Posts

Doublet for a Small Garden - Multiband Antenna for HF. Post 1884.

Image
If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser inbox: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPT_YLXclDE If you live on a small urban lot, a classic 1/2 wavelength horizontal dipole antenna may be nearly impossible, especially if you have only a 30 foot X 30 foot (9.14 m X 9.14 m) garden in which to "plant" your antenna. In this video from Tim (2E0TWG), we see how a little ingenuity and creativity can produce a useful doublet antenna capable of serving several amateur radio HF bands.  Tim does an excellent job of describing his antenna, from basic design considerations and construction to actual testing and on-air use.  A thoroughly inspiring project! For the latest Amater/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://bigislandarrlnews.com. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress....

6 Meter Squalo Antenna Build. Post 1883.

Image
If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3ZGJWuzgRs. Another 6 meter antenna you may find useful during the E-Skip openings this summer is the classic "squalo" antenna.  This antenna was once popular for mobile operations and for areas with limited antenna space. Chris (K2CJB) does an excellent job of taking you through the design, construction, tuning, and use of this somewhat unusual antenna.  The antenna is sturdy, portable, and suitable for both home and field use.  Why not build one for the upcoming North American VHF Contest or the June ARRL Field Day emergency communications exercise? You can find exact plans for the 6 meter squalo antenna here: http://pa3hcm.nl/p=312. 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 e...

Six meter ham radio dipole for the VHF contests. Post 1882.

Image
If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6PY9TdQj98. There's a good chance that the "Magic Band" (Six Meters) will be active during the 2nd weekend of June as VHF enthusiasts take to the air in the North American VHF Contest.  To get you prepared for that event and the upcoming ARRL Field Day, you may want to consider building this simple 6 meter dipole antenna from readily available parts.  KA5D shows you his simple antenna that is suitable for both home and field use.  Each element is 132 cm/51.96 inches and is tuned for 50.125 MHz USB. 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 blog that is updated each Friday afternoon). https://bigislandarrlnews.com. https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://www....

A top band aerial for small gardens. Post 1881.

Image
If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jg4Agf3AqQ. Another outstanding video tutorial from Ray of "The Radio Workshop."  In this video, Ray show us how to build a 160 meter antenna that fits into a space occupied by a small garden.  Most radio amateurs living on a small urban lot can appreciate the time and effort that goes into building an effective 160 meter antenna for a limited space. Although Ray admits his antenna isn't the most efficient, it will get you on "top band" with a reasonable signal.  As an added bonus, the antenna also covers all amateur/ham radio bands from 80 meters through 10 meters.  Don't deny yourself the pleasure of working on this fascinating slice of the radio spectrum.  Build this antenna over the weekend and see how well it works in your location. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http...

An inexpensive 3-Band Magnetic Loop Antenna. Post 1880.

Image
If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-tYtbTts0s. If you ever wanted to make a multiband magnetic loop antenna, but were afraid to take on the complexity of such a project, then this interesting, innovative video from Dennis Blanchard (K1YPP) may change your mind.  By using commonly available materials, Dennis show us a simple, practical method of designing, building, testing, and using a magnetic loop antenna for three amateur radio bands (40/30/20 meters).  According to Dennis, the antenna costs approximately $20.00 USD and is capable of handling up to 100 watts (although he recommends keeping the power below 40 watts).  This antenna would make a great addition to a field day site or to a simple home-based 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...

The 6 meter Delta Loop Tutorial. Post 1879.

Image
If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZkWPP13S6k. If you're looking for a simple, efficient, and low noise 6 meter antenna for your ARRL Field Day experience, then this beautifully designed project from Martin (M0ZMF) is what you need. The video consists of five easily understood sections: Materials Construction of the Base Plate Stub production Final assembly Final set up Martin goes into considerable detail on how to design, build, test, and adjust this high-performance antenna.  Not only does this delta loop have exceptional structural design, but it also is fully portable and easy to set up and take down. Give this antenna "a shake down cruise" during the ARRL Field Day in June...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/...

How To Build A Dipole Antenna. Post 1878.

Image
If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNgu9nd7fmA. If you need a simple, inexpensive, and efficient HF antenna for the upcoming ARRL Field Day, why not build this "classic" half-wavelength horizontal dipole? In this video, Kevin (N6VLF) reviews almost everything we know about designing, building, tuning, and using this basic antenna.  You can configure the dipole in any number of ways, including the inverted vee, the half-wave sloper, and even a vertical (if you have a very tall support).  You can easily convert the dipole into a multiband HF antenna with the addition of a balanced feed line, a sturdy wide-range antenna "tuner", and an appropriate current balun.  If you follow Kevin's suggestions, you'll have a fully functional, efficient antenna for Field Day in a matter of a few hours. This video would make an excellent presentation for your club or for the ne...