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Showing posts from January, 2018

Super Expedient Stealth 160 Meter Antenna. Post #1389.

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If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcnWkbiD79c. Designing, building, and using a 160 meter antenna for a small urban lot is quite a challenge, especially if you live in a deed-restricted area.  "HamPrepper" made this "junk bin" special to see if he could get on 160 with a decent signal with just some material he had around his ham shack.  The antenna works, aided by the use of 300-ohm feed line and a sturdy MFJ-989c "tuner."  The privacy fence does a lot to hide the antenna from prying eyes.  If you use this type of antenna, be sure to place as many ground radial as you can to reduce RFI and SWR, as well as increase antenna efficiency.  The old tale is true:  a compromised antenna is better than no antenna. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https:/

Quick 6-Meter Mobile Antenna. Post #1388.

Quick 6-Meter Mobile Antenna. Source: QST, February 2018, Vol. 102, No. 2, p. 94. This short post is a follow on to the 6-Meter video tutorial posted on 29 Janaury 2018 (Post #1387) by Randy Hall (K7AGE). While I was searching for some 6-meter mobile antenna ideas, I ran across this article in the February 2018 edition of "QST" published by the ARRL (American Radio Relay League).  This brief article was part of "The World Above 50 MHz" column, pp. 93 to 96. According to the article, you can find a quick, cheap, and effective 6-meter mobile antenna by using a 5/8 wave 2-meter mobile antenna.  The column states that "the 2-meter 5/8 wave whip is about 1/4 wave long on 50 MHz.  The loading coil is essentially invisible at 50 MHz.  Thus, you have two bands--50 and 144 MHz--mobile with one antenna.  You may have to adjust the length a little to optimize the standing-wave ration (SWR) on 50 MHz." If you choose to use your 5/8 wave 2-m

How to get On Six Meters - Introduction. Post #1387

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If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RR3MSQw7iZo. If you've ever wanted to get on the 6 meter amateur radio band, then this video produced in 2009 from Randy Hall (K7AGE) is just what you need.  Despite the passage of a decade since Randy's video became available online, much of what he says about "The Magic Band" still holds true. The 6 meter band (50 MHz)  has a dual personality, sharing some characteristics of both HF and VHF.  Most of the time, 6 meters is a good local or regional band, with many areas of the country having repeaters for the band and clubs dedicated to exploring the features of this segment of the radio spectrum.  Although popularity of the band has suffered a bit over the past few years because of reduced propagation, Sporatic E-Skip can boost coverage to almost 1,500 miles/2430 kilometers or even more. In this video, Randy describes the type of trans

Ham Radio--A Simple Coax Cable Emergency Prepper Antenna. Post #1386.

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If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch>v=tafy51yUzQo. Thanks to Kevin Loughin (KB9RWL) for this excellent presentation of a classic emergency antenna using coaxial cable.  The antenna comes in the form of a vertical dipole or "sleave dipole" for the 2 meter Amateur Radio Band.  Kevin shows how easy it is to make this great emergency antenna with a minimum of tools and expense.  Kevin offers a step-by-step tutorial on this simple, effective antenna which can be used at home or in the field.  You might want to make a few for emergency use, by putting one in your vehicle or in your "go-box."  If you have the space, you can also make a coax antenna for the upper HF bands (20 through 6 meters). For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http:

A top band aerial for small gardens. Post #1385.

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If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jg4Agf3AqQ. A truly inspirational video from Ray of the "Radio Workshop" in the UK.  Many radio amateurs who share the extreme antenna limitations posed by deed or space-restricted homes will find a sympathetic ear in this video.  Rather than surrender to space limiting scenarios, Ray has taken a potential liability (he has only a small garden space for an outdoor antenna) and turned it into a workable alternative to "no antenna at all."  Ray says he was surprised by the  performance of this highly compromised antenna, which gives him a decent signal on 160 meters as well as coverage on frequencies between 80 and 10 meters.  Follow Ray's example and you won't stay off the air for long. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.

Using a Manual Antenna Tuner: Ask Dave Episode 5. Post #1384.

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If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch/v=RRkbdTadmUU. Another clear, well-produced video tutorial from Dave Casler (KE0Og). In this program, Dave shows how to tune a manual antenna "tuner" with both an external SWR meter and with the SWR meter built into your transceiver.  Manual "tuners" are less expensive than automatic ones and are "perfectly okay" for your station.  At my home station, I use an old Drake MN-4 antenna "tuner" for most of my work on 40, 20, 15, and 10 meters.  Coupled with a 1:4 current balun and a balanced feed line (450 ohm ladder line), I can use my 40 meter inverted vee on several HF bands.  Dave's suggestions are clear and easy to follow--an excellent tutorial for any radio amateur. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. h

HyEndFed 5 Band HF Antenna Installation. Post #1383.

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If you can't views this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGyAveQsf60. An end-fed antenna is capable of excellent performance if you carefully consider its length, ground radial system requirements, and a balun/"tuner" combination to reduce SWR and RFI problems. In this video, "Outdoors On The Radio" shows us how he installed a 75-ft/12.86-m end-fed antenna in a small backyard.  According to the video, "the antenna is performing well, even in a compromised situation."  This video should give you some useful antenna ideas for your location. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday). https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://amateurradionewsinformation.com (Amateur Radio News

Getting around HOA antenna restrictions. Post #1382.

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If you can't views this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psUdNEfDIc4. Here's another stealth antenna for those unfortunate enough to live in deed-restrictive housing (i.e. HOAs and CC&Rs).  This antenna consists of a LDG S9v31 antenna with 24 radials made from CAT 5 cable.  Like many things in life, antenna use in an HOA/CC&R situation implies a certain amount of risk, so be careful how and when you build, erect, and lower the stealth antenna.  Another workable alternative is to use a "flagpole" mast to support our national colors as well as support a simple vertical with a buried radial system. The best stealth antenna I've used is an "on the ground" antenna designed by Tom Moia (K3MT).  Just search my blog pages or index for this antenna.  A google search will turn up variations of this unlikely antenna which does work, given its limitations.  In any case, this post shoul

Ham Radio Basics--Dipole Antenna Center Insulator. Post #1381.

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If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5OqrvyjTgs. A well-constructed video tutorial from Jim (W6LG) on how to make a strong, durable, and weather resistant center insulator for a dipole antenna.  Jim makes the dipole center insulator from PVC plumbing parts, coax connectors, and screw eyes.  Most of the material should be available from your neighborhood building or electrical supply outlet.  This easily made accessory will support a variety of antenna styles from inverted vees to fan dipoles. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these sites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday). http://amateurradionewsinformation.com (Amateur Radio News & Information). Be sure to check the blog sidebars for m

2 Meter 3 Element Tape Measure Yagi Antenna. Post #1380.

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If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxZrro2aKo. Here's a fun antenna project that only takes about an hour and costs between $15-$20 to make.  KF7TOV does an excellent job of showing how to make a simple, cheap, and effective 2 meter yagi antenna with commonly available materials.  Radio Direction enthusiasts have used this type of antenna for years to participate in RDF "foxhunts" and to identify noise sources in neighborhoods.  This antenna is suitable for both home and field use. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday) http://amateurradionewsinformation.com (Amateur Radio News & Information). Other sites of interest: http://

Build a Portable 10 Meter Yagi Antenna. Post #1379.

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If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJ5aYxLzJyM. Here's a simple, inexpensive, and efficient 2-element 10 meter yagi you can build in time for the Winter Field Day exercise (27-28 January 2018) or for the regular summer ARRL Field Day event during the last full weekend in June. Dave (KG0ZZ) takes you step-by-step through the design, construction, and operational phases of this 10 meter yagi antenna which can be used for both home and portable operations.  A lightweight mast and rotor will round out the project.  This would make a great club project for newly licensed Technician Class radio amateurs.  Techs have a good slice of the 10 meter band, and given decent propagation, they could experience the DX thrills many of us get during a contest. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.co

Slim Jim/J Pole Antenna Calculator. Post #1378.

Slim Jim/J Pole Calculator (https://m0ukd.com/calculators/slim-jim-and-j-pole-calculator/) Author:  Jim (M0UKD). Accessed on 20 January 2018, 1948 UTC, Post #1378. Please click link to download the complete article, calculator, and photos. Comment: An extremely well done introduction to the Slim Jim/J Pole antenna system from Jim (MK0UKD). Jim provides essential design, construction, and operational procedures for this popular antenna, which is widely used on VHF/UHF amateur radio bands.  With a little creativity and a bit more space, J Poles can be used on the 20m, 17m, 15m, 12m, and 10m amateur radio bands. Jim provides excellent reference sources, along with photos and visuals that explain the basic theory behind these antennas. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (

AMAZING homemade HF loop antennas MFJ-935b loop tuner. Post #1377.

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If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E56WIIpf2gA. Here's a case where a little ingenuity and creativity can create a working antenna for a modest cost, and perhaps even free.  The radio amateurs behind "HamRadioConcepts" have made two fully functional magnetic loop antennas from an old bicycle rim and a steel tape measure.  Using the MFJ-935b loop "tuner", these ordinary household items were transformed into working antennas for the 10 and 12 meter bands.  For those living in antenna restricted HOAs and CC&Rs, this video should give you some ideas for making a stealth antenna for your location. For the latest Amateur 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). https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandar

ETH050 - Winter Field Day! Post #1376.

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If you can't view this video podcast, please enter this title URL into your browser search box://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ZxoxGya8cc. Many radio amateurs are preparing for the winter edition of the ARRL Field Day.  The customary and traditional date for the ARRL operating event usually falls during the final full weekend of June, but some amateur radio operators are taking to the "field" for the colder weather of January.  This year, the Winter Field Day is set for  27-28 January 2018, with rules similar to the June ARRL Field Day exercise. In this podcast from "EVERYTHING HAMRADIO, we see how members of the  Chesapeake Amateur Radio Service are preparing for field operations in the dead of winter.  The video offers a lot of valuable suggestions and practical survival tips for winter operations.  These guide lines will be especially helpful for radio amateurs operating in northern latitudes.  For those of us in semi-tropical areas, such as Hawaii (my lo

N4LQ 160-10 Multiband Doublet with Auto-Tuner. Post #1375.

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If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0jVVQ8ReQXA. If you can have only one HF antenna to cover the Amateur Radio Bands from 160 to 10 meters, then this multiband doublet by Steve Ellington (N4LQ) may be what your're looking for. According to Steve, this doublet "cover(s) HF bands with great results...the MFJ-998 tuner easily loads the antenna on several bands.  The 60-ft/18.29 m of balanced feed line, coupled with the MFJ-auto "tuner" provides a suitable match to his transceiver on Amateur Radio bands from 160 through 10 meters. You can also build a similar antenna to cover 80 through 10 meters if your space is limited.  Just design the antenna for the lowest frequency of operation, use balanced feed line, a balun (if needed), and a well-built antenna "tuner."  The doublet is an excellent, efficient, and inexpensive way to cover several Amateur Radio bands with

How To Build A Lazy H Antenna. Post #1374.

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If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcGdkyRTEEk. If you have some time and want to build one of the classic amateur radio antennas, you should try the Lazy H Antenna--a broadside array consisting of two vertical folded dipoles fed with ladder line.  Hiram Vazquez does an excellent job of providing the basic theory, design, and construction practices of this "oldie, but goodie" antenna. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday). http://amateurradionewsinformation.com (Amater Radio News & Information). Other sites of interest: http://hawaiisciencedigest.com (Hawaii Science Digest). https://hawaiiintelligencedigest.com (Hawaii Intellig

LZ1AQ-Personal Home Page. Post #1373.

LZ1AQ-Personal Home Page (http://www.lz1aq.signacor.com). Accessed on 15 January 2018, 2015 UTC. Please click post title or insert URL into your browser search box to download post. Comment: I ran across this fascinating website while I was searching for new antenna ideas.  The website created by Chavdar Levkov (LZ1AQ) is an interesting adventure into antenna experimentation. Levkov, who has a Doctor of Science in the field of Technical Electrocardiology, is founder and CEO of a small Bulgarian company that designs and produces electrocardiology equipment.  While most of Levkov's work deals with medical equipment, he has designed a variety of antennas and kits for radio amateurs. Here's a list of his current antenna articles: 2-element Single Mast Wire Beam with 4 Switchable Directions - Adddendum ( New ) (Jun 2017) 2-element Single Mast Wire Beam with 4 Switchable Directions ( New ) (April 2017) A Simple and Very Sensitive RF Current Sensor ( New ) (March 2017)

9 Simple J Pole Antenna Projects. Post #1372.

9 Simple J Pole Antenna Projects (https://www.dxzone.com/9-j-pole-antenna-projects/). Accessed on 14 January 2018, 2315 UTC, Post #1372. Please click title or go to the link provided to read the full article. Comment: The J Pole antenna is a classic design originating in World War I for the German Zeppelin airships that bombed London and other areas of the western front.  The original "Zepp" antenna has been refined into many variants, including the J Pole, the Off-Center Fed Dipole, the Windom antenna, and even the classic W3EDP antenna from the early 1920s, The antenna remains popular for amateur radio bands from 20 meters to 70 cm.  The antenna is simple, easy to build, and effective. The J Pole Antenna is basically an end-fed omni directional half-wave antenna, matched to the feed line by a quarter wave transmission stub. The J Pole Antenna is effective because it operates at harmonics of the fundamental frequency for which it is designed. This post discu

Winter Ham Radio QRP Field Station @ 65° North. Post #1371.

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If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JV7eTmGCu_Q. Another informative and illuminating video tutorial from Julian (OH8STN--Survival Tech Nord). In this video, Julian takes his portable station into winter conditions at 65 degrees North Latitude to show that emergency or field operations can be done under extreme conditions. If you're going to participate in the winter edition of the ARRL Field Day on 27-28 January 2018 in the northern part of Europe, Asia, USA, and Canada, you may want to pay particular attention to the suggestions from Julian. In this video, Julian shows us the basic equipment, operating procedures, and basic arctic survival steps needed to make a cold weather QRP portable operation a success. Julian uses a pulk sled to pull his gear; sets up the shelter and wood stove; and arranges his antenna, rig, and computer for  operations on 40, 20, 20, and 17 meters.  Please do

Ham Radio - Investigating the 'Inverted L' Antenna. Post #1370.

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If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PyLA0ZqcXc. Building and using an antenna for 160 and 80 meters can be a definite challenge for those of us living on small urban lots.  One of the best ways to reach these bands is to design, construct, and use the classic "Inverted L" Antenna.  In this video, GreggW. (OH2FFY) does an excellent job of explaining the theory and practical construction procedures needed to make an effective, simple, and inexpensive Inverted L to fit your property.  Now that propagation is favoring 160, 80, and 40 meters, the inverted L should be an antenna worth considering. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday). http://

Ham Radio Modular Portable Antenna System. Post #1369.

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If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://youtu.be/BOHvM_2G340. In this video from Julian (OH8STN--Survival Tech Nord), we see a variety of modular antenna systems suitable for portable or emergency use.  Most of the modular kits use some variation of the Chameleon line of HF antennas and a small QRP rig, such as the Yaesu FT-817 transceiver.  Julian presents some excellent suggestions for portable and emergency antennas, as well as ideas for your emergency "go-box" or "go-kit".  An excellent, well organized introduction to portable HF antennas. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.Hawaii ARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday). http://amateurradionewsinformation.com (Amateur Radio News & Informat

Antenna cutting tape measure for Emergency Communications. Post#1368.

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If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLDRafkpUdg. Here's a simple device you can use to measure antenna elements for both home and portable use.  You can take this step a bit further by using a metal (usually steel) tape measure to make antenna elements.  Just cut the metal tape measure to the required length using the usual dipole antenna formula.  I've seen 2 m and 70 cm yagi beams made from metal tape measures.  They work well for RDF (radio direction finding) "fox hunts", as well as for portable or emergency antennas.  In most cases, your neighborhood building supply or electrical supply outlet can offer many items suitable for antenna use.  This video explains how a simple tape measure can make antenna design and construction a bit easier. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.

Portable 10 Meter Dipole Antenna For Ham Radio Field Day. Post #1367.

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If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uzoxj73b3sw. Although the ARRL Field Day doesn't occur until the last full weekend of June, you may want to make a few antennas and test them before this popular contest.  In fact, some Amateur Radio Clubs are participating in several unofficial "Winter Field Day" events to practice before the main contest. In this video, we see a simple, easy, and inexpensive way to get on the 10 meter amateur radio band with materials you may already have in your shack.  Similar antennas can be built for 40, 20, 15, and 10 meters and set up in the same way as this video. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday).

Tri-Band 20m 30m 40m Ground Plane Antenna. Post #1366.

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If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browswer search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v-hZ6i2wqa8vo. Interesting video from AB8XX--something he calls a "parallel ground plane antenna." The antenna is a basic ground plane with radiating elements for 20m , 30m, and 40m separated with PVC tube spreaders. The antenna is suspended from a 60-ft/18.29 m tree branch with the feed point about 20-ft/6.09 m above ground.  AB8XX fires his antenna into neighboring trees with a super powered launcher. The antenna performs well on the bands specified. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://www.arrl.org. http://www/arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday). http://amateuradionewsinformation.com (Amateur Radio News & Information). Other sites of interest: Hawaii

Building an Emergency Ham Radio Go Box. Post #1365.

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If you can't view this video, please enter this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3qS6YQWjQ. Every radio amateur should have a "go-box" or "go-kit" for portable and emergency operations.  In this video from BluegrassMedia, we see a well-designed, fairly lightweight, and highly portable emergency station that could be used at home or in the field.  You may already have most of the HF/VHF/UHF transceivers you need in your shack.  The metal or wooden case can be obtained from a variety of home improvement or electrical supply outlets.  Although this project was made indoors, it may be a good idea to wear protective eye gear and paint the "go-box" outside to avoid fumes.  Take stock of what you have in your shack and get ready to build an emergency ham radio station.  You never know when a natural or man-made disaster will occur. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites:

DX Engineering Radial Plate. Post #1364.

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h If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBJ3hsrQkEI. The installation of a ground radial system for a HF Vertical Antenna can be a frustrating chore, especially if you're putting 36 or more radials into the ground.  However, if you buy a DX Engineering Radial Plate, that task is a bit easier.  In this video from Alan Senechal (K0CN), we learn how to assemble the DX Engineering Radial Plate and mate it effectively to your vertical antenna.  The video is clear, simple, and easily understood. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday). http://amateurradionewsinformation.com (Amateur Radio News & Information). Other sites of interest: Hawaii Sc

How High Should a Dipole Be? A Look at Antenna Modeling (#100). Post #1363.

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If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1Lz-TjdJAY. An often asked antenna question is "How High Should a Dipole Be?" As a general rule, "get it up as high as you can" seems to work for most dipole installations.  In this video, David Casler (KE0OG) turns to EZNEC antenna modeling software to get a definitive answer.  The "old rule of thumb" of one-half wavelength is correct, but, according to David, the answer is far from simple.  There are all kinds of things to consider, including ground conditions, proximity to buildings, trees, and other objects on your property, and even the type of feed line you use. David's video is an excellent tutorial on dipole antennas and antenna modeling.  He offers a variety of resources and references to help you design the best dipole antenna for your situation. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit

The Drooping Dipole. Post #1362.

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If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHQA5uI9Oj8. If you can't erect a full halfwave HF dipole antenna on your property, why not try its close cousin, the Drooping Dipole or Inverted Vee Antenna?  In this video, Stan Gibilisco (W1GV) provides the basic theory and construction tips to get you started on an inverted vee antenna, which has similar performance characteristics of a halfwave length horizontal dipole.  Instead of two high supports for a horizontal dipole, the inverted vee requires a single mast and two strong anchor points to tie off the antenna elements.  You can get multiband HF performance if you use a balanced feedline (450 ohm ladder line, 300 ohm television twin lead, or homebrew 600 ohm feedline), along with a 1:4 current balun and an antenna transmatch (i.e. "tuner").  Whether you choose single band or multiband performance, the drooping dipole or inverted vee an

Ham Radio Satellite Home Brew Antenna. Post #1361.

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If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser searchbox: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whbccNdqAtA. According to the "Amateur Radio Guy", it doesn't take much to make a fully functional antenna system for working the simple amateur radio satellites.  In this case, a homebrew yagi and a microphone support stand were coupled to a UV5R hand held to make a simple station capable of working several amateur radio satellites. This easy project should give you a taste of what it's like to work amateur radio satellites with gear that "is realy cheap, really simple." For the latest Amateur 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). https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://amateurradionewsinformation.com (Amateur Radio News & Information

UHF antennas: construction and discussion. Post #1360.

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If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kz9XG72mIc. Although this excellent video focuses on UHF antennas for LRS and control of an FPV model, it contains most of the basic theory, design, and construction practices  needed to build an efficient UHF antenna for amateur radio use.  This video discusses three types of UHF antennas: the 1/2 wavelength dipole. the 1/4 wavelength monopole. the 1/2 wavelength coil dipole. The video is concise, well produced, and easily understandable with many helpful suggestions for the UHF antenna enthusiast. For the latest Amateur 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). https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://amateurradionewsinformation.com (Amateur Radio News & Inf

Modeling the Simple Inverted Vee Antenna #102. Post #1359.

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https:// If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFE142IMo-s. Here's another excellent antenna tutorial from David Casler (KE0OG).  This time, Dave investigates some of the surprising aspects of the humble, single-band inverted vee HF antenna, courtesy of the powerful EZNEC+ modeling software.  Using this program we can custom design an efficient inverted vee dipole antenna by manipulating height above ground, the amount of spreading between the elements, and even factoring in a metal mast.  Dave offers valuable suggestions and tips for those of us using this adaptable HF antenna. For the latest Amateur 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). https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://amateurradionewsinfor