Simple Ham Radio Antennas

  Thanks to Michael Martens (KB9VBR) for this straight forward, step-by-step video on building a dipole antenna center connector. You can keep costs low by using locally available materials. If you can't see the video, please go here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fY8XaxamIYU Here are some comments from Michael (KB9VBR): The dipole is a common antenna for the amateur radio operator; and with good reason- dipoles are easy to build and are proven performers. Recently I wanted to build a dipole but didn't have a center insulator. Instead of paying $25-45 and waiting days for delivery‚ I decided to build my own for about $12 using common parts (with the exception of the SO-239) and tools available at your local home improvement store. Parts List: 1 - ¾ x ¾ x 1 inch PVC Tee connector 2 - ¾ inch PVC plugs 1 - 1 inch PVC plug 3 - 3/16 x 1 ½ inch eye bolts 3 - Number 10 washers 3 - 10 x 24 nylon lock nuts SO-239 bulkhead connector. Order: https://amzn.to/2EwFHbH Rosin core solder a...

Here's a simple multi-band dipole antenna (40-20-17-and 10 meters) that can be built in a few hours with locally available materials or "junk box" spares. Bob (KK4DIV) does an excellent job of taking us step-by-step through the design, building, and testing phases of this good, basic antenna. If you can't see the video, please insert this title URl into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQfj9879K_c Here are some comments from Bob (KK4DIV): I built a multiband dipole that will work 40, 20, 17, and 10 meters for ham radio. An easy project I was able to tackle in one day. Calculations for the wire lengths can be found easily online. I used a program called N2IMF antenna I downloaded from hamuniverse.com that will assist in dipole wire length. Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es Russ (KH6JRM).  

Here's a simple portable antenna system that can be used both at home and in "the field." Thanks to Chuck (KK6USY) for converting a 17-ft (5.182m) extendable whip into a 9 band ham radio antenna. If you can't see the video, please go here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SzwYf9Vw6iU. Here are some comments from Chuck (KK6USY): In this Video I show how to make an antenna stake that will be fast and strong for portable Ham Radio work. The stake has two places to mount antennas like a 17' whip, ham sticks, hustler ham sticks, Wolf River Coil or even a Chamrleon CHA-Hybrid-Mini. Easy to put together, if you choose to drill and tap a 3/8"-24 fine thread hole in the top you can use the MPAS and that is the hardest part of the build. Links to the parts and items used in the video are listed below. 18" Nail stake, https://www.homedepot.com/p/Grip-Rite... Mirror mount, https://amzn.to/3jqbbBr 22 Gauge 1000 Feet Red Black Speaker Wire, https://amzn.to/3NNfTqF C...

Radio amateurs have used all kinds of metals for building antennas, including various metal foils. In this 17 November 2021 presentation to the Denver Radio Club, John Portune (W6NBC) discusses some unusual, but effective Ham Radio Antennas made from common materials, such as metal tape and aluminum foils. If you can't see the video, please go here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7MA4dIlapyA Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).  

Here's an interesting HF antenna you may want to use in the upcoming ARRL Field Day set for the last full weekend of June. Tracy of the "Outdoors On The Air" video channel performs a full field test of this versatile end fed HF antenna. If you can't see the video, please go here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMWe-4I-05k Here are some comments from Tracy: I finally get the chance to use the HyEndFed Field Day antenna in one of its preferred configurations. Join me to see how it performs during a Ham Radio HF Portable camping weekend. Fore more information on the HyEndFed Field Day antenna, please visit this link: https://www.hyendcompany.nl/antenna/p... For more information pertaining to the HyEndFed Portable Line Isolator: https://www.hyendcompany.nl/antenna/p... ----- Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).  

If you want to have a successful portable QRP operation, please consider these suggestions from Australian radio amateur Peter Parker (VK3YE). Peter shows us how to design, assemble, and use a portable QRP station with a minimum of expense and material. If you can't see the video, please go here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-eGSbVA7lY Here are some comments from Peter (VK3YE): What are the 13 things you really really need for successful portable HF QRP? Here's my pick! PS: If you liked this video please consider supporting Amateur Radio VK3YE by: * Subscribing on YouTube * Checking my books page at https://books.vk3ye.com​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ * Shopping on Amazon via: https://amzn.to/3iiDQXv , or * Shopping on eBay via: https://ebay.us/i9DuWP (then if you buy something I'll get a small commission at no cost to you) ----- Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).  

Thanks to Peter Waters (G3OJV) for this lightweight, versatile HF antenna that can be used in limited space environments. According to Peter, successful operations from small urban lots are possible by building and erecting a simple end fed halfwave HF antenna.  The key to success is using a 49:1 Unun to help match the high antenna impedance to the relatively low impedance of your HF transceiver.   The addition of an antenna transmatch (i.e. antenna "tuner") will make the process a bit easier. Peter's suggestions will help you get on the air with a minimum of stress and expense. If you can't see the video, please go here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UcuHTWWOg7c Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).