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Showing posts from April, 2019

Ham Radio - NVIS antennas and the Chameleon MPAS. Post 1852.

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If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQJw9j-moEg Here's all you need to know about NVIS (near vertical incident skywave) antennas.  Kevin Loughin (KIB9RLW) provides an excellent review of the theory, construction, and use of NVIS antennas. As an added bonus, he analyzes the pros and cons of the Chameleon MPAS (Modular Portable Antenna System). If you need an effective antenna for local, regional, and state-wide coverage, then a NVIS antenna may be what you're looking for.  Kevin does a good job of explaining where these antennas fit into the overall antenna portfolio of an amateur radio station.  For the latest Amateur/Ham 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 every Friday afternoon). https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://hamradiohawaii

How to build a Yagi Antenna out of a tape measure (HAM Radio)

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If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ff5sZUkdLac. Here's a simple, practical, and easy-to-make 2 meter Yagi Antenna made from steel tape measures, a few pieces of wood, and some "odds 'n' ends" laying around your shack.  This type of antenna has gained some popularity by those involved in "fox hunting" (radio direction activity) or mountain top operations, such as SOTA (Summits On The Air). The video does an excellent job of explaining the steps needed to make this high performance 2 meter antenna.  Make one for your emergency "go-kit" or for that next mini-DXpedition to the nearest campground or public park.  With a little weatherproofing, and a sturdy mast, you could even use this antenna for your home station. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. ht

Extended Double Zepp Antenna, Post 1850.

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If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3j3BsYbzwvw If you're thinking about a new antenna for the ARRL Field Day (last full weekend of June), why not consider the "Extended Double Zepp" for your portable station?  The EDZ is a collinear array of two 5/8 waves in phase that can deliver up to 3dB of gain for your favorite amateur radio band.  Because EDZ's can be a bit large (1.25 wavelengths measured horizontally), you may want to consider something like 20, 15,or 10 meters for this fairly simple project. In this video, Stan Gibilisco (W1GV) explains the theory and operating parameters of this antenna which can deliver better performance than the basic dipole antenna. According to AC5UP, the EDZ antenna "is easy to build, isn't fussy about height or proximity to other wires, can be tuned to a broadband 1:1 match, and makes a dandy general purpose SWL antenna that 

N4KC's Top Five Multiband Antennas. Post 1849.

N4KC's Top Five Multiband Antennas. Post 1849. Source:  https://www.eham.net/articles/37986. Accessed on 27 April 2019, 2115 UTC, Post 1849. Copyright by Don Keith 2016. Summary: Over the past few years, I've had the pleasure of helping several new amateur radio operators get on the air with simple, easy-to-make HF and VHF antennas. Most of these antennas were made from salvaged materials or items bought at the nearest home improvement center or neighborhood hardware store.   Many of my ideas came from this article by Don Keith (N4KC), who has the unusual ability of making even the most difficult antenna questions understandable. In this post, Don recommends five simple multiband HF antennas that will get you on the air quickly with a decent signal.  Here they are along with two honorable mentions: The classic G5RV from Louis Varney (SK). The dipole fed with open wire parallel feed line. Trap verticals and dipoles. The Windom. The "Fa

How to add additional bands to 4-BTV Antenna-EZ Project. Post 1848.

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If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e55qGrmww0E. The Hustler 4-BTV vertical antenna is a popular choice for radio amateurs who want a simple antenna for limited spaces.  The antenna's original design didn't incorporate the 12 meter and 17 meter bands which have become popular in recent years. In this video from Tinker John (W5CYF), we learn how to add an additional band to the 4-BTV without compromising the other bands covered by the antenna.  In this case, John adds the 17 meter ham band (18.068 MHz-18.168 MHz) with a few simple attachments that can be made in your garage or workspace.  The finished product appears to function as a folded monopole antenna.  The same process shown in this video can be used to add other amateur radio bands not covered by the 4-BTV.  The video is clear and easily understood. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these

Antenna Tilt Base- EZ Project (Ham, CB, TV). Post 1847.

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If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XaPUn9wy_hw. Here's a great antenna tilt base idea from Tinker Tom (W5CYF).  This tower/mast accessory can help radio amateurs living in deed-restricted housing (HOAs/CC&Rs) by lowering the mast from public view during non-air time.  A tilt base will also help you lower your vertical or inverted V antenna before a storm approaches.  I use a cruder version of W5CYF's idea to lower my inverted V whenever I'm not using the antenna or are away from the shack.  Out of sight, out of mind.  If you're living in an area prone to thunderstorms, you may want to consider this antenna tilt base project. W5CYF does a good job of showing us how to plan and build this valuable mast accessory.  You should be able to buy most of the tilt base materials from the nearest home improvement center or hardware store. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and i

Building a cheap radio tower. Post 1846.

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If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xxu6svP11s. Here's a fairly simple and inexpensive tower/mast that you can build to support a lightweight VHF/UHF/HF antenna.  According to the video's producer, this mast was built using recycled materials.  The mast is supported by both a stiff ground rod and by two braces attached to the building.  Please notice the use a "drip loop" in the coaxial feed line to keep rain from penetrating the operating position.  The only thing I would add to this excellent set up is some form of lightning protection. For the latest Amateur/Ham 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 afternoon). https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. ht

Chameleon Emcomm III Portable Antenna (Winter Field Day) - Ham Radio Q&A. Post 1845.

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If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5AHKAz3Zh4. While many of my fellow radio amateurs are content with the annual ARRL Field Day held on the last full weekend of June, there are those who challenge both their equipment and survival skills by setting up field stations in the dead of winter. Such is the case with Michael Martens (KB9VBR) and Joe Schoebel (KD9CJX), who put their new Chameleon Emcomm III Portable Antenna to the test this past January (2019). The video takes you from antenna launch through actual on-air reports in a cold midwestern field day operation.  According to Michael and Joe, the Chameleon Portable HF Antenna works very well and is "ideal for hiking, camping, and both for tent and recreational vehicle camping."  You may want to try one of these simple, easy-to-use antennas for this upcoming ARRL Field Day or for your next portable operation. For the latest Amateur/H

6 Meter Portable Dipole - N7JFP. Post 1844.

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If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iNbPQfVLqtM. In this video, N7JFP takes us step-by-step through the design and construction process for a simple, inexpensive 6 meter portable dipole antenna suitable for both field and home use.  The antenna uses commonly available parts, including some PVC boxes/pipes, rubber grommets, adhesives, and 2 collapsible antennas measuring 51 to 52 inches (129.04 cm to 132.08 cm) fully extended.  You can see a full list of the materials at 13:08 in the video.  N7JFP used a MFJ-269 for SWR testing.  He was able to get a usable SWR over the entire 6 meter amateur radio band.  This would make an interesting weekend project which could be used in the annual ARRL Field Day emergency exercise (last full weekend of June). For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://www

Windom Antenna. Post 1843.

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If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PbOfZYzCUE. One of my favorite "classic" hf antennas is the off-center-fed dipole known as the "Windom Antenna."  The original design was created by Loren Windom (W8GZ) in 1922.  This off-center multiband antenna was fed just by a single wire connected on 1/3 of the antenna's overall length.  The feed impedance was approximately 600 ohms.  Modern day descendants of Windom's original design use open-wire feeders to attain multiband hf capability, thus reducing some of the TVI and other interference issues commonly found in the single wire feed system. In this video, Stan Gibilisco (W1GV) explains the general theory behind the "Windom Antenna" and outlines some of general parameters and performance capabilities of this "classic" wire antenna.  Properly designed, this antenna gives multiband HF performance at mi

WINNING Combo! Elecraft KX2 End Fed Random Wire Antenna | QRP Portable. Post 1842.

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If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12p6Tq-sGYI Now that spring is turning into summer in many parts of the Northern Hemisphere, many radio amateurs/hams are taking to the "field" for portable operations.  A few trips to a neighborhood park with your "go-kit" will provide plenty of on-air experience before you settle down for the annual ARRL Field Day during the last full weekend of June. In this video from "AnythingWithWheels", we see how to set up a portable field station using an Elecraft KX2 transceiver, a Packtenna, and an end fed random length wire antenna.  This video was taken at a public park in St. Charles, Missouri.  One of the good things about this location was the abundance of trees and open spaces.  With a little planning and your emergency "go-kit", you, too, will have some "Field Day" fun before the actual event. For the late

The N9SAB Ultralight 80-6 Meter Off-Center Fed Dipole. Post 1841.

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If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3EA_bD8hME If you need a small, compact, multiband HF antenna for the ARRL Field Day or for any portable operation, you may find the N9SAB Ultralight 80-6 Meter QRP Off-Center Dipole a good choice. In this video from "Outdoors On The Air", we see this simple antenna deployed in a "Field Day" scenario and learn of its capabilities and limitations in a portable operation.  If you have sufficient space and a few tall trees, this antenna may be the ideal choice for your "Field Day" operation. For the latest Amateur/Ham 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 afternoon). https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. htt

Building a "Dirgly Balun" to Make a Windom Antenna from a RadioWavz OCF ...

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If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browsers search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFB0ycu9SyE A nicely done video from Faith Hannah (AE4FH) as she and her two children build what AE4FH calls a "Dirgly Balun" (Dirty + Ugly) to use with a modified RadioWavz OCF Dipole.  What she and the children create is a "pseudo" multiband "Windom" antenna that fits into the family property and offers coverage over several amateur radio hf bands. For the latest Amateur/Ham 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 afternoon). https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. https://www.eham.net. http://www.southgatearc.org. Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

Building a multi-band Vertical ham radio antenna DX Commander Part 3. Post 1839.

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If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGY1BU627Hs Welcome to the final segment (part 3) of building the multi-band vertical antenna from Callum McCormick (M0MCX).  In the first two parts, Callum takes us through the basic assembly process, from unpacking of the antenna kit to preparing the shock cord connectors and hose clamps. In part 3, Callum brings all of the separate steps together to form an efficient , multi-band HF vertical antenna suitable for both home and field use.  Callum takes us step-by-step through the antenna's final assembly, erecting, testing, and adjustments necessary to make this antenna a good DX performer.  Callum does an excellent job of blending antenna theory and practice as we slowly build this HF vertical antenna.  His explanations are clear, concise, and easy to follow. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://

Building a multi-band Vertical ham radio antenna DX Commander Part 2. Post 1838.

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If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5JIWahmhL8 This is part 2 of a 3 part series on how to assemble, erect, and use the "DX Commander" Vertical Antenna from Callum McCormick (M0MCX). In part 1, we unpacked the multiband vertical antenna, inventoried all parts, and began to assemble the basic antenna.  In part 2, Callum helps us prepare the "shock cord connectors" and hose clamps.  You will find this step involves some trial and error steps before these components are finished. Like the first video, Callum does an excellent job of taking us from the very beginning of this antenna project to its completion.  Part 3 will help us complete the multiband vertical antenna, which should prove to be an successful DX grabber.  Callum does a first class job in these videos--explanations are educational, occasionally entertaining, and thoroughly detailed. For the latest Amateur/Ha

Building a multi-band Vertical ham radio antenna DX Commander Part 1. Post 1837

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If you can't see the video, please enter this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODkA9JG2UaA Callum McCormick (M0MCX) show us how to build his "DX Commander" multi-band HF vertical antenna from the very beginning to the final assembly. Callum "shows us every detail, every process used in the build, from assembly to final test and disassembly." An excellent video tutorial which should help you make an efficient DX antenna for both home and portable use.  Callum also gives us a guided tour of his antenna lab and ham shack.  Nicely, done! For the latest Amateur/Ham 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 afternoon). https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. https://www.eham.net. http://www.southgatearc.o

The 6 meter Delta Loop Tutorial. Post 1836.

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If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZkWPP13S6k. Delta Loop Antennas are easy to make, fun to use, and offer a bit of gain over a dipole antenna.  In this video from Milton (M0ZMF), we get a thorough tutorial on how to design, build, adjust, and use a 6 meter delta loop antenna.  Martin provides a complete list of materials and takes us step-by-step from beginning to end. His instructions are clear and easily understood.  Make this antenna and join the fun on the "Magic Band." For the latest Amateur/Ham 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 afternoon from the ARRL). https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. https://www.eham.net. http://www.southgatearc.org. Than

Homemade dummy load. Post 1835.

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If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yx5F1jUFySM. Here's an interesting idea for those of us who need a quick and simple RF dummy load for testing our transceivers. According to "the250rider", materials for this easy project include (8) 100-ohm-1/2 watt-5% tolerance resistors in a series-parallel circuit immersed in a small jar with vegetable oil acting as a heat absorber.  This might suffice for QRP operations or for any other project needing only small amounts of power. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please check 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 afternoon). https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. htttps://bigislandarrlnews.com. https://www.eham. net. http://www.southgatearc.org. Thanks for joini

How to build a Fan Dipole Amateur Radio Antenna Field Day

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If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UAlPQbf0SV0. With the ARRL Field Day soon approaching (the last full weekend in June), it's time to make a simple, effective, inexpensive, and highly portable multiband HF antenna for that exciting outdoor operating event. In this video, Callum McCormick (M0MCX) show us how to design, make, erect, and use the "classic Fan Dipole Antenna."  As Callum explains, the antenna is quite simple--multiple mono band dipoles are attached to a common center connector which is connected to a single feed line.  Just trim the lowest frequency dipole antenna first and continue trimming for each band of use.  Be sure to leave some space between each dipole to make trimming and tuning easier.  Although an antenna "tuner" isn't necessary, keep one handy just in case SWR becomes a problem. After Field Day use, keep this antenna as a handy portable

Amateur Radio Antenna Lightning Protection. Post 1833.

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If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpl3TRXqaoM. Thanks to "North Caroline Prepper" for this video on how to protect your antennas from lightning strikes.  Now that spring is here and summer isn't far behind, now is the time to "harden" your equipment against lightning and other damaging electrical surges. This video gives you a good idea of the surge protectors and lightning arrestors needed to shield your equipment and other ham radio gear from summer storms. I use a similar system at my shack.  I also lower all of my verticals and inverted vees, unplug all equipment, and detach all feed lines when I'm done operating for the day.  I attach all antenna feed lines to an 8-ft/ 2.43 meter copper ground rod outside the shack. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. ht

Very simple portable dipole. Post 1832.

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If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPPP3JWNJLY. If you need a simple, inexpensive, and easy to erect portable antenna for the 40 meter amateur radio band (7 MHz), then this idea from Peter Marks is worth considering.  The antenna resembles an inverted Vee and is supported by a 6 meter/19.68 feet "squid pole."  An aluminum ground stake anchors the antenna. The video also shows us Peter's compact "go-kit" featuring the popular KX3 transceiver from Elecraft. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these sites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday afternoon). https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. https://www.eham.net. http://www.southgatearc.org Thanks for joining us toda

Ham Radio Basics--W6LG Makes A Dummy Load From Christmas Lights, Dummy L...

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If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1e7Y6YFpikE. Would you like to keep the "Christmas Spirit" alive in your shack all year and have an antenna and a RF Dummy Load at the same time?  You can if you follow this idea from Jim (W6LG).  In this well-produced, easy to understand video, Jim shows us two ways that Christmas Tree lights can act as part of an antenna and also function as a RF Dummy Load for in shack testing and experiments. A thoroughly "enlightening" (forgive the pun) experience. For the latest Amateur/Ham 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 afternoon). https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. https://www.eham.net. http://www.southgatearc.

Securing radials for vertical antenna-safe, environmentally friendly. Post 1830.

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If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmqgrPQBu_o Here's a helpful tip from "therixsterinnj" on how to install a safe, "environmentally friendly" ground radial system for your HF vertical antenna. These suggestions are worth noting: "Please do not use metallic "garden staples" to secure radial wires to the top of the ground in a lawn. They may rust and become dangerous daggers that can seriously injure children or even adults. They can turn into projectiles if hit by a lawn mower. In this short video I show how easy it is to use wooden dowel material to do an even better job, which is much much safer. About $10 worth of wood dowel should do for 16 radials. You can attach several along the length of the radial if needed. 73" --------------------------------------------- Also, you may want to try a system of elevated radials to make sure your

Building a Doublet Aerial. Post 1829.

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If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.watch?v=vAYbkVhsSBY. The classic multiband HF doublet antenna is a surprisingly effective antenna which is easy and fairly inexpensive to make.  Fed with balanced feedline and connected to a balun/"tuner" combination, the doublet will let you cover any amateur radio band between 160 and 6 meters.  Just cut the antenna for the lowest frequency of use and you're on the way to a decent, high performance antenna which won't close out your credit card. In this video, "One Time Pad" takes us through the entire design, construction, tuning, and use process.  Here us the list of materials needed to make this antenna reality: "Antenna Components: Copper wire for radiating element (I used multi –strand Flexweave) Ladder line/Open wire/Ribbon (I used 300Ω ribbon because its neater) x3 eye bolts with associated nuts as washers x1 straight wastew

Six Meter Folded Dipole Antenna. Post 1828.

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If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbje13U6hC4. An excellent video tutorial from Claude Jollet (VE2DPE), despite the lack of a voice track.  The video and slides provide enough guidance for  you to build your own 6-meter folded dipole antenna. Claude made this antenna from ladder line, fed with ladder line, and matched with a step down 4:1 coaxial balun at the bottom of the transmission line.  Claude says the antenna is resonant at 50.4 MHz, with a SWR below 1.3 to 1 between 50.0 MHz and 51.0 MHz. For the latest Amateur/Ham 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 afternoon). https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. https://www.eham.net. http://www.southgatearc.org. Tha

1/4 wavelength Inverted L antenna for 160 meters. Post 1827.

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If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uq4mbrRihrw If you want to get on 160 meters, but don't have the space needed for a full length vertical or horizontal dipole, then this Inverted L antenna from VE3IKU may be what you're looking for.  This antenna has a vertical length of 35 feet/10.67 meters and a horizontal spread of 94 feet/28.65 meters. According to VE3IKU, this 160 meter antenna "needs no tuner, fits on a city lot, and is very efficient."  The introduction to the video features two "classic" HF antennas--Hiram Percy Maxim's 1AW antenna and the top-loaded vertical on the ill-fated "RMS Titanic." For the latest Amateur/Ham 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 afternoon). https://oahuarrlne

Best Slingshot Antenna Launcher for Ham Radio. Post 1826.

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If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZtJvTQ2oogQ. One of the easiest ways to launch your HF antenna into tall trees is to use a modified slingshot/casting fishing reel combination as shown by N0KTZ in this well-done and easily understood video tutorial.  Although any brand of slingshot will work, N0KTZ recommends the "Shelton 3.0 Magnum Custom Wrist Rocket Slingshot".  You should be able to find most of the launcher parts at your neighborhood building supply or hardware store.  I use a cheap slingshot from WalMart to launch most of my tree-supported antennas.  The modification shown by N0KTZ offers arm support and better aiming capability.  You could also use a bow and arrow to shoot your antenna wire through the tree canopy. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/ar

Building a Radio Tower.mpg. Post 1825.

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If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aqlr9qxUXxc. Building an amateur/ham radio tower to support your dream antenna farm is serious business, especially if you're a member of the Paul Bunyan Amateur Radio Club in Bemidgi, Minnesota and want to erect a tower in the dead of winter. Thanks to David Quam for showing us the planning, equipment, and safety issues involved in this project.  Even if your weather is warmer than Bemidgi in the winter, please don't erect your tower alone.  If you can't tap the resources of your radio club, then hire a professional engineer and rigging crew to assemble, erect, and test your tower.  "Better safe than sorry." For the latest Amateur/Ham 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 afterno

Build a Coax Tester! Post 1824.

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If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJXr9LEE0vk. Here's a handy accessory that every ham shack needs--a nice, simple, and easy to make coaxial cable and connector tester.  In this video, Dave Turlock (KG0ZZ) shows us an easy way to check PL-259 connectors and trace patch cables used in amateur/ham radio and CB applications.  Make one of this basic testers for your shack and be sure to include this device in your emergency "go-kit." For the latest Amateur/Ham 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 afternoon). https;//oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. https://www.eham.net. http://www.southgatearc.org. Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

Antennas, Radiation Patterns, Baluns, and SWR for Beginners. Post 1823.

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If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPeP9YV72mc. This simple, direct tutorial from"Amateur Radio World" covers most of the basic antenna concepts, including elementary antenna theory, various radiation patterns, the use of baluns, and SWR.  The explanations are clear and well illustrated. This video should be part of any introductory amateur/ham radio license course.  Perhaps the video would have been a bit easier to understand if the producers used both the traditional "foot-pound" and SI (metric system) antenna formulas. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://arrl.org. http://arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday afternoon). https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. https://www.eham.net. ht