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Showing posts from August, 2016

Simple Ham Radio Antennas--600 ohm True Ladder Line Balun House Entry. Post #882.

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If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this title link into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXIqkdosGWw.  In our last post, W5CYF described how to build a window panel to pass coaxial feedlines through a window without damaging the window frame.  In this video, we see a simple way to have 600 ohm true ladder line pass from the outside of your house into your ham shack using a simple external balun and a short length of 50 ohm coax to connect your antenna to your transmatch/tuner and then on to your HF rig.  A nice, simple, inexpensive solution to using ladder line for your HF antennas. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please check out the blog sidebars.  These news feeds are updated daily. Opinions expressed in this blog are mine unless otherwise stated. Thanks for joining us today! Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

Simple Ham Radio Antennas--Antenna Coax Cable Window Pass Through – Radio/TV

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If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this title link into your browser searchbox: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KRmbezrkGoc. Here's a handy gadget for your ham shack that will make attachments to your outdoor antenna a bit easier.  In this video, Tinker John (W5CYF) shows us a simple, effective method of passing a coax antenna cable through a window sill without damaging the window frame or glass. The project is simple and inexpensive. This window pass through can be used for any type of antenna--ham radio, TV, CB, or SWL. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please check out the blog sidebars.  These news feeds are updated daily. Opinions expressed in this blog are mine unless otherwise stated. Thanks for joining us today! Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

Simple Ham Radio Antennas--Do small tuned counterpoises work with HF vertical antennas?

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If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this title link into your browser searchbox: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yARhBgi020. This is post #880 in a continuing series discussing amateur radio antennas. Great video tutorial from Peter Parker (VK3YE). Long radials are a hassle in a portable or emergency situation. Ground-mounted radial wires can present a safety hazard to both animals and people.  In this video, Peter uses a television rabbit ears antenna along with a variable capacitor to create a tuned counterpoise for his 20 meter vertical antenna.  The small tuned counterpoise system works very well and reduces the chances of someone getting tangled up in a ground radial system. Of course, Peter's location near a beautiful Australian beach helps launch a decent signal.  If you don't have sufficient room for a ground radial system, try this idea from Peter. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please check out the blog sidebars. ...

Simple Ham Radio Antennas--Coat Hanger 2 Meter Yagi Antenna. Post #879.

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If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this title link into your browser searchbox: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLOvSLXDudU. Another quick and easy antenna idea from Dave Tadlock (KG0ZZ).  In this video, Dave show us how to build a simple, efficient 2 Meter yagi antenna out of metal coat hangers. You could also use roll up metal rulers sold in hardware stores for the antenna elements.  Your boom could be made from pvc pipe, wood, or bamboo. Just follow Dave's simple instructions and, in no time, you'll have a fully functional yagi that will "hit" those distant repeaters.  This antenna is great for contests and DX hunting. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please check out the blog sidebars.  These news feeds are updated daily. Opinions expressed in this blog are mine unless otherwise stated. Thanks for joining us today! Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

Simple Ham Radio Antennas--HF-Powered Drone Antenna. Post #878.

HF-Powered Drone Antenna (http://www.hackaday.com/2016/08/hf-powered-drone-antenna). (http://www.eham.net/articles/37439). Reporter:  Elliot Williams. Please click underlined title link or enter the title URL into your browser search box to read the full report and to see the video of the experiment. Comment: If you have no room for a tower, but still want the performance edge extra height gives your VHF/UHF signal, you may want to try this intriguing idea from Glenn (N6FN). Glenn has built a rig that "transmits significant power using a thin wire.  The wire is used to send the power at high frequency down the wire at which point it becomes more like a transmission line than a conductor."  Glenn adds that his signal " is rectified to DC on the other end to power a quadcopter drone" supporting the antenna wire. Glenn has included some interesting graphics and a video showing the evolution of the drone supported antenna. For the latest Amateur Radio news...

Simple Ham Radio Antennas--Mobile HF HAM Radio - Vehicle Bonding and Reducing Ignition RFI

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If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this title link into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LJkmcgIf-0. This is post #877 in a continuing series on amateur radio antennas. Excellent tutorial from "remingtonh" on how to reduce ignition noise in a mobile HF ham radio installation.  The key is good bonding and grounding, especially in vehicles where there is more fiberglass and plastic than real metal.  A clear, concise video that should give you some valuable suggestions on how to install a mobile rig in your car, truck, or van. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please check out the blog sidebars.  These news feeds are updated daily. Thanks for joining us today! Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

Simple Ham Radio Antennas--High Sierra HF mobile antenna setup. Post #876.

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If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this title link into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v-hZ73hY1dPIY.  The High Sierra HF mobile antenna system is one of the most popular antennas for mobile and even portable use.  In this video, VA3HRY shows us how he set up the antenna using a trailer hitch to support the antenna mast. Be sure to ground your antenna to the metal portion of your vehicle.  Many cars and trucks have been made with tough plastics and fiberglass, and metal may be hard to find. A nice setup--very well thought out. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please check out the blog sidebars.  These news feeds are updated daily. Opinions expressed in this blog are mine unless otherwise stated. Thanks for joining us today! Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

Simple Ham Radio Antennas--Conical Monopole Antenna. Post #875.

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If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this title link into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sScrfbf0uIg. Here's an interesting and somewhat complex wideband HF antenna that you may find useful.  In this video, Stan Gibilisco (W1GV) explains the theory, construction, and operation of the Conical Monopole Antenna.  You may need some help in building this antenna.  This antenna would make a good club project. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please check out the blog sidebars.  These news feeds are updated daily. Opinions expressed in this blog are mine unless otherwise stated. Thanks for joining us today! Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

Simple Ham Radio Antennas--Vehicle Antenna Installation - NMO Mount (corrected copy)

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If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this title link into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v-hFR4SASOKhg. This is post #874. Like many of my ham radio friends, I use a mag mount antenna for my VHF/UHF mobile activity. While a mag mount is convenient, it can leave scratches and other imperfections on your vehicle's roof or rear deck. A really professional installation that looks nice, is weather resistant, and is more efficient calls for a NMO mount--the type that two-way radio shops use for Motorola radios in taxi cabs, police vehicles, and public service equipment. In this video, Commsprepper does an excellent job of taking us step-by-step through the process of installing a professional looking NMO mount. Be sure to connect the antenna system to the metal portion of your vehicle, since the car body serves as part of your antenna.  Because many vehicles these days employ fiberglass and other plastic parts in the car body, you may h...

Simple Ham Radio Antennas--N4LQ Multiband Inverted L Antenna. Post #873.

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If you're having trouble viewing this video, please check insert this title link into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuD2mBZKHOg. Multiband antennas covering 160 meters to 10 meters tend to be very large, particularly when a quarter wave vertical antenna for the 160 meter band can be as tall as 135 feet/41.15 meters.  You could save some space and still get decent multiband performance by using an inverted L antenna that could fit on your property. In this video, Steve Ellington (N4LQ)  uses a 100 foot/30.48 meters (later upgraded to 200 feet/60.97 meters) long inverted L that covers all amateur radio bands between 160 and 10 meters.  He uses a MFJ-998 antenna transmatch (i.e. "tuner") to keep SWR in check.  Steve's project may give you some good ideas on building a similar antenna for your property. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please check out the blog sidebars.  These news feeds are updated daily. Opinion...

Simple Ham Radio Antennas--How To Build A Delta Loop Antenna. Post #872.

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If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this title link into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1uUVMaRFv4. My favorite amateur radio antenna is the easily-made and efficient delta loop antenna. In this video from Hiram Vazquez (WV2H), we learn the basic theory, construction, and performance parameters of this versatile HF antenna. Delta Loops display modest gain, have low noise, take up little room, and are inexpensive to build.  At my QTH, I have a delta loop similar to Hiram's.  The antenna's total length is 142-feet/43.29 meters and is attached to the top of a 33-ft/10.06 meters telescoping fiberglass pole.  The bottom portion of the delta loop is supported by two 10-ft/10.06 meters bamboo poles. The antenna is fed by a length of 450 ohm ladder line running into a 4:1 current balun. A short length of RG-8X coaxial cable connects the balun to my trusty Drake MN-4 antenna transmatch.  A small piece of RG-8X coax connects t...

Simple Ham Radio Antennas--New Stealth Vertical Antenna? Post #871

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If your're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this title link into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDj2LgG0n4I. Sometimes all you need to disguise your antenna is a clever application of your home's natural ground cover and geography.  In this video from AI4W, we see how a simple vertical antenna supported by a Jackite.com fiberglass mast can be hidden from neighbors and used even in daylight.  I'm reminded of an old saying: "Out of sight, out of mind." You may find AI4W's idea suitable for your HOA/CC&R-controlled home or apartment. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please check out the blog's sidebars.  These news feeds are updated daily. Opinions expressed in this blog are mine unless otherwise stated. Thanks for joining us today! Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

Simple Ham Radio Antennas--How to Solder Powerpole Connectors. Post #870.

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If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this title link into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwkxSXmhAZY. Anderson Power Pole Connectors have many uses in your ham shack from connecting power supplies to transceivers to hooking up test equipment. In this well-produced video from Randy Hall (K7AGE), we learn a different method of attaching powerpole connectors to the various wires running through our radio rooms.  Until I saw this intriguing video, I always used the crimping method to attach the power pole connectors.  In this presentation, Randy uses a soldering iron/tool to attach the connector. Both methods will work and the choice is up to you.  Randy's news Logitech 920 camera does an excellent job of presenting this tutorial. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please check out the blog sidebars. These news feeds are updated daily. Opinions expressed in this blog are mine unless otherwise stated. Than...

Simple Ham Radio Antennas--Windom radio Ham antenna. Post #869.

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If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this title link into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uf32ecwFjjQ. My series on Windom Antennas continues with a practical demonstration of this classic amateur radio antenna from the 1920s.  In this video from Peter Echer, we see a 160 meter Windom Antenna in action. Peter claims this large antenna and his 50 watt transmitter output often outperform small beams, dipoles, and verticals. Peter does a good job of showing how to build this off-center dipole.  If you lack the space Peter has, try a Windom Antenna designed for 40 through 10 meters. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please check out the blog sidebars.  These news feeds are updated daily. Opinions expressed in this blog are mine unless otherwise stated. Thanks for joining us today! Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

Simple Ham Radio Antennas--Windom Antenna. Post #868.

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If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this title link into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PbOfZYzCUE.  Here's a multiband antenna classic that can give you hours of enjoyment, especially if you build this bit of radio history yourself.  This antenna has gone through a variety of alterations since it was first described in the 1920s.  In this video, Stan Gibilisco (W1GV) explains the history, concepts, and theories behind this half-wavelength antenna.  Stan also explains the baluns and feed lines needed to make this harmonic antenna a winner at your shack.  You might be surprised how well this antenna works at your location. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please check out the blog sidebars.  These news feeds are updated daily. Opinions expressed in this blog are mine unless otherwise stated. Thanks for joining us today! Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

Simple Ham Radio Antennas--Reviews/Summary for Alpha Loop 10-40 meters. Post #867.

Review/Summary for Alpha Loop 10-40 meters (http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/11354#143067). Accessed on 15 August 2016, 20:35 hrs, UTC. Please click title link or insert the link URL into your browser search box. Comment: Magnetic Loop Antennas have gained acceptance and popularity among radio amateurs as both emergency and portable antennas, as well as antennas that can be used in HOA/CC&R controlled housing. Although one can build a magnetic loop antenna (there are several good youtube videos covering the subject), you may want to buy a commercial model with a tested design and performance record. Such is the case with the Alpha Loop Antenna for 10-40 meters.  Based on the user reviews in this http://www.eham.net article, this magnetic loop antenna is ideal for portable operations and can be used in restricted housing situations without raising the suspicions of nosey neighbors. The Alpha Magnetic Loop Antenna is well-built, sturdy, and portable.  The materi...

Simple Ham Radio Antennas--2 Meter Twin Lead J-pole Antenna. Post #866.

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If you're having difficulty viewing this video, please insert this title link into your search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qI6zWMZ1dEU.  Here's a simple, easy to make J-Pole antenna suitable for portable or emergency use. Dave Tadlock (KG0ZZ) show us how to make a 2 meter roll up J-Pole Antenna using 300 ohm television twin lead.  You could also use 450 ohm ladder line if the tv twin lead isn't available. This antenna can be used in HOA/CC&R restricted apartments or homes without drawing unwanted attention. Keep one of these antennas in your vehicle or use it for camping or hiking trips. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please check out the blog sidebars. These news feeds are updated daily. Opinions expressed in this blog are mine unless otherwise stated. Thanks for joining us today! Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

Simple Ham Radio Antennas--Use TV rabbit ears as an emergency 2-meter antenna

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If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this title link into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sczo4fmP4yw.  Nicely done video from KB3PML on how to adjust the telescoping antenna elements of an old set of television "rabbit ears" to get on the air as an emergency antenna on the 2-meter amateur radio band.  KB3PML used a MFJ-SWR analyzer to adjust the length of each antenna element.  An easy, inexpensive way to get on the air with your 2-meter rig. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please check out the blog sidebars.  These news feeds are updated daily. Opinions expressed on this blog are mine unless otherwise stated. Thanks for joining us today! Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

Simple Ham Radio Antennas--Getting around HOA antennas Maple Leaf Studios End Fed Easy-Tenna 160-6 meters. Post #864.

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If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this title link into your broswer search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLDeuEyV_qM. Operating an amateur radio station in a HOA/CC&R controlled environment can be challenging. But, with a little creativity and a bit of "stealth" technology, you can return to the air and pursue your amateur radio activities.  In this video from MeOnTech (AF5DN), we see another way to operate in restricted environments without your neighbors getting too curious about ham radio.  The Maple Leaf Studios End Fed Easy-Tenna is easily erected, simple to hide, and covers 160 to 6 meters.  You could also trying making your own version of this antenna. When I lived in a restricted housing situation, I always followed this advice:  "Out of sight, out of mind."  There are many low-profile antennas that will give you hours of pleasure without upsetting the housing police.  For other hidden or stealth antennas idea...

Simple Ham Radio Antennas--Tuning a random wire with the RX2 bridge.mp4. Post #863

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If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this title link into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fiMbK8pjfNU.  Here's an excellent presentation from VK3AQZ on how to tune a random length wire using the RX2 noise bridge...a very simple instrument that makes using a random length wire antenna fun and easy.  If you plan to transmit with this arrangement, be sure to use low power and install a proper ground radial or counterpoise system.  If you just want to use the random length wire for reception only, just follow the easy instructions given in this video. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please check out the blog sidebars.  These news feeds are updated daily. Opinions expressed in this blog are mine unless otherwise stated. Thanks for joining us today! Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

Simple Ham Radio Antennas--Camping with Ham Radio. Post #862.

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If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this title link into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8go9vCN99w.  Ham Radio and camping are a perfect way to get in touch with nature and enjoy worldwide contacts away from urban distractions.  In this video from "Tinker John" (W5CYF), we learn just how simple a field- portable amateur radio station can be while getting some good contacts in the process.  In "Tinker John's" camping station, he uses a MFJ-9420 20-meter QRP rig, a home made dipole antenna supported at 20-feet/6.09 meters, an antenna transmatch (i.e. "tuner"), and a sealed lead-acid battery delivering 12 volts at 7.5 Ah.  My portable station is similar, but, instead of the MFJ-9420, I use an even older Yaesu FT-7 QRP rig. Like "Tinker John", I've made many interesting contacts during my hikes to the woods and nearby state parks. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, plea...

Simple Ham Radio Antennas--Sloped Dipole Experiment. Post #861.

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If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this title link into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgEibY3INHo.  If you don't have the space needed to erect a horizontal dipole antenna, why not use a sloped dipole antenna instead?  In this video, "AllAmericanFiveRadio" compares his 40 meter horizontal dipole antenna to a temporary 40 meter sloped dipole. Both antennas work very well, with the sloped dipole giving a bit more directivity than the horizontal dipole.  Nicely done video with easily-followed instructions. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please check out the blog sidebars.  These news feeds are updated daily. Opinions expressed in this blog are mine unless otherwise stated. Thanks for joining us today! Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

Simple Ham Radio Antennas--Magnetic Antennas, and more. Post #860.

Magnetic Antennas, and more. (http://www.southgatearc.org/news/2016/august/magnetic-antennas-and-more-htm). Accessed on 09 August 2016, 05:59 hrs, UTC. Please click the title link to read the full article. Comment: The Amateur Radio Round Table live call-in program set for Wednesday, 10 August 2016, 0100 hrs (Tuesday, 09 August 2016, 8 p.m. Central Time) should be a fascinating program for antenna experimenters. Featured guests include Emmett Hohensee (W0QH), who will discuss magnetic and off-center fed antennas, and Michael Kalter (W8CI), who talk about  the move of the Dayton Hamvention. The program will be aired live over international shortwave station WBCQ on 5.130 MHz. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please check out the blog sidebars.  These news feeds are updated daily. Opinions expressed in this blog are mine unless otherwise stated. Thanks for joining us today! Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

Simple Ham Radio Antennas--Multi-Band HF Fan Dipole Antenna Construction. Post #859.

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If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this title link into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PT1kSQjQIkM.  How would you like to design and build a multi-band dipole antenna that covers the 80, 40, 20, and 15 meter bands without using an antenna transmatch (i.e. "tuner")?  In this concise, well-produced video, Cory Klumper (N0ECK) and Alex Peterson (KD8YNH) show you how to build a simple fan dipole antenna that works on four popular HF amateur radio bands without a "tuner." A nice, simple, and inexpensive way to get four HF bands on one antenna. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please check out the blog sidebars.  These news feeds are updated daily. Opinions expressed in this blog are mine unless otherwise stated. Thanks for joining us today! Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

Simple Ham Radio Antennas--How To Build A Delta Loop Antenna. Post #858.

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If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this title link into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1uUVMaRFMV4. The Delta Loop is one of my favorite antennas.  It's simple, easy to build, and inexpensive. Plus, the delta loop can give you a modest amount of gain (about 3 dB).  Multi-band use is possible if you use ladder line, television twin lead. or homebrewed balanced feed line connected to a 4:1 balun and fed into your antenna transmatch (i.e. "tuner") with a short length of 50 ohm coaxial cable. This video from Hiram Vazquez covers most of the steps needed to make this highly versatile HF antenna. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please check out the blog sidebars.  These news feeds are updated daily. Opinions expressed in this blog are mine unless otherwise stated. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

Simple Ham Radio Antennas--Huge Horizontal Loop Antenna. Post # 857.

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If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this title link into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vg4wv9TNSw.  Here's an antenna I've always wanted to try, but never had the enormous space required to erect such a large, multi-wave length HF loop.  I've done fairly well with full-wave loops for 40 and 20 meters, but I've never ventured into the realm of extremely large loops described by Stan Gibilisco (W1GV). Stan does a good job of describing the theory and operation of these large loop antennas. For most of us radio amateurs, such huge antennas are but a dream--but a fascinating dream, nonetheless. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please check out the blog sidebars.  These news feeds are updated daily. Opinions expressed in this blog are mine unless otherwise stated. Thanks for joining us today! Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

Simple Ham Radio Antennas--Antenna Tuner Homebrew KK4WW & N4USA. Post #856.

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If you're having difficulty viewing this video, please insert this title link into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GrqGrWyb4Xc. An antenna transmatch (i.e. antenna "tuner") is one of the most valuable tools you can have in your ham shack.  By properly matching the impedance of your antenna to the design impedance of your HF transceiver, you get maximum transfer of power from your rig to the antenna. The antenna "tuner" can help keep SWR at a low level, saving your rig from damage and reducing spurious emissions. If you feel ambitious, you can build your own antenna "tuner" similar to this outstanding project from KK4WW & N4USA.  The "tuner" in this video is well-made, sturdy, and beautiful. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please check out the blog sidebars.  These news feeds are updated daily. Opinions expressed in this blog are mine unless otherwise stated. Thanks for joining us today...

Simple Ham Radio Antennas--80m sloper. Post #855.

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If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this title link into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8EVAzMICAM. Nice video from AmateurRadioSupplies showing one of their most popular products--The 80 meter W8AMZ sloper antenna.  If you want to enjoy the challenge of 80 meters but don't have the space to erect a full-size 80 meter dipole antenna, then this well-designed and sturdy compromise may be what you're looking for. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please check out the blog sidebars.  These news feeds are updated daily. Opinions expressed in this blog are mine unless otherwise stated. Thanks for joining us today! Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

Simple Ham Radio Antennas--J-Pole Stealth Antenna I (Do It Yourself). Post #854.

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If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this title link into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2I1ho7aJtAw.  A very clever way to disguise a 2m/70cm J-Pole Antenna.  This antenna is disguised as a climbing vine on a small exterior patio.  According to "VideosByDPF", this antenna is perfect for HOA/CC&R restricted homes and apartments.  A very attractive antenna installation.  Out of sight, out of mind. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please check out the blog sidebars.  These news feeds are updated daily. Opinions expressed in this blog are mine unless otherwise stated. Thanks for joining us today! Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

Simple Ham Radio Antennas--Top Five Get-On-The-Air Quickly Ham Radio Antennas. Post #853

Top Five Get-On-The-Air Quickly Ham Radio Antennas (http://www.donkeith.com/n4kc/article.php?p=22). Accessed on 01 August 2016, 19:13 hrs, UTC. Author:  Don Keith (N4KC). Please click title link or title URL to read the full article. Here's another fascinating and enlightening antenna article from Don Keith (N4KC). In this essay, Don describes five easily- made, simple, and inexpensive antennas that will get you on the air quickly after you've passed your amateur radio license exam.  These antennas can be made from locally available materials or from parts bought from the nearest hardware or home improvement outlet. You won't need expensive test equipment or tools to design, build, and use these basic HF antennas. All you need is an inquiring mind and the willingness to invest a few hours in making something that will work the first time. Don provides a simple formula for designing your antenna and outlines the pros and cons of each antenna in the article. Accord...