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=KQJw9j-moEg Here's all you need to know about NVIS (near vertical incident skywave) antennas.  Kevin Loughin (KIB9RLW) provides an excellent review of the theory, construction, and use of NVIS antennas. As an added bonus, he analyzes the pros and cons of the Chameleon MPAS (Modular Portable Antenna System). If you need an effective antenna for local, regional, and state-wide coverage, then a NVIS antenna may be what you're looking for.  Kevin does a good job of explaining where these antennas fit into the overall antenna portfolio of an amateur radio station.  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 every Friday afternoon). https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://hamradiohawa...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ff5sZUkdLac. Here's a simple, practical, and easy-to-make 2 meter Yagi Antenna made from steel tape measures, a few pieces of wood, and some "odds 'n' ends" laying around your shack.  This type of antenna has gained some popularity by those involved in "fox hunting" (radio direction activity) or mountain top operations, such as SOTA (Summits On The Air). The video does an excellent job of explaining the steps needed to make this high performance 2 meter antenna.  Make one for your emergency "go-kit" or for that next mini-DXpedition to the nearest campground or public park.  With a little weatherproofing, and a sturdy mast, you could even use this antenna for your home station. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. ht...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3j3BsYbzwvw If you're thinking about a new antenna for the ARRL Field Day (last full weekend of June), why not consider the "Extended Double Zepp" for your portable station?  The EDZ is a collinear array of two 5/8 waves in phase that can deliver up to 3dB of gain for your favorite amateur radio band.  Because EDZ's can be a bit large (1.25 wavelengths measured horizontally), you may want to consider something like 20, 15,or 10 meters for this fairly simple project. In this video, Stan Gibilisco (W1GV) explains the theory and operating parameters of this antenna which can deliver better performance than the basic dipole antenna. According to AC5UP, the EDZ antenna "is easy to build, isn't fussy about height or proximity to other wires, can be tuned to a broadband 1:1 match, and makes a dandy general purpose SWL antenna that ...

N4KC's Top Five Multiband Antennas. Post 1849. Source:  https://www.eham.net/articles/37986. Accessed on 27 April 2019, 2115 UTC, Post 1849. Copyright by Don Keith 2016. Summary: Over the past few years, I've had the pleasure of helping several new amateur radio operators get on the air with simple, easy-to-make HF and VHF antennas. Most of these antennas were made from salvaged materials or items bought at the nearest home improvement center or neighborhood hardware store.   Many of my ideas came from this article by Don Keith (N4KC), who has the unusual ability of making even the most difficult antenna questions understandable. In this post, Don recommends five simple multiband HF antennas that will get you on the air quickly with a decent signal.  Here they are along with two honorable mentions: The classic G5RV from Louis Varney (SK). The dipole fed with open wire parallel feed line. Trap verticals and dipoles. The Windom. T...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e55qGrmww0E. The Hustler 4-BTV vertical antenna is a popular choice for radio amateurs who want a simple antenna for limited spaces.  The antenna's original design didn't incorporate the 12 meter and 17 meter bands which have become popular in recent years. In this video from Tinker John (W5CYF), we learn how to add an additional band to the 4-BTV without compromising the other bands covered by the antenna.  In this case, John adds the 17 meter ham band (18.068 MHz-18.168 MHz) with a few simple attachments that can be made in your garage or workspace.  The finished product appears to function as a folded monopole antenna.  The same process shown in this video can be used to add other amateur radio bands not covered by the 4-BTV.  The video is clear and easily understood. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please ...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XaPUn9wy_hw. Here's a great antenna tilt base idea from Tinker Tom (W5CYF).  This tower/mast accessory can help radio amateurs living in deed-restricted housing (HOAs/CC&Rs) by lowering the mast from public view during non-air time.  A tilt base will also help you lower your vertical or inverted V antenna before a storm approaches.  I use a cruder version of W5CYF's idea to lower my inverted V whenever I'm not using the antenna or are away from the shack.  Out of sight, out of mind.  If you're living in an area prone to thunderstorms, you may want to consider this antenna tilt base project. W5CYF does a good job of showing us how to plan and build this valuable mast accessory.  You should be able to buy most of the tilt base materials from the nearest home improvement center or hardware store. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio n...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xxu6svP11s. Here's a fairly simple and inexpensive tower/mast that you can build to support a lightweight VHF/UHF/HF antenna.  According to the video's producer, this mast was built using recycled materials.  The mast is supported by both a stiff ground rod and by two braces attached to the building.  Please notice the use a "drip loop" in the coaxial feed line to keep rain from penetrating the operating position.  The only thing I would add to this excellent set up is some form of lightning protection. 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://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. ht...