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=1T_1K1eMCkc. Designing, building, and installing an Amateur/Ham Radio tower is serious business.  In this video, Chris travels to the mountains of Westcliffe, Colorado to help his dad build a ham radio repeater tower.  Chris experiences high winds and a minor cable issue during the installation of the 30-foot/9.146 meter tower.  Although the process seams simple and fairly safe, don't assume all steps will go smoothly.  Fortunately for Chris and his dad, the installation was solid and presented only a few minor problems.  If you doubt your ability to install a tower, please consult a professional rigger or engineer. 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 afte...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWvgAxkoh2s. If you're facing severe antenna limitations imposed by deed-restricted housing (HOA/CC&R), you may find this "stealthy" antenna system from Patrick Dortch worth your time. Patrick has placed all of his antenna feed lines in "secret" underground tunnels which lead to a distant group of trees concealing his two antennas.  Nothing suspicious rests above ground for peering eyes to see.  About the only thing I would add are locks and vermin protection to his feed line boxes.  A beautiful, but somewhat costly answer to the "antenna police". 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://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https:/...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5AHKAz3Zh4 What better way to test a new HF portable antenna than to subject it to winter conditions?  In this video from Michael Martens (KB9VBR), we get an excellent idea of how this new Chameleon Emcomm Portable Antenna works in an actual Winter Field Day environment.  According to Michael, the new antenna is "especially designed for short and long range" applications as well as for "manpack HF communications."  Michael adds that the antenna "is ideal for hiking, backpacking, and both tent and Recreational Vehicle (RV) camping." The video is useful, informative, and easy to understand. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.Hawaii ARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday afternoon). https...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KVSoM6w73o Larry, the "RadioHamGuy", offers a simple, elegant, and functional way to establish reliable 2 meter communication from your home.  Larry uses a surplus 5/8 wavelength magnetic mobile mount antenna, a fairly empty attic, and a few cables to make a "stealthy" 2 meter antenna for his garage ham radio shack.  About the only thing I would add to this excellent arrangement is a "drip loop" for his coaxial feed line before it enters the roof vent.  As antenna experimenter Kevin Loughin (KB9RLW) points out, Larry's 2 meter antenna "can be used on 6 meters as a 1/4 wave antenna with a 1.3:1 SWR on the lower end of the band." So, using Larry's antenna set up, you can get two antennas for the price of one. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiA...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ju5HNzsO1Ns. Ron C has put together an outstanding HF multi-band dipole in his attic.  Like many of our fellow radio amateurs, Ron faces antenna restrictions imposed by HOAs and CC&Rs.  Ron shows us how to use available space to design, build, test, and use an antenna that remains "stealthy" and effective.  All you need is a single feed line, several single band dipoles connected to a center connector, and perhaps an antenna transmatch (i.e. "tuner") to get on the air without raising the suspicions of neighbors.  "Fan Dipoles" are suitable for portable operations such as Field Days and emergency communications exercises.  If you carefully trim each single band dipole and keep the elements separated by a few inches, an antenna "tuner" may not be necessary.  A "Fan Dipole" may be the answer to those of us who...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqJrm0OffiM Australian radio amateur Peter Parker (VK3YE) always has something new in the field of simple, homemade antennas that actually work and produce contacts. In this video, Peter ventures into the realm of pedestrian mobile, something I've never tried, but would like to experience in the months ahead.  Peter's pedestrian mobile station consists of a telescoping fiberglass pole, 6 meters (19.68 feet) of wire, a simple L tuner, an a trusty Yaesu FT-817.  The antenna is  1/8 wavelength on 7 MHz and 5/8 wavelength on 28 MHz.  The small homemade L tuner tames the SWR and permits easy contacts without damaging the QRP rig.  Make one of these antennas for portable and emergency use.  The antenna system is fairly small and should fit into your vehicle with few problems. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, pleas...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZmyvtMvEGY An effective, simple, and inexpensive multiband HF dipole antenna is as close as your "junk box" and the local building supply outlet. If you can find some 300 ohm television ribbon feed line, a 4:1 current balun, and an extra antenna transmatch (i.e. "tuner"), you'll be able to make a classic "doublet" antenna that will serve you well for many years. In this video, Ray of the "Radio Workshop" show us how to build an ultra-simple doublet antenna with commonly available parts.  The doublet is suitable for both home and field operations.  Try one--you won't be disappointed. 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...