Simple Ham Radio Antennas

Antenna Length Chart. Views expressed in this Amateur/Ham Radio article are those of the reporters and correspondents. Accessed on 31 July 2022, 1315 UTC. Content supplied by W7LK via "qsl.net." Source:  https://www.qsl.net/w/w7lk/site/antennachart.htm Please click link or scroll down to read your selections. Thanks for joining us today. Russ Roberts (https://www.simplehamradioantennas.com) Antenna Length Chart in Feet and Meters Antenna Length Chart in Feet and Meters   Ham Band Frequency (Mhz) 1/4 λ (Feet) 1/2 λ Dipole (Feet ) 1 λ Loop (Feet)   1/4 λ (Meters) 1/2 λ Dipole (Meters) 1 λ Loop (Meters)   160 1.800 130' 0'' 260' 0'' 558' 4''   39.6 79.3 170.2 1.850 126' 6'' 253' 0'' 543' 3'' 38.6 77.1 165.6 1.900 123' 2'' 246' 4'' 528' 11'' 37.5 75.1 161.2 2.000 117' 0'' 234' 0'' 502' 6'' 35.7 71.3 153.2   80 3.500 66' 10'' 1...

An excellent presentation from "AmRad Podcasts" on the theory, construction, testing, and use of 1/4 wavelength antennas. If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=haizSAYquUg Here are some comments from the podcast: Today I’m going to show you how to make a 1/4 wavelength antenna for the 70cm amateur radio band. Of course physics doesn’t care who’s using her laws, so this design can be applied to really any frequency, though the lower in frequency you go, the bigger it gets! We’ll cover a little basic antenna theory, build it, install it in the attic and do some testing & tuning on a nanoVNA vector network analyzer. **NOTE: If you are going to make one of these, the distance from the center of the SO239 to the edge of the metal plate MUST be considered as part of the radial system. So you MUST subtract this length from the wire radials when cutting them. Sheet metal brake/shear used: Harb...

How to build a simple 6 meter dipole antenna with the aid of a 3D printer. Thanks to Kevin Loughin (KB9RLW) for this homebrew 6 meter antenna project. If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hdKCQX1lv8 Here are some comments from Kevin (KB9RLW): Leonids meteor shower was starting up, so I needed an antenna for 6 meters. Let's make a dipole. Thingiverse link to the dipole center insulator: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:280... If you like my videos, please subscribe here: http://www.youtube.com/user/loughkb?s... If you want me to keep making more videos like this, consider becoming my patron at Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/kb9rlw/ Discuss this and other videos on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kb9rlw/ ----- Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).  

Here's another informative and fascinating antenna idea from Australian radio amateur Peter Parker (VK3YE). In this video, Peter shows us how to design, build, and test an oblong loop antenna for 28 and 50 MHz bands. If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zf2tIUEIBRE Here are some comments from Peter (VK3YE): I've had success with 50 ohm oblong loops for 144 MHz but what about lower frequency bands? In this video I try ones for 28 and 50 MHz. PS: If you liked this video please consider supporting Amateur Radio VK3YE by: * Subscribing on YouTube, * Checking my books page at https://books.vk3ye.com * Shopping on Amazon via: https://amzn.to/3iiDQXv , or * Shopping on eBay via: https://ebay.us/i9DuWP (then if you buy something I'll get a small commission at no cost to you) ----- Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).  

Thanks to Callum (M0MCX) and "QSO Today" for these simple, inexpensive, and effective antennas for radio amateurs.  These antennas can be made from locally available resources. If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pg7WbTEkFds Here are some comments from Callum (M0MCX): I show you exactly how to build the THREE best wire antennas that all ham radio operators should be able to build in their sleep. Presented originally at QSO Today. Callum. ----- Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).  

Thanks to Tim (G5TM) and Rick (DJ0IP) for this "Super Multi-Band Antenna" covering all Amateur Radio Bands between 80 meters and 10 meters. If you have the space and some tall supports, this "Lazy Loop Antenna" will prove itself to be an excellent DX antenna. If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ycBtbIKOqI Here are some general comments about the antenna: Thanks again to Rick, DJ0IP for publishing details of this antenna which he says provides great gain at higher angles for 80 and 40 metres as well as very good gain 20 metres through 10 metres. Let’s use MMANA-gal modelling to see if this agrees. Check out Rick’s website here: https://www.dj0ip.de/my-favorite-ante... Connect with my channel by subscribing and commenting. Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).  

Here's another great HF antenna idea from Mike (M0MSN0. In this video, we get a clear, simple explanation of how to design, build, and test a "Fan Dipole Antenna." If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_j9Hr5BLLg Here are some comments from Mike (M0MSN): Fan Dipole : How it works. Aimed at anyone with an interest of DIY antenna building. this is a rather oversimplified explanation of how the "Fan Dipole" works. As a cut length of wire is resident at a given frequency with a impedance of 50 Ohms, If you feed RF energy to the wire at the same frequency, the wire will radiate the RF with little to no returned energy. If however you move away from that frequency the impedance of the wire changes and the cut wire becomes resistive, the RF energy being pass it will start being return to to its source, (high SWR) A Fan Dipole has multiple cut lengths of wire, resident and key freq...

An excellent discussion of the pros and cons of using HF vertical antennas. Peter Waters (G3OJV) analyses vertical antenna performance issues based on his more than 60 years experience as a radio amateur.  A good, basic exploration of both the theory and practice behind HF vertical antennas. If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=McjFpTj0UI8 Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).  

Thanks to Tim (G5TM) for this low profile, trapped vertical antenna for deed-restricted homes and "field operations." The antenna covers the 20m, 15m, and 10m Amateur Radio Bands If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ObE9DJzve-o Here are some comment from Tim (G5TM): A three-band vertical covering 20,15 & 10 metres. Ideal for portable and HOA use. Ebay seller: https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/techdarren... Or search for antenna traps! Connect with my channel by subscribing and commenting. ----- Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).  

Here's a simple multiband portable vertical antenna you can make at home with locally available materials. Paul (OM0ET) takes us step-by-step through the design, construction, and testing of this useful antenna. If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2nh0Du58jg Here are some comments from Paul (OM0ET): Hello! In this video I show you my homebrew multiband vertical portable antenna :) Me and Paul OM0WT went to try it in the field how will this antenna perform. We were impressed! We had many QSO's and two special - India! This vertical worked also with 100W without any problem :) All european QSO's we was made with 20-50W max. I plan to improve more my design and then show it again. I hope you enjoy this video! 73 and please subscribe if you like ;) #multibandverticalantenna #portableantenna #homemadeantenna ----- Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).  

If you want a multiband HF antenna that surpasses the performance of the "classic" G5RV, then the ZS6BKW 80m-10m antenna should be on your list. Steve (AD4XT) does an excellent job of explaining the theory, construction, and testing of this versatile HF antenna. If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KuCdtMe5vsg Here are some comments from Steve (AD4XT): A start to finish antenna build of the ZS6BKW HF 10M thru 80M. This antenna design has been out for quite a while. No tuner needed on most of the HF bands. A good alternative to the G5RV. This is an easy antenna build. You will need some 450 ohm window line and some wire. I found a cheap center T insulator on Ebay that really made this build go smooth. Thanks Steve Ad4xt Ebay center connector https://www.ebay.com/itm/US-MADE-450-... ----- Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).  

Here's an easy-to-make antenna accessory that will expand the capabilities of your monoband vertical antenna. In this video from "mcso911", we get a complete step-by-step tutorial on how to design, build, and test a simple 20-40 air wound coil for a vertical antenna. If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLTKTnn5DK4 Here are some comments from "mcso911": My version of a clone Wolf River Coil with parts laying around the shop. Parts 1- 7 inch piece of 1.25 sch40 PVC 2- 1.25 inch PVC caps 2- 1.5 inch 3/8x24x1.5 bolts 4- 3/8x24 nuts 8- 3/8 washers 1- 3/8x24 coupler grommet strips from McMaster Carr. part number in video Gator clip form McMaster Carr 10 inch piece of wire. wire ring terminal 18 gauge steel wire. Home Depot, Ace Hardware, Lowes etc etc ----- Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).  

Thanks to "Maddog's Ham Radio" video channel for this ultra simple, neat, and efficient 20 meter vertical antenna.  This antenna would be perfect for both home and portable use. If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OuV7w1jYluQ Here are some comments from the author: This antenna takes about 10 minutes to erect. It uses a 5 metre squid pole purchased from Haverfords (Haverfordwest.com.au). I have used it now for a few park activations and it performs well with the 20 radials. I have cut the driven wire element to be resonant at approx 14.185MHz. Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).  

If you want to make a simple, effective DX antenna, then this 20 meter Half Square design from Chuck (KK6USY) may be what you need. Chuck takes us step-by-step through the design, construction, and testing phase of this useful antenna. If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-lnxlc9Q17U Here are some comments from Chuck (KK6USY): In this videoI show how I make your own DIY 20m Half Square antenna with brackets I made on my 3D printer. Can’t put up a really high horizontal antenna for 80-meter DXing? Maybe the vertically polarized “Half-Square” might bethe antenna for you. Merch. : https://kk6usy-ham-radio-adventures.m... As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Ferrule crimp tool, https://amzn.to/3zDOOPS Silicone wire, https://amzn.to/3zDuGgV Female BNC, https://amzn.to/3K2cfYe Reference sites: Hamuniverse, https://www.hamuniverse.com/wb3aywcur... Rudy Sevems, https://rudys....

If you want a low angle, QRP portable DX antenna, please consider this modified "Bobtail Curtain" design from Australian Amateur Radio operator Peter Parker (VK3YE). The antenna is easy to make for HF bands from 14 MHz to 28 MHz.  The antenna can be made from locally available materials. If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cnc14VW8Ro Here are some comments from Peter (VK3YE): A great antenna for HF portable QRP DX. Consider it if you want a low radiation angle for DX, don't have very tall masts and wish to operate on or near a conductive surface. A good write-up on the Bobtail Curtain is here: http://www.antentop.org/w4rnl.001/scv... PS: If you liked this video please consider supporting Amateur Radio VK3YE by: * Subscribing on YouTube * Checking my books page at https://books.vk3ye.com ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ * Shopping on Amazon via: https://amzn.to/3iiDQXv , or * Shopping on eBay vi...

You don't have to spend a lot of money to make a sturdy, efficient Moxon Antenna for the 2 meter Amateur Radio Band. In this video from Sean ("Ham Radio Dude"), we see how a few old camper stools, a length of RG-59 coaxial cable, a few nuts and bolts, pvc pipe, and several spacers can be converted into a portable 2 meter Moxon Antenna. If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jpb4dM41_8Q Here are a few comments from Sean: I had the opportunity to find some old Camping stools from SAVERS, a local thrift store, so I destroyed them and made a Moxon antenna! I have heard the stories of a Lawn chair dipole and Yagi - (Check out https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5doak... for Ham Radio Crash Course's Lawn Chair Dipole) or https://qsysociety.org/2009/01/04/6-m... for a 6 meter lawn chair moxon (This idea is nothing new) Links referenced: Antenna Top Moxon build instructions (VERY GOOD INSTRU...