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=cgdP8ao71Cc. You should also get the author's script and a list of NVIS technical references. This exceptionally well-done video from "GUERRILLACOMM" shows you how to design, build, tune, and operate a NVIS (Near Vertical Incident Skyway) antenna for portable or emergency use. According to the author, this low-lying NVIS dipole antenna is designed for 7 MHz (40 meter amateur radio band) and will cover local, state, and regional areas near your home.  It's always a good practice to test your portable antennas before you go to the field so you can make adjustments without stress or strain. Reaction to the video has been favorable, with suggestions ranging from wire trimming to best height above ground for efficient operations. Carl (N6CKV) suggests "Rather than cutting the wire to tune your antenna, try to fold the excess length ba...

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgdP8ao71Cc. Here's another great idea for a temporary portable or emergency HF antenna designed for field use.  In this video, GUERRILLACOM designs, builds, and operates an effective NVIS (near vertical incidence skywave) dipole antenna. NVIS antennas are effective omnidirectional antennas that can cover local, state, and regional communications requirements.  This type of low-level dipole antenna is perfect for local nets, roundtables, and "rag chews."  Just design the antenna for the lowest HF band of use, feed the antenna with balanced line, attach a 1:1 or 4:1 current balun, run 50 ohm coaxial cable from the balun to your antenna "tuner", and you're ready to go. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislan...

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgdP8ao71Cc. Interesting video on how to set up and tune a dipole antenna in field conditions. Note the use of 450 ohm ladder line as the antenna feed line, which enables multiband HF use.  While this particular antenna is designed for 40 meter NVIS (near vertical incident skywave) use, it can be used on bands above 40 meters with ladder line and an antenna "tuner."  The 40 meter version of this antenna can be useful up to approximately 300 miles/486 km--great for local and regional contacts. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.wordpress.com. http://www.kh6jrm.info (breaking news for radio amateurs). http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/audio-news (issued every Friday). Other sites of interest: http:...