Simple Ham Radio Antennas

Here's an interesting antenna experiment you can try if noise is making HF operations difficult. In this video, Kevin Loughin (KB9RLW) discusses the "on the ground" antenna he used in a recent portable field operation. The antenna seems to work well enough as a NVIS system (near vertical incident skywave).  Your results may vary. If you can't see the video, please go here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBS-CNtY2Uk Here are some comment from Kevin (KB9RLW): Over the years, I've occasionally heard mention of 'ground antennas'. I've even seen a video or two talking about them working fine. Or even "well". Finally I have enough space around me to actually try one. Does it work? 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...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBS-CNtY2Uk&ab_channel=KevinLoughin Can an antenna work laying on the ground?  The short answer is yes.  In this video, Kevin Loughin (KB9RLW) discusses ground mounted antennas in a variety of scenarios--most of which deal with significant noise reduction of received signals. Many radio amateurs and short-wave enthusiasts (SWLs) erect "ground hugging" Beverage Antennas to boost received signals. Kevin does an excellent job of discussing the pros and cons of these close to ground antennas. If you're interested in ground supported antennas, check out articles by KK5JY and K3MT on the internet.  Mike Toia (K3MT) has designed an HF antenna called the "Grasswire" which performs well for its design constraints. Here are some general comments from Kevin: Over the years, I've occasionally heard mention of 'ground antennas'. I've...

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBS-CNtY2Uk. Fascinating video from Kevin (KB9RLW).  The short answer is yes, depending on ground conductivity and the local noise environment.  Kevin shows us that a "ground antenna" does work if you're willing to accept less than stellar performance.  There have been some SOTA (Summits on the air) events where ham antennas have been located at high altitudes without the benefit of trees or other supports.  Contacts were made despite the limitations of height above ground.  It's also worth mentioning the "Grasswire Antenna" from K3MT which seems to work fairly well.  Check the blog sidebars for the K3MT "Grasswire Antenna" page, which gives the specifics for this antenna. While on-the-ground transmitting antennas may not perform well, receiving antennas mounted a short height above ground seem to produce excellent res...