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=cqh0Ntus5G0. If you need a simple, efficient, cheap, and lightweight antenna for portable or field operations, the "HQD" Speaker Wire Antenna from Jerry (KG6HQD) may be the answer.  The antenna resembles several designs featured in past editions of the "ARRL Antenna Book."  Those examples used commonly available "zip cord" available at many hardware and home improvement outlets.  Jerry shows us how to build the antenna in a few simple steps.  Used with an antenna transmatch (i.e. "tuner"), the antenna is capable of multiband operation--something that should appeal to SOTA (Summits on the Air) and QRP (low power) enthusiasts.  Based on research conducted by the ARRL and my own experience, these antennas provide excellent results on the lower HF bands (80/40 meters).  Higher HF bands may suffer significant losses, depen...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cqh0Ntus5G0. A field portable or emergency HF antenna doesn't have to be fancy, expensive, or heavy.  In this video from KG6HQD, we learn how an antenna designed for SOTA operations (Summits On The Air) evolved into a simple, practical, and inexpensive HF antenna for both home and field use.  Although the speaker wire antenna was designed for the 20 meter band, KG6HQD says his new Elecraft KX2 can work stations from 40 through 10 meters "with ease."  If you're looking for a good portable HF antenna, consider using ordinary speaker wire for the antenna elements.  You can make one of these antennas for emergency home use and another for portable or field use.  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 wee...