Simple Ham Radio Antennas

If you can't views this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRTo011Qttbc. Another excellent antenna tutorial from David Casler (KE0OG).  This time, Dave tackles the controversial issue of which is better:  Vertical or Dipole Antennas?  Although Dave prefers Dipole antennas, his discussion is objective and straightforward as he compares the pros and cons of each antenna.  In many cases, your antenna installation will depend on the space available, with verticals preferred for small urban lots.  If you have a larger yard, you may want to consider a halfwave dipole. Both antennas will perform well if you pay attention to details.  For those who wish to experiment, try a vertical dipole for the amateur radio bands between 20 and 10 meters.  I've used a few vertical dipoles with good results.  Dave's explanations are clear and uncomplicated.  Dave recommends using Antenna Modeling...

If you can't views this video, please insert this title URL into you browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch/v=M8zeei63hek. One of the key components of any amateur radio antenna system is having a decent ground system for your equipment and antenna.  In this video from Joe Lalumia, we see an excellent example of establishing a workable and safe grounding system for your ham radio station.  Although I may have missed some of Joe's guidelines, it may be worth noting that all ground rods should be tied together, including your AC service, as per NEC requirements.  Overall, this is a well thought out approach to grounding.  Don't put you or your station's safety at risk.  Take your time and install a proper grounding system. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-...

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQfj9879K_c. A simple HF dipole antenna is an ideal way to get on the air, even when you have a limited space such as a backyard.  In this video from KK4DIV, we see a basic, effective dipole antenna that covers the 40, 20, 17, and 10 meter amateur radio bands.  Most of the antenna materials can be found at your nearest hardware store, building supply outlet, or electrical contractor's store.  You can gain full coverage from 80 meters to 10 meters if you use a balanced feed line (ladder line, television twin lead, or homemade 600 ohm balanced line) in conjunction with a 1:1/1:4 current balun and an antenna "tuner."  If you don't have an appropriate balun or antenna "tuner", then this basic, easy to build dipole described in this video will still serve you well. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these...

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5u2UZvHRCk. Here's a well-thought-out mobile installation from K5ACL.  The vehicle is a Toyota Tacoma pickup truck.  The rig is a Kenwood TS-590SG using a MB-430M2 mount. The antenna is a Wolf River Coil Silver Bullet.  Mount is a REP Design Toyota Trac-1 using 18-feet/5.48 meters of RG-8X coax.. Notice the custom made plywood shelf with anchor points.  This installation appears to be designed for stationary use.  There a lots of good ideas in this video. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday). http://amateurradionewsinformation.com (Amateur Radio News & Information). Other sites of int...

Working AO-91--a video tutorial from VK3YE (http://www.southgatearc.org/news/2017/december/working-ao-91.htm#.WkPDQWinHIU). Accessed on 27 December 2017, 1745 UTC, Post #1354. Comment: Peter Parker (VK3YE) has produced a video tutorial on how to use the new AO-91 Amateur Radio Satellite.  According to Peter, AO-91 is easy to use, requiring only an antenna and two handhelds, one for 2m and the other for 70 cm. This looks like a simple way to use this new satellite.  Just log in to this URL to see the video: https://youtu.be/astteV2umOg For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday). http://amateurradionewsinformation.com (Amateur Radio News & Information). Other sites of interest: Hawaii Science Digest (http://hawaiiscie...

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yH0zKNNGa0s. This is one of the better video tutorials on how to design, build, and use a portable vertical antenna for field day or emergency use.  Kevin (KB9RLW) covers basic vertical antenna theory and construction practices for this easy to make vertical antenna. As designed, the antenna will cover 20 through 15 meters.  You may want to make this antenna for emergency use at your shack or for your vehicle "Go-Kit".  A "tuner" is recommended for 10 meters and 30 meters. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday). http://amateurradionewsinformation.com (Amateur Radio News & Information). ...

The Christmas Holiday is being celebrated all over the world by Christian communities ranging from Northern Iraq to the United States of America.  Although most of the holiday festivities will be celebrated by Orthodox Christian communities a bit later (January, 2018), The feeling of goodwill is a welcome break from the  usual saber rattling and political posturing which have dominated the old year of 2017. On Hawaii Island, residents will get a bit of a white Christmas, thanks to almost a foot and a half/0.457 meters of snow on the upper slopes of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa.  Check out the webcams at both sites to see how normally tropical Hawaii Island reacts to this dusting of snow. Listed below are three seasonal observations from three radio amateurs as they contemplate the holiday season: A Special Season's Greeting from Stan Gibilisco (W1GV)--https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBFdcgIBm7E&feature=em-subs_digest.  If that URL doesn't work, please enter the...