Posts

NVIS Overview (#231). Post 2040.

Image
If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2iMoXLO0s4. Here's another excellent presentation from Dave Casler (KE0OG).  In this video, Dave provides what he calls "a quick and dirty look at NVIS." NVIS stands for Near Vertical Incident Skywave--a practical way to get excellent local, state, and regional HF coverage with low-mounted dipole antennas.  Recent events in fire-ravaged California are proving the worth of these limited range HF antennas, especially where wildfires have destroyed or rendered VHF/UHF repeaters inoperable. Dave does a commendable job of explaining the theory, construction, and general operational parameters of NVIS antennas.  This video would make an excellent presentation to an amateur radio club or for an introductory amateur radio license class.  For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.in...

KB9VBR Antennas: Crossband vs. Portable Repeaters. Post 2039.

Image
KB9VBR Antennas: Crossband vs. Portable Repeaters Source:   https://mailchi.mp/8b2aa79f4b80/keltu3ojml-3042385?e=60d1762173 . Author:  Michael Martens (KB9VBR). Accessed on 31 October 2019, 1555 UTC, Post 2019. Summary: Radio amateur Michael Martens (KB9VBR) publishes a monthly antenna newsletter which is filled with helpful suggestions on maximizing your VHF/UHF antennas. Here's a selection from his current newsletter.  Please click the appropriate links to read the full articles: See how I get on the air with  my portable kit . . .  Cross-Band Repeat with the Yaesu FTM-400XDR You may have seen it in the user manual of your radio‚ in a radio advertisement‚ or talked about in an online forum. I’m talking about cross-band repeating. But what is it- how does it work- and most importantly- how can you use it. I’ll talk about this somewhat misunderstood radio feature- so let dig in.  Read More . . . ...

9A4ZZ COIL Antenna. Post 2038.

Image
If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WyYoHYr_1YE. If you want to experiment with a HF helical coil antenna, then this short video from 9A4ZZ may prove interesting. This antenna uses a large coil wrapped on PVC pipe.  The closely wound coil is tapped for the various HF bands of choice.  An inexpensive steel tape measure is used to form a simple  elevated counterpoise. The antenna seems to work well, considering the losses involved.  You may be able to make this antenna using locally found parts and PVC pipe found at your local recycling center or neighborhood yard sale. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.blubrry.com/arrlaudionews/ https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. https://www.eham.net. http:...

40 Meter Inverted V Antenna - Build, Tune & Test! Post 2037.

Image
If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-vpRMQWanw. Here's a simple way to build, tune, and test an inverted V antenna that covers the 40-20-15-10-6 meter Amateur Radio bands. In this video, Greg Alexander creates an interesting inverted V/Fan Dipole combination that uses mostly locally available materials.  Only a single feedline is need for this antenna.  Greg lays out the construction procedure very well and all parts should go together without major issues. ---------------------------------------- For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.blubrry.com/arrlaudionews/ https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. https://www.eham.net. http://www.hamradioupdate.com. http://www.southgatearc.org. Thanks for joining us to...

Beverage Antennas (ARRL Podcast). Post 2036.

Beverage Antennas (ARRL Podcast). https://blubrry.com/arrl_the_doctor_is_in/50546173/beverage-antenna/ Produced and narrated by Steve Ford and Joel Harris of the ARRL. Views expressed in this podcast are those of Mr. Ford and Mr. Harris. Accessed on 29 October 2019, 0115 UTC, Post 2036. Source: HQ ARRL, 225 Main Street, Newington, CT, 06111 or consult the title URL at the top of this post. Summary: The "Doctor" discusses one of the great "classic" receiving antennas--the Beverage Antenna.  Steve Ford and Joel Harris do an excellent job of explaining the theory, history, construction, and use of this legendary "wave"antenna named after engineer Harold H. Beverage. Although Beverage developed this "ground-hugging" antenna back in 1921, the antenna continues to find use in the Amateur/Ham Radio community as well as by commercial and military entities using the VLF and MW frequencies. --------------------------- For the latest Amateur...

Ham Radio - The 2-meter twin lead J-pole antenna. Post 2035.

Image
. If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b84ZRGuw1oU. If you want a simple, inexpensive, and high performance VHF antenna, then this easily-made 2-meter twin lead J-Pole Antenna from Kevin Loughin (KB9RLW) may be for you. All you need are some simple tools, 54.75 inches/136.525 centimeters of 300 ohm television twin lead, a few connectors, and your 2-meter HT.  Kevin takes us step-by-step through the design, construction, and use phases of this handy portable antenna.  You can roll up the antenna and put it in your "Go-Kit" for portable or emergency use. Kevin says his project is based on a design from WB3GCK (https://www.qsl.net/wb3gck/jpole.htm). ------------------------ For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.blubrry.com/arrlaudionews/ https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com....

3 Best HF Antennas For Ham Radio Beginners (Effective). Post 2034.

Image
If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWB_MNdCNns. Thanks to Lucien (DH7LM) for this remarkably straightforward, excellent guide to selecting the easiest, cheapest, and more efficient HF antennas for beginners and seasoned hams alike. In this video, Lucien discusses three HF antennas that deliver good performance at a modest cost: Dipole End-Fed Half Wave (EFHW) Ground Plane These HF antennas are winners because they are simple, efficient, and easy to make. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.blubrry.com/arrlaudionews/ https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. https://www.eham.net. http://www.southgatearc.org. http://www.hamradioupdate.com Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).