Simple Ham Radio Antennas

If you're having trouble viewing this video, please enter this URL into your browser search box: https://youtu.be/iKC9zv8XuPs.  Exceptionally well done video by Dave Casler (KE0OG) on how to design, build, and use compromise HF antennas "for less than ideal circumstances."  Dave cites three case studies where homebrewed, concealed antennas helped hams continue their hobby without drawing attention to their installations.  The old saying is true, "A bad antenna is better than no antenna."  With Dave's tips, you can maximize the antenna you do have. You might also try the digital modes, including CW , to keep amateur radio alive in your shack.  Another possibility is using QRP (low power) in conjunction with a magnetic loop antenna or a mobile antenna that can be set up in your backyard or along your porch railing for night time operation.  Good luck!  For the latest Amateur Radio news and events, please check out the blog sidebars.  These n...

For most of my 36 years as an amateur radio operator, I've had to operate under the limitations imposed by HOAs, CC&Rs, and postage stamp sized backyards.  Like many of you, my creativity was sorely tested  as I tried to get reasonably efficient antennas erected for my home station.  In many cases, one antenna had to suffice for multiband operation.  And that antenna had to be inconspicuous, easy to erect and take down, and not present an "eyesore" to the neighbors. Over the course of those years, I managed to enjoy ham radio despite the highly compromised antennas and low power employed at the shack.  There were a few multiband designs which proved successful for local and occasional DX.  Among them were inverted vees and 1/2 wavelength horizontal dipoles fed by 450 ohm ladder line connected to a 4:1 balun and a Drake MN-4 antenna transmatch.  When I did have a bit more space, I used full wavelength loops fed by ladder line for 20, 15, and 10...