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=6hq7HAOYjZA. Here's a simple, compact low wattage QRP HF antenna that is largely contained in a "Rubbermaid" plastic enclosure.  WI9LL built this portable end fed antenna using a 9:1 unun wrapped on a T 106-2 toroid. This antenna has minimal parts and is lightweight--a perfect combination for portable or field use.  Make one of these inexpensive antennas for your "go-kit" or for use in emergencies.  Nicely done video. 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. https://www.eham.net. http://www.southgatearc.org. Thanks for joining us today...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-fuQz0-xbc. Here's another great ham radio accessory for your shack or for portable operations. In this video, Kevin Loughin (KB9RLW) revamps his original L-network antenna "tuner" and shows us how to fit it into a small box, making it easily portable. Kevin's instructions are clear and easy to follow.  This simple, yet elegant antenna transmatch (i.e. "tuner") is perfect for random wire antennas or for end fed half wavelength antennas.  Make one of these "tuners" for your emergency "go-kit" or for that impromptu mini-expedition to the beach or nearby park. 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://bigislandar...

If you can't see the video, please enter this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGWFA12rQ5M . If you have limited space for a HF antenna or live in a deed-restricted property governed by CC&Rs and HOAs, then this "Ultralight Magnetic Loop" Antenna from Paul (OM0ET), may get you on the air without much difficulty. Paul covers the basic theory, design, construction, and use of this small antenna which is suitable for both home and portable use.  When your antenna options are few, build a magnetic loop antenna and see what can be done in a small space. 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://bigislandarrlnews.com. https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://www.eham.net. http://www.sout...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=LmJk3hFE8G0. Australian radio amateur Peter Parker (VK3YE) has come up with another interesting approach to portable antennas.  The basic idea is simple:  If you don't have any antenna supports, why not lay your antenna along the ground and see what happens? In this instance, Peter stretches out approximately 20 meters/65.6 feet of antenna wire on the surface of a public park and proceeds to contact VK2MG, about 700 km/432 miles away, with a weak but usable signal.  Peter uses his Yaesu FT-817 for the 40 meter QRP contact. This antenna is based on a concept published by Mike Toia (K3MT) several years ago.  Mike called this project the "Grasswire Antenna."  You can find plans for this antenna on the right hand sidebar of this post.  Just look under "Grasswire Antenna." You won't get a strong signal, but you will ...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=za3xQs6wAR0. With the possible exception of vertical dipoles, most  1/4 wave length vertical antennas need a good ground radial or counterpoise system to function at peak efficiency.  The radial system supplies the "missing half" of the vertical antenna. In this well-made tutorial from Dominic Smith (M0BLF), we see a properly installed ground radial system used with a Hustler 6-BTV multiband HF antenna. Although there is no "hard and fast rule" governing the number of radials for a 1/4 wavelength vertical antenna, 16 to 34 radials seems to be a good compromise.  Of course, property limitations will determine how many radials you lay down.  Put down as many radial wires as you can.  If this plan seems too tedious or time-consuming, try 4 to 6 elevated radials.  This system appears to work well for some radio amateurs. Dominic do...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvZ7z-6wAy0. If you need a simple, efficient HF antenna for local, regional, and state coverage, why not build a NVIS (near vertical incidence skywave) antenna?  These antennas are designed to put out a strong signal covering 100 to 300 miles/162 to 486 kilometers from your station.  Such antennas can serve as valuable backups to regular VHF/UHF coverage, especially when repeaters are down. In this video, Michael Martens (KB9VBR) show us how to build a simple NVIS antenna.  These antennas are perfect for local nets and regional coverage.  Although there is no "fast and sure" rule for how much the antenna should be above ground, I've found a 40 meter dipole about 15-feet/4.57 meters above ground and an 80 meter dipole about 31-feet/9.45 meters above ground will generate a good signal for about 300 miles/162 kilometers on most days.  Mich...

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5rLI8FpM9g. If you use antennas with balanced feed lines, you'll find this quick and easy 4:1 balun designed by Kevin Loughin (KB9RLW) a good way to keep excessive SWR and RFI away from your HF transceiver. Kevin does a good job of taking you from basic theory through final construction.  Most of the parts can be ordered online or found in your station "junk box."  This project would make an excellent presentation for your amateur radio club or for an amateur radio license class. Although 4:1 baluns can be bought from a variety of suppliers, why not make one for yourself?  The process will be educational and fun. 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 afternoo...