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=OC7kAjaCNs4 .  This is post 2222 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. One of my favorite multi-band HF antennas is the full-wavelength loop.  Properly designed, supported at a decent height, and fed by a balanced feedline/4:1 balun combination into a wide-range antenna "tuner", this antenna will give you many hours a enjoyable contacts. Callum (M0MCX) does an excellent job of covering all the basics and adjustments needed for this HF antenna.  Here are some of his observations: "Years ago, we ran a huge triangular loop at the Scout Hut in Dorridge. This was fed with coax and a 4:1 balun to bring impedance to near 50 ohms. I discuss the problem in matching the harmonics related to 80m and 40m and also the slightly higher SWR on 160m due to the loop (in percentage terms) being low to the ground. All the other bands were ...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEs48v_Ov24 .  This is post 2221 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Thanks to WJ6F for this short, informative video of the Alpha Vertical Antenna. This handy portable HF antenna cover 80 meters through 6 meters and can tolerate power levels up to 750 watts. Here's some additional information: Click THIS LINK to checkout the Alpha Vertical Antenna!! https://youtu.be/QEs48v_Ov24 "This video is about the Alpha Vertical Antenna by Alpha Antenna. It is perfect for those of us who live in HOA's, Field Day, rapid deployment in the event of an emergency. This antenna covers 6 - 80 meters, and will handle upto 750 watts. The total assembled hight is about 19.5 feet, and the antenna weighs about 5 pounds. ******************************************* DON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE http://bit.ly/2dnsge4 Join My Patreon Community...

If you can't see this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-SCiKpo_l40 .  This is post 2220 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Thanks to W5KV for describing this unusual antenna, which may be better receiving than transmitting.  Here are some general remarks from W5KV regarding the "pa0rdt" antenna: "Checking out the infamous Mini Whip antenna! How does this antenna work? - checkout this site! - https://owenduffy.net/antenna/PA0RDT-... https://www.ebay.com/itm/Cased-MiniWh... Please subscribe & share!" ----- 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/ http://www.hamradioupdate.com. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. http://www.southgatearc.org. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. https://www.eham...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8bS1QBH8VwQ .  This is post 2219 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Because of the COVID-19 virus, many radio amateurs are living under various "stay-at-home" orders.  Why not use that "free time" to make some simple, effective hf antennas? In this video from Australian radio amateur Peter Parker (VK3YE), we learn how to make a basic, yet effective 2 element wire antenna for the 10 meter Amateur Radio Band. Here are some of Peter's observations and a list of links for more information: "A wire yagi is the simplest and cheapest way to build a gain antenna for the higher HF bands. This video is a description of one for 28 MHz. VE7CA article 1: http://www.arrl.org/files/file/Techno... VE7CA article 2: http://www.ve7ca.net/ANT/MYa/VE7CA%20... VE7CA website: http://www.ve7ca.net/index.php " ----- ...

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 .  This is post 2218 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. If you have limited space antennas on your property, why not design, build, and use a simple, multi-band antenna that performs just as well as a single-band dipole? In this video from Bob Plank, we get a good overall introduction to multi-band dipoles and the construction tips needed to make these antennas.  Don't be afraid to experiment with various dipole configurations, ranging from horizontal to vertical. Here are some of Bob's notes: "I built a multiband dipole that will work 40, 20, 17, and 10 meters for ham radio. An easy project I was able to tackle in one day. Calculations for the wire lengths can be found easily online. I used a program called N2IMF antenna I downloaded from hamuniverse.com that will assist in dipole wire length." ----...

If you can't see this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDo6E27Wnd4 .  This is post 2217 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Thanks to Tim (G5TM) for this excellent introduction to Amateur/Ham Radio antennas. Although the video applies directly to UK radio amateurs who passed the Fondation exam, the suggestions made by Tim can used by any ham radio operator who wants a good, effective antenna at a reasonable price. Tim does a good job describing the pros and cons of  various antenna designs and whether you should make your own antennas or find a commercial product.  ----- 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/ http://www.hamradioupdate.com. http://www.southgatearc.org. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://hamradiohawaii.wordp...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MeumSDLXBKM .  This is post 2216 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Because of restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, many radio amateurs in the USA will be operating from their homes.  If you've never done a "mini dx-pedition" from your backyard, this video from Tracy ("Outdoors On The Air") will help you get started. Because of various work requirements, I've been a backyard operator for years.  Using solar power, a simple HF transceiver, and a homebrew antenna, I've enjoyed all the benefits of a portable operation without leaving my property.  I admit to missing my radio club friends at the nearest county park, but, when you've been ordered to "stay-at-home" until the coronavirus is contained, a home operation is better than no participation at all.  You can still have a lot of fun ...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPbet2esJfk .  This is post 2215 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. This video is a joy to watch.  Thanks to OM0ET for taking us on a beautiful spring walk  while demonstrating his Magnetic Loop Antenna.  All of his gear is compact and thoroughly portable, including this well-made magnetic loop antenna. Here are some reflections from OM0ET as he describes his portable operation: "Here I want to show you how to use the Magnetic Loop Antenna. I have enjoyed the walk during this beautiful spring day. This day has been windy so I would like to say SORRY for the wind noise at this video. I am working now on some good external microphone with the windproof shield ;) You can advise if you know some which is good for my Samsung Galaxy NOTE10+ with USB-C connector. I would be very thankful ;) Stay safe and be healthy! 73...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMmv_kiVc3A&list=PLn5NjXMG_PgJBNFmeDTzS1bHT-PXK9hMq&index=181 .  This is post 2214 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Thanks to Brian (K4BBL) for this enlightening, clever, and ultimately cheap HF antenna for portable or emergency use. Brian uses some surplus computer cable and a few items found locally to make this simple HF antenna.  Brian says the homebrew antenna works very well. Here are some of his comments: "I made a NorCal doublet HF antenna from scrap computer cable using this plan: http://norcalqrp.org/norcaldoublet.htm I set it up in a park with my Xeigu X-5105 radio and made some contacts." ----- 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/ http://www.hamradioupdate....

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YyZbQEUtyE4 .  This post 2213 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Thanks to "Tinker John" (W5CYF) for this clever way to make an effective, portable HF antenna.  Perhaps you have the materials for this handy antenna in your shack or around your home. Here are some of "Tinker John's" remarks: "Using a couple of Dollar Tree earphone cases and a few inexpensive items in your ham shack you can build a very effective portable QRP 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.blubrry.com/arrlaudionews. http://www.hamradioupdate.com. http://www.southgatearc.org. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. https://www.eham....

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yH0zKNNGa0s .  This is post 2212 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Whether you'll be homebound during the ARRL Field Day in June because of COVID-19 or contemplating a mini-dx pedition of your own (SOTA, IOTA), this simple, easy to make portable antenna from Kevin Loughin (KB9RLW) will be a welcome addition to your radio equipment. As Kevin shows, an easily-made 9:1 UnUn is the key to success for this project.  Here are some additional remarks from Kevin: "My portable antenna for field day. Quick and easy to put up, great performance, and cheap. What could be better? Here is a link to the commercial UnUn that I used in the video. http://www.balundesigns.com/model-913... Also check out my 40-15 meter remote tuned magnetic loop: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2QBQ... And my 160-80 meter 6ft. magnetic loop. http...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_oR4ieKRGA .  This is post 2211 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Do you remember those coiled metal toys called the "Slinky"?  Rather than watching them go down steps for the amusement of children, radio amateurs have converted these toys into a variety of antenna configurations, including the popular horizontal dipole. In this video, Stan Gibilisco (W1GV) examines the slinky as alternative design for the classic dipole antenna.  With careful attention to detail and access to balanced feed line and an antenna "tuner", this once famous toy can become a useful portable or 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.blubrry.com/arrlaudionews/ http://www.hamradioupdate.com. http://www....

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1mkLN4s6bo .  This is post 2210 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Thanks to Peter of "Watersstanton" in the UK for this ultra-simple and effective "L" antenna for the 20 meter Amateur/Ham Radio band.  The antenna takes up little space, is fairly inexpensive, and is easy to design/build. This project would be ideal as a stay-at-home emergency or portable antenna. ----- For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.blubrry.com/arrlaudionews/ http://www.southgatearc.org. http://www.hamradioupdate.com. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. https://www.eham.net. https://paper.li/f-1576465810 (breaking Amateur/Ham Radio News). Thanks for joining ...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwHfHXVI0vs .  This is post 2209 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Thanks to W4AOX for this informative, clear, and well-produced video about making a basic multi-band HF antenna. You may want to make this antenna for the upcoming ARRL Field Day or for your next portable operation. W4AOX offers this insight: "In this video I go through the steps to build a very simple, inexpensive multi band dipole antenna for the 40 and 20 meter amateur radio bands which can be used either at your home or in the field for off-grid emergency communications. Additionally, this DIY wire dipole antenna will also work on the 15, 12, 10 and 6 meter bands if your radio has an ATU or you have an external tuner. This exact DIY Dipole Antenna has allowed me to work and confirm 26 countries, all 50 U.S. states and every continent. Parts List: 1ea. ...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8D1T6Ay69tc .  This is post 2208 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. In this well-organized and easy-to-understand video from the "Ham Radio VLOG", we see how a variety of fiberglass poles can be used to support portable and emergency antennas. Here are some observations from the video: "Here I am trying to offer some insight into different types of fibreglass poles and maybe which is best for you. I also show an End Fed Half Wave (EFHW) antenna for 20Mtrs. As an addition I fired up the 991 to see what I could hear. Signal were coming in strong against a relatively low noise floor. Unfortunately the mic had developed a fault so TX was not possible. This turned out to be a faulty (dry joint) in the microphone. Rather than delete this or "doctor" the video I chose to leave it intact just to show that things do g...

Considering the damage done by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, this video from Scott Conover (AC2FV) is a necessary "push" to get us prepared for an uncertain communications, social, and political future.  This is post 2207 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Although Scott produced this video in 2016, his message of preparedness is needed more than ever in this time of social stress. Although Amateur/Ham Radio is at the center of Scott's message, the idea of preparing for and surviving these difficult time is timely and necessary. As Scott suggests, it would be a good time to get "up to speed" with AREAS, REACT, and other public service groups in your community.  Become proficient in First Aid and Emergency Communications.  Most importantly, stay safe, care for your family and community, and follow basic health directives. ----- 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=zxTUF1DyzWo .  This is post 2206 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Here's another example of making a HF antenna with available parts.  In this case, Mike Hannah creates a "slinky" vertical antenna with a counterpoise fashioned from steel tape measures.  Very basic, but the antenna works.  You may want to substitute copper coated wire or aluminum pieces for the tape measures in case you need to solder the counterpoise to the antenna base. Here are some of Mike's observations: "Slinky Antenna Build Video here: https://youtu.be/sOm1sOByoH8 I've changed out the speaker wire counterpoise on my slinky antenna with a tape measure! Will it work? Guess we will find out soon enough! Here is the link to the dremel bit set I was using. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07... " ----- For the latest Amateur/Ham...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-fuQz0-xbc .  This is post 2205 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas.. Thanks to radio amateur Kevin Loughin (KB9RLW) for this handy antenna accessory.  A simple L Network "tuner" is perfect for home or portable use.  Why not make one for your "stay-at-home" ARRL Field Day station? Kevin's instructions are clear, precise, 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/ http://www.southgatearc.org. http://www.hamradioupdate.com https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. https://www.eham.net. https://paper.li/f-1576455810 (breaking Amateur/Ham Radio News). Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0mWdNlHw5E .  This is post 2204 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. For me, the worst part of using a HF Vertical Antenna is cutting and installing a radial ground system.  Without a good counterpoise or ground radial system, you won't be able to get maximum performance from you new vertical antenna.  In this video, Kris ("dixielandfarm") takes us step by step in the installation of a vertical antenna ground system.  Here are some of his observations: "In this video I show how I lay down ground radials to help improve the signal/efficiency of my 40m 1/4 Vertical Antenna. Remember, more radials that are shorter are better than fewer that are longer. The general rule is put down 4 wavelengths of wire in the ground and try to get about 16-20 radials installed. If you can't make it perfect, don't worry. If you...