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=8ZmyvtMvEGY An effective, simple, and inexpensive multiband HF dipole antenna is as close as your "junk box" and the local building supply outlet. If you can find some 300 ohm television ribbon feed line, a 4:1 current balun, and an extra antenna transmatch (i.e. "tuner"), you'll be able to make a classic "doublet" antenna that will serve you well for many years. In this video, Ray of the "Radio Workshop" show us how to build an ultra-simple doublet antenna with commonly available parts.  The doublet is suitable for both home and field operations.  Try one--you won't be disappointed. 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/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday afternoon...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZmyvtMvEGY. Here's another great video tutorial from Ray of "The Radio Workshop."  In this video, Ray makes strong case for the use of balanced feed lines for multiband HF doublet antennas.  Ray says "the best thing I did for my HF operation was to ditch coax and not worry about the SWR."  With a suitable length of 300 ohm television twin lead or 450 ohm ladder line, an antenna transmatch (i.e. "tuner") and a current balun (usually a 4:1 configuration), you can cover all HF Amateur Radio bands with one antenna.  Just design the doublet for the lowest band of interest and you can use that band and any other HF band above your design frequency for multiband operations.  Ray's instructions are clear and easy to follow. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.Hawa...

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZmyvtMvEGY. This video is another great production from Ray of the "Radio Workshop" in the UK.  In this video, Ray provides all of the theory, construction practices, and uses of the classic "doublet antenna."  This old design can be used for both single and multiband use, depending on what feedlines and antenna lengths you choose. If you prefer the multiband approach, then this video is for you.  The concept is simple:  build a dipole antenna for the lowest frequency of use, feed the antenna with balanced line (300 ohm tv ribbon, 450 ohm ladder line, or homemade 600 ohm balanced line), run the balanced line into an antenna "tuner" that handles balanced line or connect the balanced line to a 4:1 current balun, and use a small length of 50 ohm coaxial cable to connect the balun to your antenna "tuner."  Place the ...

If you're having difficulty viewing this video, please insert this title link into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZmyvtMvEGY. Another great, easy-to-understanding antenna tutorial from Ray (G4NSJ). In this laid back and thoroughly engaging conversation, Ray explains the theory, design, and operation of the doublet antenna, one of my favorite multi-band antennas. Cut the antenna for the lowest band of use, feed the antenna with 300 ohm television twin lead, 450 ohm ladder line, or 600 ohm balanced line, and connect the feedline to your antenna transmatch (i.e. "tuner") with a 4:1 current balun. Run a short length of 50 ohm coaxial cable to your HF transceiver, and you're ready to explore a multitude of bands with just one antenna.  My doublet is designed for the 40 meter band and is configured as an inverted vee.  With a 450 ohm ladder line feeder, a 4:1 current balun, and my trusty Drake MN-4 "tuner", I can work the 40, 20, 15, a...

If you're having trouble viewing this video, please enter this title link into your browser search box: https://youtu.be/8ZmyvtMvEGY.  Excellent video from Ray of the "Radio Workshop" on how to design, build, and use a basic doublet/dipole antenna for the HF amateur radio bands.  The doublet is one of my favorite antennas, because it's inexpensive, easy to build, and performs well for both single band and multiband use with balanced feedline and a balun/antenna transmatch (i.e. "tuner") combination. A dipole fed with 300 ohm television twin lead, 450 ohm ladder line, and "homebrewed" 600 ohm line can work work all amateur radio HF bands between 160 and 6 meters, depending on which frequencies you select as your lowest band.  If you design the doublet for 80 meters, it can be used on any amateur radio band between 80 meters and 6 meters if you use a balanced feed line and the appropriate balun/tuner combination.  Ray does an excellent job of expl...

If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this URL into your browser search box: https://youtu.be/8ZmyvtMvEGY. Excellent antenna tutorial from Ray (G4NSJ).  In this video, Ray shows us how to design, build, and erect a simple doublet antenna that will cover amateur radio and shortwave bands between 40 and 10 meters.  The key to the success of this basic antenna is the use of open feeders such as 300 ohm television twin lead or 450 ohm ladder line to feed a dipole made up of equal lengths of wire. The ladder line achieves a better antenna element balance than coax -fed antennas and severely limits common mode currents found on coax-fed installations.  Just attach the balanced feeders to a balanced ATU (antenna tuning unit), adjust your "tuner" for the lowest SWR, and begin operating.  Over the past few years, I've learned to love balanced feed lines, since they can turn basic dipoles into multiband antennas.  My backup antenna at home is...