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=IvMMS6ADpuI&ab_channel=HamRadioPortable This is post 2405 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Thanks to Steve (KM4SLW) and his friends at "Ham Radio Portable" for this efficient, lightweight, inexpensive vertical antenna for the 20 meter and 40 meter Amateur Radio bands.   Although the antenna is designed for portable or field use, it can be used at your home station as well. Here are some details from Steve: he idea for this antenna came from the qrpguys.com website. This one is built to handle 100W on ssb. The box has one T157-2 powered iron toroid with 24 turns of 18ga. enameled wire. For 20m the core is bypassed as the antenna wire is already a 1/4 wave on 20m- 16'-5". For 40m , the connection uses the core that provides the inductance to make the wire electrically appear to be a 1/4 wave on 40 meters. The core has around...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-8P1-PfT9s One of the major problems with vertical and random length wire antennas is the installation of an effective ground radial or counterpoise system.  Without a good ground radial system, the performance of your 1/4 wavelength vertical or long wire antenna will suffer. In this video from Callum McCormick (M0MCX), we see one way to design, install, and test a ground radial system for HF vertical antennas. Here are some of Callum's comments: Ground Radials are a thing of "Mystique". I use the formula of using 4-wavelengths of wire in total, cut into random lengths to suit.All my radials are LESS than 1/8th of a wavelength. For 80m, my radials are around 2.4% of the wavelength. My experience and demonstration in a real-world solution will assist our thinking. HEY, Subscribe here: https://goo.gl/thM5Vq My Shop: https://www.m0mcx.co.uk/store/pr...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZoYyluYdaU&ab_channel=SteveEllington This is post 2403 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. An inverted L antenna makes an excellent 160 meter antenna for radio amateurs short on space.  In this video, Steve Ellington modifies a design by K2AV and erects a 160 meter antenna in his back yard. The key to an efficient 160 meter vertical antenna is an extensive ground radial system.  In this case, Steve uses an interlocking counterpoise to provide the ground return for his antenna.  The antenna works despite space constraints. You can find K2AV's original pdf here: https://k2av.com. ----- 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=7rujoKVOhK8&ab_channel=HamRadioConcepts Thanks to Eric of the "HamRadioConcepts Radio Channel" for this excellent discussion of stealth antennas for deed-restricted properties. Many of the antennas described in this discussion are based on ultra-light designs by N9SAD. If you're forced to use highly compromised antennas for your ham station, you may want to consider some of the ideas suggested by Eric. Here are few comments from Eric: By HAMS for HAMS Here are some super stealth ultra-lite HF dipoles made by N9SAD and some on-air testing. Here is the link to the ebay store.. And if you use promo code HRCdipole you can save 10% when you purchase.. http://www.ebay.com/usr/timortiz?_trk... is where i bought it. I will be using this on QRP day 12/17/2016 in my go-kit. Also check out the video i posted of QRP day, a great working antenna, good contac...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3uKViXEDog&ab_channel=KevinLoughin In his spare time, Kevin Loughin (KB9RLW) enjoys going on the road with his RV (recreational vehicle) and talking with radio amateurs around the country. In this video, Kevin show us his mobile "antenna farm" which enables communication from 160 meters to 70 cm. His antennas include a slim jim, doublet, an end-fed half-wave for 160m, and a Chameleon whip with a 9:1 balun. Here are some of Kevin's comments" In answer to many recent questions about what I use for antennas while roving around. Links to the various antenna build videos below. Slim Jim for 2 meters: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hG7d... Doublet: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tA4lo... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sli_O... End fed half wave 160M: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFEs-... The Chameleon whip and 9:1 combo doesn't...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46SbGxS73dY&ab_channel=DigiInternationalInc. An excellent introduction to antenna design basics and how to use six fundamental parameters to maximize antenna performance. Here are some general comments from the video producer: Six key antenna parameters are discussed to assist with antenna selection, antenna integration and antenna design. Antenna implementation is critical to the performance of any wireless product. Design your mechanicals around the antenna to provide ample room for the antenna and ground plane so that the antenna can radiate properly. Be sure to impedance match off-the-shelf antennas and tune custom antennas in-situ, as they will likely be de-tuned once integrated into the device due to ground plane effects, batteries, plastic enclosures and even human tissue for wearables. Learn more about Digi Wireless Design Services here: http://bit.ly/...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qm2Anc96Dqo&ab_channel=2E0EZTamateurradio This is post 2399 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Thanks to Carl (2E0EZT) for this excellent, oft times humorous look at making a basic, inexpensive 20 meter vertical antenna.  The antenna is good for both home and field use. Here are some of Carl's observations: A quick video following a conversation with a fellow operator about working lightweight SOTA or similar. I own an MP1 SuperAntenna but felt that making a simple wire antenna and a small flag pole could get you onto the lower bands (20m) quite easily and lightweight. I made this antenna during a break while working at home, it tested fine on the analyser and worked very well during a quick deployment at some high ground near home. PLEASE NOTE: the fold over wire (about 90cm) should be kept away from the rest of the wire antenna runni...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browsers search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDfg6ytPOf0&ab_channel=RateMyRadio This is post 2398 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Thanks to Jarrad (VK3BL) for this simple antenna switch box project. Here are some of Jarrad's comments" We discuss why Mr. T (connector) is best left as a TV Star, and why they're not suitable for use as an antenna splitter in a Ham Shack. We cover the Mini-Circuits ZSC-2-2+ HF Splitter, and why its such a good solution to the problem of splitting an antenna between receivers, especially if you want to do accurate comparisons. We also cover how to use the 'RX Loop' on the IC-7610, and demonstrate using it to split the received signal between itself and the Icom IC-R8600. Stay QRV for lab grade transceiver shoot outs, with directly recorded audio from each so you can make up your mind for yourself :) Please feel free to be in conta...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RcO5WAiksNI&list=PLL-auNm_c0ubysj2O5x1zAQevCDmqpAca&index=1&ab_channel=DaveTadlock This is post 2397 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Thanks to Dave Tadlock (KG0ZZ) for this simple 2m/70cm vertical dipole antenna project.  This antenna is perfect for deed - restricted housing and field operations. Also, Dave provides a link for more details on the antenna: A simple ham radio 2 meter and 70 cm antenna for fixed or portable use. For details: http://www.amateurradio.bz/2m-70cm_ve... ----- 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=3TF6WFoPsFw&ab_channel=W3ATB This is post 2396 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. In this well-paced, tightly organized video, Tim Carter (W3ATB) shows us how to build and install a basic 80 meter NVIS (near vertical incidence skywave) antenna.  Most of the materials for this project can be found locally or in your "junk box," NVIS antennas can provide reliable, strong signals out to about 300 miles/486 km.  These antennas are perfect for local, state, and regional communications. 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=RsgdcHeP6S0&ab_channel=TechMinds This is post 2395 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. End Fed Half Wave Antennas are simple, compact, and highly portable.  The secret to an effective EFHW antenna is the 49:1 transformer which matches the impedance of your transceiver to the extremely high impedance of the antenna itself. In this video, "Tech Minds" shows us how to build a basic 49:1 UnUn which will protect your transceiver as well as deliver maximum efficiency for the antenna. Here are some general comments from "Tech Minds": Here we take a look at an End Fed Half Wave antenna which is resonant on many HF bands due to a 49:1 matching unit being used. Antenna Design Plans: http://www.infotechcomms.net/download... Would you like to help me fund a new camera for the Channel? Then visit my GoFundMe page here: https://www.go...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ag3Z3295cN0&ab_channel=KB9VBRAntennas This is post 2394 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Every radio amateur should have a "go-kit" for portable or emergency operations. In this video from Michael Martens (KB9VBR), we see how simple a portable field kit can be--Michael's kit has only three well-packed bags. Here are some of Michael's comments: What do I carry with me when I hit the road for a Parks on the Air of some other kind of portable radio activity. In this video I break down the contents of my portable HF radio kit: Products/Items mentioned: Tactical Sling Bag: https://amzn.to/323gb5G Yaesu FT-891 Portable Transceiver: https://www.hamradio.com/detail.cfm?p... Domke Padded Wrap: https://amzn.to/317Ztmm LDG Z-11 Pro II Auto Tuner: https://www.hamradio.com/detail.cfm?p... Rigexpert Stick 230 Analyzer: https://amzn....

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKOf1J7u0Xs&ab_channel=HamRadioCrashCourse This is post 2393 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antenans. This video from Josh Nass ("Ham Radio Crash Course") discusses the various antennas that can be used in deed-restricted properties (HOA/CC&R). This program was part of a live podcast from 08 August 2020. If you're living in an antenna-controlled apartment or home, you may find some of suggestions helpful in getting and staying on the air. Here are some general comments from Josh: Patron Pick August! What antennas should you look at setting up in compromised spaces? We'll talk about it tonight! http://www.Hamtactical.com For all the Ham Radio Crash Course Merch! Thank you for the support! Links to products in the video: https://www.amazon.com/shop/hamradioc... As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. http...