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=MgZap6xWZLs. One of the drawbacks to end-fed and random length wire HF antennas is the high mismatch between the antenna (often more than 2000 ohms impedance) and your HF transceiver (normally, around 50 ohms impedance).  The resulting SWR will be enough to harm your rig. One way to reduce SWR and RFI concerns with these antennas is to use a 49:1 antenna transformer.  In this video from the "Radio Prepper", we get an excellent introduction to the theory, construction, and use of the 49:1 balun.  According to the "Radio Prepper", this transformer works well with wire lengths of 134 feet/40.85 meters and 67 feet/20.42 meters. Make one of these 49:1 transformers for your emergency "go kit" or for the next ARRL Field Day.  A simple, easy solution for matching your HF rig to end-fed half wave or random wire antennas. For the lates

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWIsU1Sy3NY. HF Delta Loop Antennas are quiet, versatile, and cost effective antennas for radio amateurs who have room for only one HF antenna.  In this video, "DENMONKEY" takes us step-by-step through the design, construction, set up, running support ropes, and raising of the antenna.  In this case, the antenna is fed at the apex of the support mast using a 4:1 balun connected to convenient length of 50 ohm coaxial cable.  Six to eight turns of the coaxial feed line serve as an RF choke.  In this configuration, the Delta Loop is vertically polarized.  Multiband operation is possible by using a balanced feed line into a balanced antenna "tuner" or into a current balun, coax, antenna "tuner" combination. In Part 2, DENMONKEY tests the antenna and makes a few adjustments. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, p

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=coIs7UmZ_MI&feature=youtu.be. DXEnginering has released an eight-part video series on the ARRL Field Day, one of the largest emergency communications exercises in the world.  Each segment highlights a different aspect of this annual event which combines emergency communications with a contest flavor. In part 1, Bob Nauman (W5OV) discusses the history and traditions of Field Day.  An excellent series worth watching. 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). https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. https://amateurradionewsinformation.com (Amateur Radio News & Information). https://www.eham.net. http://www.southgatearc.org. Thank

If you can't view this video, pleases insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuXPsKX6nYw. An off-center fed (OCF) dipole antenna which covers the 80 through 6 meter Amateur Radio bands can be made with locally bought materials and readily available baluns from a variety of Amateur Radio sales outlets.  In this two part video from "Survivalist2008", we learn the basic theory, design, and construction of this unusual dipole antenna.  Part 1 takes you step-by-step through the basic antenna creation process.  In part 2, we will build the OCF and use it to make contacts from a portable ham radio station. 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 ). Other sites of interest: http://hawaiisciencedigest.com (science and

If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this title link into your browser search box: https://youtu.be/IuXPsKX6nYw.  Here's another simple, inexpensive, and lightweight antenna you can use for emergency, portable, or even home use.  In this video, "survivalist2008" show us just how easy it is to create an effective HF antenna from simple materials.  He says the antenna covers all amateur radio bands between 80 and 6 meters. The antenna is "stealthy" and fits on a trout fishing reel, making it easy to carry to your operating site.  This is part one of a two-part series.  This is post #756.  For the latest Amateur Radio news and events, please check out the blog sidebars. These news feeds are updated daily.  Thanks for joining us today! Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

If you're having difficulty  viewing this video, please insert this address into your browser search box: https://youtu.be/1qEnBtWV-6c.  One of the important things to remember about installing a ground-mounted HF vertical antenna is to provide for a good ground radial system.  The ground radial system supplies "the missing half" of your vertical monopole.  A good DC ground system may not be a good RF ground system.  In part 1 of this 2-part series, "hamradiocrazy" shows us how he installed a support base for his Hustler 4BTV HF vertical, how he planned his radial field incorporating the DX Engineering ground radial plate, and how he laid out his wire for the radial system.  Excellent tutorial.  For the latest Amateur Radio news and events, please check out the blog sidebars.  These news feeds are updated daily.  You can follow our blog community with a free email subscription or by tapping into the blog RSS feed.  Thanks for joining us today! Aloha es 73 de R

If you're having trouble with viewing this video, please insert this URL into your browser search box: https://youtu.be/msthFfDbF94. Nice, basic tutorial from Tommy Horozakis on how to design, build, and use a 5/8 wavelength vertical antenna for 15 meters.  This is part 1 of a 2 part series.  A properly designed 5/8 wavelength vertical can give you a theoretical gain of nearly 3dB over a quarter wavelength vertical, so investing a little more space and time in building this antenna will pay off in a stronger signal.  For the latest Amateur Radio news and events, please check out the blog sidebars.  These news feeds are updated daily.  You can follow our blog community with a free email subscription or by tapping into the blog RSS feed.  Thanks for joining us today!  Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM). Related articles HF versus VHF/UHF Thin Is in for Invisibility Cloaks Amateur Radio Buffs' Quest to Connect Quake-Ravaged Nepal This Spewed Out of the Internet #31

If you have trouble viewing this video, please insert this URL into your browser search box: https://youtu.be/zgkLS3-XitA. This video from the Society of Radio Astronomers is an excellent introduction to microwave antennas and practices.  In this segment, you'll learn about basic microwave equipment, safety, Near/Far Field, Bandwidth, Gain, Inverse Square Law, and Linear Polarization.  Well done and easily understandable.  A good reference document or teaching aid for Amateur Radio License Classes.  For the latest Amateur Radio news and events, please check out the blog sidebars.  These news feeds are updated daily.  You can follow our blog community with a free e-mail subscription or by tapping into the blog RSS feed.  Thanks for joining us today,  Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM)>