Ham Radio - The light bulb antenna idea


Radio amateurs have used all kinds of strange objects for antennas, including the topic of this video--the common light bulb.

Kevin Loughin (KB9RLW) wondered if the "classic" light bulb dummy load could be used as an impromptu or emergency antenna.

Kevin finds out that an ordinary light bulb can be used to send HF signals at often surprising distances.

Why not try this experiment for yourself?  Based on Kevin's experience, I wouldn't trade your current "dummy load" for that light bulb in your table lamp.  Still, the project is fascinating.

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_C1us8niIlA

Thanks for joining us today.

Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).
 

Comments

Post a Comment

Thank you for visiting my Amateur Radio Blog. I value your comments and suggestions. For Amateur Radio Antenna Topics and Discussions, stay here. For Amateur Radio News and Trends, please visit my news site at https://bigislandarrlnews.com.
Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

Popular posts from this blog

"Big Hat" Vertical Antenna. Post #1422.

Image
If you can't see this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgOqP8uPEPc. Here's an interesting antenna design for radio amateurs exploring the 630 meter and 2200 meter amateur radio bands.  This classic antenna is basically a top loaded vertical designed for frequencies below the standard broadcast band (472 kHz and 137 kHz).  Even though this antenna is inefficient, a digital signal using the FT8 protocol should get you some contacts.  Good luck! For the latest Amateur 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). http://amateurradionewsinformation.com (Amateur Radio News & Information). http://www.southgarearc.org. https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. Be sure to check the blog sidebars for more antenna and propagat...
Read more

Antenna for Condo Backyard-Stealth. Post #1542.

Image
If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXTYTytR56A. Don't let deed-restricted properties (HOA/CC&R) stop you from enjoying Amateur Radio.  In this video from AC2RJ, we see how some well-placed trees, a camera tripod, a telescoping fiberglass mast, and a "V" antenna can get you on the air without a lot of effort.  Add an antenna "tuner", a sturdy rig, such as the Yaesu FT-817, a microphone/cw key, and a simple grounding system, and you have a fully functional, nearly invisible ham station in your backyard. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these web sites: 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://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. https://amateurradionewsinformation.com (Amateur Radio News ...
Read more

G5RV Multi Band HF Dipole Antenna. Post #1555.

Image
If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aeNHIQ_j4Dk This well-produced and richly illustrated tutorial on the classic G5RV HF Dipole Antenna was presented to the Brandon Amateur Radio Society in Brandon, Florida in 2017 by Bernie Huth (W4BGH).  Bernie does an excellent job of  explaining the pros and cons of this popular HF antenna from the late Louis Varney (G5RV).  Although Varney envisioned his design primarily as a 3/2 wavelength antenna for the 20 meter Amateur Radio band, radio amateurs have used the antenna for multiband use.  The G5RV is an excellent choice for the 20 meter band.  Performance on other HF Amateur Radio bands is good enough to qualify as stand alone HF antenna if you can only erect one 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/ar...
Read more