stan Gibilisco (W1GV) interesting. Stan calls this variation of the classic "Lazy H Antenna" the "Perky "H" Antenna. According to Stan, this antenna is "a broadside array comprising of two vertical folded dipoles fed with ladder line."  You should get a good bi-directional pattern with some gain. If you want more information on the "Lazy H" family of curtain arrays, please check out "The Lazy 'H' Antenna" by Dave Newman (NA4L) at this site: http://www.hamuniverse.com/na4llazyhantenna.html. 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://oahua...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oc_L5xpEpxo. Thanks to Tom of "Practical Engineering Solutions" for this timely project which will help you ground your antenna to an actual earth ground and provide an extra measure of lightning protection. Tom's presentation is clear, concise and easy to understand.  Build one of these grounding boxes and protect your equipment from the forces of Nature. 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 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=O9FLgWoyfsY. Every ham radio station needs a dummy load.  This piece of equipment allows transmitter testing and adjustment with minimal RF energy. In this well-organized video from Randy Hall (K7AGE), we get a step-by-step tutorial on how to make an inexpensive QRP dummy load capable of handling 20 watts input. The device is small enough to put in your knapsack or "go-kit". Here are the materials needed for this project: "Parts needed: 8x 100 ohm 3 watt metal film resistors 1x 1N5711 diode 1x 0.01 uF capacitor BNC or SO239 connector Elecraft sites: http://www.elecraft.com/mini_module_k... http://www.elecraft.com/manual/E74006... Ebay diode http://www.ebay.com/itm/172427456902?... Ebay resistors http://www.ebay.com/itm/322171242623 " ------------------------------------ For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and informati...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jlvtJqoC98. This intriguing, easy-to-understand video from Matt Herre has convinced me to build a simple, inexpensive Yagi Antenna for my local 2 meter activity.  What makes this project so much fun is that Matt is using materials found around his home and resorts to only simple tools to build this handy emergency/portable antenna. Here's Matt's general description of his latest antenna project: Challenged myself to build a usable Yagi style antenna for the 2 Meter (2M - 144MHz) amateur radio band. The challenge part is that I wanted to use stuff I had lying around, and I wanted to build it using the fewest possible tools. Definitely no electric powered tools, so that this could be replicated in an emergency, no-power situation. It's a PVC boom and uses standard 12GA electrical circuit wire for the elements. Everything is assembled using w...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBb4B1K6WjM. A key component of your "bugout" bag or emergency "go-kit" is  the antenna. In this well-made video from "SurvivalComms", we get a simple step-by-step tutorial on how to design, build, test, and use an easily made, inexpensive VHF/UHF antenna for portable or field use.  Most of the components can be found locally, in your "junk box", or from fellow radio amateurs living nearby. The antenna is compact and folds easily into a small bag or knapsack--perfect for operations "in the field".  Why not make one of these antennas for your "go-kit" or for emergency use at your home station? 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...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yH0zKNNGa0s. Thanks to Kevin Loughin (KB9RLW) for this amazingly simple, cheap, and high performance vertical antenna.  Kevin originally designed this homemade antenna for the ARRL Field Day, where the accent is placed on emergency power, quickly made antennas, and the ability to handle contacts in a simulated emergency setting. Materials for this portable vertical HF antenna can be found at the nearest building supply outlet or neighborhood hardware store.  If you have extra coaxial cable and a telescoping fiberglass mast, your construction phase will go fairly quickly.  Why not make one of Kevin's antennas for your "go-kit" or for portable, "in-the-field" expeditions to the nearest park or recreation area? Also, you could make this antenna for home use, should your regular HF antennas be out of service. For the latest Amateur/Ha...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YaTCXQSu9B4. Stan Gibilisco (W1GV) does an excellent job of explaining the pros and cons of Balanced and Unbalanced Feed Lines, or what Stan calls "symmetrical vs asymmetrical feed lines."  Each type of feed line has both advantages and drawbacks, depending on what kind of antenna you use. For monoband use, a coaxial cable feed line is often the best solution.  However, if your antenna is designed for multiple band use, a balanced feed line such as 450 ohm ladder line, 300 ohm television twin lead, or even homemade 600 ohm balanced line used with a wide-range antenna transmatch (i.e. "tuner") is often the better choice from the standpoint of line loss and SWR. 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/ htt...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VfhrMqZAlmg. If you need an inexpensive, easy to build 20 meter antenna, then this homebrew special from Denis (VE3BF) is what you need.  Denis does an excellent job of taking us step-by-step through the design, construction, testing, and use process. Here are the materials needed for this simple vertical antenna: Build an easy and inexpensive portable antenna for 20 meters and other bands. Parts used: 8 foot fence rail for the mast TV antenna roof tripod 1/2 or 3/4 inch diameter galvanized conduit pipe 6 x 9 inch cedar board 4 pipe saddle clamps 2 hose clamps 1 stainless steel 108 inch whip LDG RU-4:1 Unun 75 feet of 14 gauge wire 50 ohm coax Antenna calculator http://www.66pacific.com/calculators/... ------------------- For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arr...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ux5UoiYyKNM. Frank Donovan (W3 LPL) presented this informative, excellent antenna tutorial at the January 2016 meeting of the Frankford Radio Club. Frank offers helpful, valuable suggestions on how radio amateurs can maximize the performance of their antennas in the lower HF bands during a period of uncertain propagation.  Frank discusses antenna polarization and the need for both receiving and transmitting antennas for 160 and 80 meters. Frank's program would make an excellent presentation for any amateur radio club or for an amateur radio license class.  Frank's tutorial is clear, concise, and easy to follow. 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.wor...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehjKrJ-TH_w. Here's great project for those wanting a separate receive antenna for both Amateur Radio and general shortwave listening.  The antenna covers 5 MHz to 14 MHz--enough flexibility to include all amateur radio bands between 60 meters and 20 meters. This antenna is simple, cost effective, compact, and suitable for indoor operation. The addition of a classic Hallicrafters S-38 receiver rounds out an excellently produced video. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.blubrry.ocm/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 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=wdrIOKXF7jE. A fascinating look at the HF antennas used by worldwide military forces to maintain reliable communications with troops in the field. The discussion on NVIS antennas (Near Incident Skywave) is especially good. NVIS HF antennas are excellent for local and regional communications and require only modest wire and mast arrangements.  This video gives you plenty of suggestions for your next HF antenna.  If you're active in emergency communications and need dependable communications for your team or net, then these antennas may be what you need. 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.ne...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lO14KuWM3bE. I've always enjoyed Dave Casler's (KE0OG) series of ham radio videos.  He's down to earth, patient, and thoroughly versed in the topic he chooses to produce. In this video, Dave discusses the basic construction and troubleshooting strategies employed in designing, building, erecting, testing, and using the "classic" HF Dipole Antenna.  This video would make a good club or classroom program, especially for those preparing for amateur radio exams. 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://bigislandarrlnews.com. https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.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=sty7RlXQoJI. Thanks to Steve Ellington for this excellent tutorial on how to design, build, test, and use a 49:1 transformer for End Fed Half Wave Antennas (EFHW). Although EFHW antennas are fairly simple and inexpensive, they do require a transformer to match the nominal 50 ohm impedance of your HF transceiver to the often high impedance (2500 ohm plus) of half wavelength wire antennas. In addition to helpful construction details, Steve also shows us how to mount the matching device.  According to Steve, the toroid part number is 5952003801.  You can find these toroids here:  http://www.fair-rite.com/products/toroids.  You can find the enclosure at Lowe's. 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://...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmZemahwtzw. This tutorial from the late Raymond Jackson (KB9COL) is a great, masterful, step-by-step instructional video on how to build a high performance "6 Meter-Plus Antenna." Here are few of Raymond's notes about the project: The Length of the 75 ohms coaxial cable " each " is 32 inches. This is from the tip of center " Male " ( Hot ) pin of the PL 259 to the tip of the eye solder terminal . ---------------------------------- 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. http://www.southgatearc.org. https://www.eham.net. Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH...

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 easily assembled, simple, and inexpensive 2 meter ground plane antenna?  Then this antenna idea from Michael Martins (KB9VBR) could be your answer. This 1/4 wavelength ground plane antenna is made from a length of PVC pipe, a SO-239 chassis connector, and enough wire to create the vertical radiating element and the above-ground counterpoise system. Make one for your emergency "go-kit" or as a standby antenna for your shack. 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 Russ (KH6J...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSoXIqBlg9M&list=PLxm5IrcbyCDWB9BtI8QAhotPnAIe5b8so. This is one of the best antenna theory videos I've seen in a long time.  Although this tutorial applies to a wide range of antenna interests (model aircraft, drones, remotely controlled vehicles of various types), there's a lot of valuable material for the radio amateur. The presenter for this "RCModelReviews" video does an excellent job of explaining complex antenna theory for both the novice and "seasoned" ham radio operator.  This video would make an excellent lesson for an amateur radio license class or for a radio club program. 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.wordpres...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4K5Vj6wtpE0. Randy Hall (K7AGE) provides a simple, step-by-step lesson on how to design, build, test, and use a 6 meter amateur/ham radio antenna.  This easily-built antenna provides excellent local and regional coverage at minimum cost. Here are some of Randy's thoughts on this antenna: This video I show you how to build a 6 meter ham radio dipole antenna. This is another video to help you get on six meter. In this video I explain the half wave dipole antenna and show as an example the dipole that I built. A half wave dipole is one of the simplest antennas that you can build. The dipole is usually two pieces of wire, attached to a center insulator. The dipole is fed with coax, with the center conductor going to one wire and the shield going to the other wire. The formula to calculate the length of the antenna is Length in feet = 468/ Freq in MHz. S...

If you can't view the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xgm0lgpKfHg. Thanks to KG7TUO for this intriguing vertical dipole antenna for the 2 m and 70 cm amateur radio bands.  This antenna is perfect for deed-restricted housing or for portable operations.  Most of the materials can be found at the nearest home improvement outlet, electrical supply warehouse, or neighborhood hardware store. Here are some of KG7TUO's comments about the antenna: NOTE: Comparative testing of this antenna against one without the "choke" showed that the choke is NOT needed. Homemade vertical dipole for HAM 2 meter and 70 cm bands. With 1 watt, it will reliably hit a repeater 29 miles away (furthest repeater not blocked by terrain). The Elmer that checked this antenna for me said "don't touch it, put it up". SWR across the 2 meter band is 1.1 to 1.4 with most of the band covered at 1.2 or below and 1.1 ...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YswnVmAKSP0. Australian radio amateur Peter Parker (VK3YE) has experimented extensively with what he calls "pedestrian mobile antennas."  These antennas can be used either in motion or in a fixed location at a beach or public park. In this video, Peter explores a simple, practical pedestrian magnetic loop for the 40 meter amateur radio band (7 MHz). Peter compares copper and aluminum magnetic loops of different construction for their ease of operation and efficiency. Several of his magnetic loop designs have reached out between 300 km/185 miles and 1500 km/930 miles.  In Peter's view, "Tests demonstrate that HF pedestrian mobile with easily carried antennas is both effective and practical." Before you build and use these innovative antennas, please be aware that you may be exposed to excessive radiation near the transmitting eleme...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJrA62t141s . You don't need expensive equipment to work some of the amateur radio satellites, including the AO91. Australian radio amateur Peter Parker (VK3YE) shows us how two inexpensive Chinese handheld transceivers (Baofeng UV-82) can be used to access this relatively new ham radio satellite. Peter readily admits that this kind of contact will be at times difficult, owing to the compromise antenna being used in this test.  But, you will be able to make some interesting contacts despite the antenna limitations. If you use one of the backpack VHF antennas described in the two previous posts, your results should be much improved. 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:/...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAiilzV8NpI. In my previous post, we examined the KD5IVP 2 meter Backpack Yagi Antenna--an excellent choice for operating "in the field" or for emergency use at your home station. In this video, we see another great backpack antenna from Dave Tadlock (KG0ZZ).  Dave takes us step-by-step through the design, construction, testing, and tuning of this handy, portable 2 meter quad antenna.  Assembly and disassembly are straightforward both at home and on portable operations. Most of the materials for this antenna can be found at the nearest hardware store or building supply outlet. For the latest amateur/ham radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.blubrry.com/arrlaudionews/ https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarr...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPGmad2MMWM. If you need an efficient, simple to build, and totally portable 2 meter antenna, then this design from KD5IVP is what you need. This video shows you how to design, build, test, and use this ideal backpack yagi antenna.  You may want to make one of these antennas for home use in case your regular 2 meter antenna is damaged by some natural event such as a storm or high winds.  Most of the materials for this yagi antenna can be obtained from the home improvement outlets or hardware stores in your area.  This is a great antenna that belongs in 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.blubrry.com/arrlaudionews/ https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrl...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9wU6-ymiftM. Here's a simple antenna that will provide coverage from 20 to 10 meters if you lack space to install a horizontal dipole. According to Stan Gibilisco (W1GV), the antenna is "1/2 wavelength on 20m and a full wavelength on 10m...it's designed for low-angle DX radiation and reception from 14 MHz to 28 MHz."  An excellent antenna for restricted spaces. 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 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=oloLbE968Cg. Would you like to increase the gain and directivity of your 15 meter dipole antenna?  You can, if you make a few modifications to its length and are willing to use a balanced feed line and an antenna transmatch (i.e. "tuner"). This video is based on a design by George Murphy (VE3ERP).  The Extended Double Zepp Antenna is simple, efficient, and exhibits nearly 3 dBi gain over the "classic" 1/2 wavelength horizontal dipole. I've used a variety of extended double zepp antennas during ARRL Field Days and can attest to their outstanding performance.  The major limiting factor of this antenna is the extra space needed for each antenna element--which will be 5/8 wavelength each compared to 1/4 wavelength each for the regular dipole. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these web sites: http:...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tbh-IK7KIcg. In this well-constructed video from Peter Hadley (K6BFA), we see examples of how radio amateurs have passed antenna feed lines from their shacks to their antennas. These examples may give you an idea of what can be done to connect your station to your outdoor antenna.  Suggestions offered in this video may help you tackle this age-old problem. 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 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=Yx5F1jUFySM. A homemade dummy load should be part of your station's equipment.  With this simple instrument, you can adjust your transmitter off-air without causing interference with other communications services. This dummy load from "the250rider" is ultra simple:  8, 100-ohm, 1/2 watt (5% tolerance) resistors hooked up in series-parallel and immersed in vegetable oil. The impedance of this dummy load is 49.8 ohms. 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 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=6dU2b0AHD1M. If you want a single band, high gain HF antenna, please consider the "classic" Bobtail Curtain Antenna.  According to Stan Gibilisco (W1GV), the Bobtail Curtain is a "monoband, broadside wire arry" that delivers significant gain with easily obtained materials. Unlike the simple dipole or inverted V antennas, the Bobtail Curtain Antenna requires careful attention to detail and may require adjustment before its full potential can be realized. I've used Bobtail Curtain Antennas at several ARRL Field Day events, and can attest to their performance.  The time invested in designing and building this antenna pays off in excellent performance. 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://o...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYLKy8wKeCI. If you want to experiment with a new HF antenna, why not build what Stan Gibilisco (W1GV) calls the "Perky H" antenna?  The design is simple and the construction fairly easy.  This could be a fun project for both portable and home station use. For more antenna ideas from Stan, please visit http://www.sciencewriter.net. 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 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=b0niy7Sy96Q. Why not take a break from HF propagation problems and try working some of the amateur radio satellites?  Many of these new satellites are based on the successful SO-50 design and can be worked with simple antennas and basic VHF/UHF equipment. In this video, Dave Tadlock (KG0ZZ) show us how to build a sturdy, portable satellite antenna that has dual band (2 meter/70 cm) capabilities.  You can mount the antenna on a tripod or hold it in your hand as you pick out the satellite you wish to use. Dave takes us step-by-step from the design and construction phase all the way to the testing and use procedure.  This dual band satellite antenna is suitable for both home and portable use. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these sites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.blubrry.com/...

. If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ua25rWs5RH0. It's amazing what can be done with discarded materials in the realm of amateur/ham radio. In this video, Australian radio amateur Peter Parker (VK3YE) uses an old bicycle tire rim to make a workable magnetic loop antenna for listening and WSPR transmitting over 7-28 MHz.  While not as efficient as a commercial magnetic loop or even a dipole antenna, it does work.  You could even use an old "hula hoop" from "back in the day" to make a receiving loop.  If you're careful in selecting cast off materials, you may get an antenna form absolutely free.  You can't beat that deal. 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.word...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g15xQecyKzQ. One of the most important ways to improve the performance of a HF vertical antenna is to install a ground radial or counterpoise system.  These extra wires help supply the "missing half" of the vertical antenna and improve the overall efficiency of your HF vertical antenna. In this video from "hamradiocrazy", we get a well done, informative tutorial on how to make and install a ground radial system for a HF vertical antenna--in this case the antenna is a Hustler 4BTV...lots of good ideas in this presentation. 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.so...