Posts

So you think you need an antenna analyzer. Post 2143.

Image
If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser searchbox:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NJbC1PeMEI This intriguing article from John Nass ("Ham Radio Crash Course") isn't your usual promotional piece we often find on the internet. John argues that, while an antenna analyzer is a useful tool for antenna design, it's not required to build a simple, effective antenna. Here are some of John's remarks: "A discussion came up on the HRCC facebook page over if an antenna analyzer was needed to setup an amateur radio antenna properlly. The answer is no, most of the time while it might make the job easier, an analyzer is not needed and I'll explain why in this video. Monthly newsletter, stickers, private content: https://www.patreon.com/hoshnasi Links to products in the video: https://www.amazon.com/shop/hamradioc... As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Current Shack Config: ICOM 7300: https:...

Salt Water Dummy Load. Post 2142.

Image
If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dgm5KwcAzmI . Every ham shack needs a "dummy load" to test rigs and make adjustments without creating RF interference. In this video from Darrell ("Radionut63"), we see how simple tools, some wire, and a small amount of salt water can create an emergency dummy load for your shack or portable operation. Just be aware, however, that dummy loads can radiate RF if you're not careful with the assembly process. ----- 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/ http://www.hamradioupdate.com. http://www.southgatearc.org. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. https://www.eham.net. https://www.paper.li/f-1576465810 (breaking Amateur/Ha...

Building a Doublet Aerial-Antenna. Post 2141.

Image
If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAYbkVhsSBY . If you need a simple, efficient multiband HF antenna, please trye the classic HF "Doublet Antenna." In this well-made video, "One Time Pad" takes us step-by-step through the design, construction, testing, and use phases of this useful, easily built antenna. Here are some suggestions from "One Time Pad": ulti –strand Flexweave) Ladder line/Open wire/Ribbon (I used 300Ω ribbon because its neater) x3 eye bolts with associated nuts as washers x1 straight wastewater pipe connector x2 access plugs for above wastewater pipe connector x2 wing nuts and bolts x2 Dog bone Isolators (to isolate end of each antenna leg) x1 spool Rosin core solder (i.e. solder with embedded flux) Cable ties Heat shrink tubing Mast Components: You will need to determine your mast location in advance. You will also need to determine ...

Antenna Launchers. Post 2140.

Image
If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHuzVcfwE28 Tall trees can serve as excellent antenna supports for a variety of HF/VHF/UHF antennas.  The problem with trees is getting your antenna launched successfully without tangling your antenna elements in branches or other obstructions. In the video, Bob Heil (K9EID) shows you a fairly new antenna launcher that should help you place antennas where you want them without undershooting or overshooting the tree tops. This video selection can be found here for further information: https://twit.tv/hn/263. ---------------------- For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://wwwblubrry.com/arrlaudionews/ http://www.hamradioupdate.com. http://www.southgatearc.org. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. ht...

Best First Amateur Ham Radio HF Antenna for new operators

Image
If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wG3oS-2QrFE .  This is post 2139   in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Most radio amateurs remember their first antenna.  Mine was an ungainly 100-ft/30.48 m piece of speaker wire running into a homebrew L "tuner".  I managed to work many DX contacts with this less-than optimum random wire.  Of course, my old Heathkit HW-101 was very forgiving in those days. In this video, Callum (M0MCX) reminisces about his first HF antenna-a beautiful delta loop mounted about 7 m (23.96 ft) above ground. Callum takes you back to that day and shows you how to design, build, and test this versatile HF antenna.  An excellent tutorial for both experienced and newly-licensed ham radio operators. ----- For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. ...

Ham Radio - Get on 630 meters with a bucket variometer!

Image
If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdoaT-nHkfc.  This is post 2138 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. If you need an inexpensive, easy way to get on the 630 meter amateur radio band, then this video from Kevin Loughin (KB9RLW) may be helpful. Kevin takes you step-by-step through the design, construction, and testing of this simple way to get on the 630 meter band. Here are some of Kevin's observations about the project: "A slightly long build video on the bucket vario. There was a lot to cover! You can get on 630 meters without much effort, hope to hear you on the band. Article referenced about early radio experimentation: https://www.nonstopsystems.com/radio/... Hall of flame page: http://njdtechnologies.net/hall-of-fl... If you like my videos, please subscribe here: http://www.youtube.com/user/loughkb?s... If you want me to keep making more videos lik...

Constructing a Amateur Radio Antenna Grounding Box

Image
If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oc_L5xpEpxo. Thanks to Tom from "Practical Engineering Solutions" for this simple project designed to "ground antennas to earth ground and provide lightning protection for your rig." If you live in a lightning and thunderstorm-prone region, this project will go a long way in keeping your shack , home, and equipment out of harm's way. As an added precaution, I alway disconnect my antennas and equipment when I'm not using my ham radio gear.  So far, I've been lucky--I lost a fiberglass mast (with nothing attached) a few years ago, and that incident convinced me to ground all of my gear and antennas to a real earth ground. ------ 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/ http://www.hamradioupda...