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Showing posts from June, 2019

Compact Homebrew End Fed QRP Antenna. Post 1914.

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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=6hq7HAOYjZA. Here's a simple, compact low wattage QRP HF antenna that is largely contained in a "Rubbermaid" plastic enclosure.  WI9LL built this portable end fed antenna using a 9:1 unun wrapped on a T 106-2 toroid. This antenna has minimal parts and is lightweight--a perfect combination for portable or field use.  Make one of these inexpensive antennas for your "go-kit" or for use in emergencies.  Nicely done video. 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...

Ham Radio Antennas - Rebuilding the L network QRP antenna tuner

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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=9-fuQz0-xbc. Here's another great ham radio accessory for your shack or for portable operations. In this video, Kevin Loughin (KB9RLW) revamps his original L-network antenna "tuner" and shows us how to fit it into a small box, making it easily portable. Kevin's instructions are clear and easy to follow.  This simple, yet elegant antenna transmatch (i.e. "tuner") is perfect for random wire antennas or for end fed half wavelength antennas.  Make one of these "tuners" for your emergency "go-kit" or for that impromptu mini-expedition to the beach or nearby park. 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://bigislandar...

ver.2.0 UltraLight Magnetic Loop - great QRP Antenna. Post 1912.

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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=FGWFA12rQ5M . If you have limited space for a HF antenna or live in a deed-restricted property governed by CC&Rs and HOAs, then this "Ultralight Magnetic Loop" Antenna from Paul (OM0ET), may get you on the air without much difficulty. Paul covers the basic theory, design, construction, and use of this small antenna which is suitable for both home and portable use.  When your antenna options are few, build a magnetic loop antenna and see what can be done in a small space. 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://bigislandarrlnews.com. https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://www.eham.net. http://www.sout...

40m QRP with an end fed wire antenna along the ground. Post 1911.

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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?reload=9&v=LmJk3hFE8G0. Australian radio amateur Peter Parker (VK3YE) has come up with another interesting approach to portable antennas.  The basic idea is simple:  If you don't have any antenna supports, why not lay your antenna along the ground and see what happens? In this instance, Peter stretches out approximately 20 meters/65.6 feet of antenna wire on the surface of a public park and proceeds to contact VK2MG, about 700 km/432 miles away, with a weak but usable signal.  Peter uses his Yaesu FT-817 for the 40 meter QRP contact. This antenna is based on a concept published by Mike Toia (K3MT) several years ago.  Mike called this project the "Grasswire Antenna."  You can find plans for this antenna on the right hand sidebar of this post.  Just look under "Grasswire Antenna." You won't get a strong signal, but you will ...

Burying radials. Post 1910.

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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=za3xQs6wAR0. With the possible exception of vertical dipoles, most  1/4 wave length vertical antennas need a good ground radial or counterpoise system to function at peak efficiency.  The radial system supplies the "missing half" of the vertical antenna. In this well-made tutorial from Dominic Smith (M0BLF), we see a properly installed ground radial system used with a Hustler 6-BTV multiband HF antenna. Although there is no "hard and fast rule" governing the number of radials for a 1/4 wavelength vertical antenna, 16 to 34 radials seems to be a good compromise.  Of course, property limitations will determine how many radials you lay down.  Put down as many radial wires as you can.  If this plan seems too tedious or time-consuming, try 4 to 6 elevated radials.  This system appears to work well for some radio amateurs. Dominic do...

Near Vertical incidence Skywave Propagation NVIS Antennas - Ham Radio Q&A. Post 1909.

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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=fvZ7z-6wAy0. If you need a simple, efficient HF antenna for local, regional, and state coverage, why not build a NVIS (near vertical incidence skywave) antenna?  These antennas are designed to put out a strong signal covering 100 to 300 miles/162 to 486 kilometers from your station.  Such antennas can serve as valuable backups to regular VHF/UHF coverage, especially when repeaters are down. In this video, Michael Martens (KB9VBR) show us how to build a simple NVIS antenna.  These antennas are perfect for local nets and regional coverage.  Although there is no "fast and sure" rule for how much the antenna should be above ground, I've found a 40 meter dipole about 15-feet/4.57 meters above ground and an 80 meter dipole about 31-feet/9.45 meters above ground will generate a good signal for about 300 miles/162 kilometers on most days.  Mich...

Ham Radio - Building a 4:1 balun

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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=l5rLI8FpM9g. If you use antennas with balanced feed lines, you'll find this quick and easy 4:1 balun designed by Kevin Loughin (KB9RLW) a good way to keep excessive SWR and RFI away from your HF transceiver. Kevin does a good job of taking you from basic theory through final construction.  Most of the parts can be ordered online or found in your station "junk box."  This project would make an excellent presentation for your amateur radio club or for an amateur radio license class. Although 4:1 baluns can be bought from a variety of suppliers, why not make one for yourself?  The process will be educational and fun. 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 afternoo...

The random length end fed HF antenna and you. Post 1907.

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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=a0hCtmbD5as. Here's a simple random length end fed HF antenna (with antenna "tuner") that will provide multiband coverage at little expense. With the exception of the transformer and some heavy gauge wire, you can find most of the antenna materials from the nearest neighborhood hardware store or building supply outlet. Bret of "Survival Comms" takes you step-by-step through the design, construction, tuning, and use of this versatile HF antenna.  Properly designed, an end fed random length antenna can solve most of your HF needs. 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://bigislandarrlnews.com. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https:/...

40 Meter Inverted V Antenna - Build, Tune & Test! Post 1906.

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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=tbq1UgwM_go. A nicely done video tutorial from Barbara Justice and her children on how to build, tune, and test a multiband inverted Vee Antenna.  According to Ms. Justice, this inverted Vee dipole is built like a fan dipole and is capable of working the 40, 20. 15, 10, and 6 meter amateur radio bands. The instructions are clear and the assembly is fairly easy.  It was good to see her children involved in making this simple, effective antenna.  Perhaps, the "younger set" will pursue their own amateur/ham radio licenses in the future. 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://bigislandarrlnews.com. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://hamradio...

2 Meter VHF Halo Antenna Assembly And Testing. Post 1905.

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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=BJ07Y-ScFoM. Here's a simple, efficient, and compact 2 Meter Antenna that would be perfect for home station use and any portable operation, such as the ARRL Field Day, SOTA, or IOTA expeditions. Matt from Tech Minds does an excellent job of showing how to assemble and test this great kit from moonraker.eu. 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://bigislandarrlnews.com. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://www.eham.net. http://www.southgatearc.org. Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

Field Day Antenna Launching Demonstration. Post 1904.

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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=aCyyH0a_Cpk. One of the major issues facing ARRL Field Day participants is how to launch your dipole, random length, and end-fed antennas into nearby trees. In this video from the Maple-Newton Amateur Radio Club in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, we see how a homebrew compressed air cannon put this antenna farm into some tall trees.  You can find plans for such devices on the internet. While this air cannon certainly works, it requires a certain technical expertise to build one without endangering yourself and others. When I face the antenna launching problem, I take a simpler and perhaps safer route:  I use my trusty Walmart slingshot, some fishing line, a few sinkers, a long length of rope, and a sturdy antenna to put my dipoles and end-fed wires into nearby trees.  Whatever launch method you use, please consider safety first before you launch...

#285: Amateur Radio Field Day 2018 - my 5 watt setup with on-air contact...

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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=f4xhfwTtiEU.  Post 1903. If you can't join your amateur radio club for the ARRL Field Day, why not go solo at the nearest public park or even in your own back yard?  You can enter as either class 1-D (commercial power) or class 1-E (emergency power). In this well-made video from New Jersey radio amateur W2AEW, we see a simple QRP station at work during the 2018 ARRL Field Day held at one of the original Marconi transmitting sites. The set up is simple, portable, and efficient:  an ICOM-703+ QRP transceiver and a triband end-fed wire. If you're really ambitious, why not make a tape measure yagi and work some Amateur Radio satellites on 2 m and 70 cm?  Field Day is for any licensed radio amateur, club member or not.  Have fun! For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these sites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info...

End Fed Half Wave Antenna -11 Bands One Antenna! Post 1902.

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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=Ree8NtpEEW4. Great video from Steve Ellington as he shows us how to get 11 amateur bands from one end fed half wave antenna.  The key to this fascinating antenna is the 49:1 balun and the relay box.  If you bypass the relay box, you can add 160, 60, and 6 meters to the 130-ft/29.63 m antenna element. Although the project is a bit complex, your effort will result in an effective antenna which covers the major amateur/ham radio bands from 160 through 6 meters. 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...

Building a trap dipole for 7 and 14 MHz. Post 1901.

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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=LbEAwAG1KMA. If you only want to operate on two or three bands and don't want to adjust an antenna transmatch (i.e. "tuner"), then this trapped dipole for 7 and 14 MHz may be for you.  Peter Parker (VK3YE) does an excellent job of taking us through the theory, design, construction, tuning, and use of this simple, effective antenna. Peter puts particular emphasis on getting a SWR closest to 1:1 and on designing an effective 14 MHz trap.  This project would be excellent for any "field operation", such as the ARRL Field Day, SOTA, or IOTA DX-peditions. 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://hamradio...

6 Meter Antenna Build. Post 1900.

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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=wrYhaaSw-pg. If you need a simple, easily-made, 6 meter antenna for the ARRL Field Day, an upcoming ham adventure to a nearby park, or for home use, then this 6 meter 1/4 wave ground plane antenna from Paul Colton may your antenna of choice. Paul does a nice overview of his homebrew 6 meter antenna, including a list of materials, construction tips, and helpful suggestion on tuning and using this basic antenna. With the exception of the coaxial cable feed line, most of the antenna materials can be found at the nearest hardware store or home improvement outlet.  Good luck on this project. 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. htt...

My 6 Meter Moxon Antenna. Post 1899.

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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=PvVq7r_7ILE. Thanks to John Ryan for this simple, easily-made Moxon Antenna for the 6 meter amateur radio band.  Most of the materials can be found at the nearest hardware store or building supply outlet. The antenna is made from PVC pipe, stiff wire, and 50 ohm coaxial cable. The choke balun is also made from coaxial cable. The antenna is portable, making it perfect for the ARRL Field Day or an impromptu outing at the nearest park or beach.  Why not make one of these antennas for home or emergency use? For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.Hawaii ARRL.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...

ARRL Field Day Safety - Ham Radio Q&A. Post 1898.

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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=vXIUqr3tMpU. With the ARRL Field Day set for the fourth weekend in June, it may be prudent to not only consider the personnel, supplies, antennas, and equipment needed to run this 24 hour emergency communications exercise, but also the measures taken to insure the safety of all participants, observers, and invited guests. In this well-produced video, Michael Martens (KB9VBR) discusses the steps needed to have a successful Field Day operation without worrying about accidents. Michael covers a variety of issues, including generators, antenna placement, site security, and the handling of equipment.  Also, you may want to consider factors of weather, sanitation, site placement, and medical treatment.  Michael does an excellent job of covering what you need to know about Field Day, from both the equipment and personnel side to questions about security and ...

End Fed Half Wave Antenna Presentation. Post 1897.

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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=N_o0jneBEh0. In this video from Steve Ellington, we get a thorough, in-depth introduction to the "classic" end fed half wave antenna.  Steve's video is based on a presentation he gave to the Lawrenceville, Georgia Techfest. Steve covers the history, theory, construction, and use of this multiband HF antenna based on a 1909 design from Hans Biggerow. I learned a lot from this video, especially the importance of grounding the transformers and transmitter to maximize current on the wire.  Perhaps you can make one of these antennas for the ARRL Field Day. 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://bigislandarrlnews.com. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress...

Build a 20 meter Dipole Antenna. Post 1896.

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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=9TyoTmpaHG4. Here's a remarkably simple, inexpensive, and totally portable 20 meter antenna you can build for under $20. Jerry Davis shows us how to design, build, trim, and use a basic dipole antenna for the 20 meter amateur radio band.  The steps outlined in this video can be used for any amateur radio band from 160 through 10 meters.  This antenna doesn't require an antenna "tuner." According to Jerry, he spent around $17.00 (USD) in making this dipole.  Perhaps, you can duplicate this antenna for less, depending on what you have in your "junk box."  Pack one of these antennas in your "go-kit" for emergencies or coil one up for your next mini-DXpedition to a nearby park or beach.  Add a telescoping fiberglass mast, a few insulators, a portable transceiver, and some solar charged batteries, and you're ready to...

Building an Emergency Ham Radio Go Box. Post 1895.

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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=_3qS6QYQWjQ. Every radio amateur should have an emergency "go-kit" or "go-box" in case you have to operate in the field. In this well-made, easily understandable video from "Bluegrassmedia", we see how a surplus army ammunition box, a spare VHF/UHF transceiver, a few batteries, and a little imagination can get you on the air in a matter of minutes.  Of course, don't forget spare batteries, an antenna, and an antenna "tuner" to round out your project. The video does a good job of showing how to prepare and assemble the basic elements of the "go-kit." Keep one of these kits in your vehicle or ham shack for the next emergency or portable operation.  Take one of these kits with you on your next ARRL Field Day exercise. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: ...

Magnetic Antenna on a bike -- will it work? Post 1894.

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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=kkk65a3GMf8. K2EFG presents us with an intriguing idea:  Could you operate on the 20 meter band using a magnetic antenna mount on a bicycle?  The short answer is maybe, given there is little or no ground plane on a bike.  VHF/UHF operation is doable, as several older youtube videos have demonstrated. But all is not lost.  You could operate from a stationary position by attaching a ground radial wire to the antenna mount. Or, one could devise a small trailer or hitch with the antenna mounted about a foot/0.304 meters above ground to provide some capacitive loading as you pedaled along. With a little refinement, this bicycle HF mobile antenna has possibilities.  Antenna experimentation is one of the joys of amateur/ham radio. K2EFG has a great idea that could create some new mobile antenna alternatives at minimal expense. For the latest...

Cheap SOTA or Stealth 40m Antenna for 1,000m Footprint - Ham Radio Aerials. Post 1893.

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If you cant's see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0oS_DCwgWIs. Do you need a simple, inexpensive antenna for SOTA operations, ARRL Field Day, or a quick mini-DX pedition to a nearby park?  Then this 40 meter antenna from Callum (M0MCX), may suit your needs. The antenna also serves as a "stealth" antenna for those living in deed restricted properties such as HOAs and CC&Rs.  Although the antenna is only 5-feet/1.524meters above ground, it can provide effective communication up to 1000 miles/1,601 kilometers depending on propagation. This basic antenna probably should be called a NVIS (Near Vertical Incidence Skywave) dipole--a design used by ARES, RACES, Amateur Radio Net Controls, and those primarily interested in local, state, or regional "rag chews." Callum shows us how to make and use the amazingly effective antenna without drawing the attention on nosey neighbors.  Granted, ...

DIY VHF 2M Jpole antenna out of 450ohm line. Post 1892.

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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=ShRwnnejoO8. Here's a great 2 meter antenna suitable for portable (ala ARRL Field Day), emergency, and home use.  This easily-made vertically polarized antenna is made from 5 ft/1.524 m of 450 ohm ladder line and 10 ft/3.048 m of RG-58 coaxial cable with a bnc.  With the help of a a few simple tools, soldering equipment, and tape, you'll have this 1/2 wavelength vertically polarized end fed design with a 1/4 wavelength matching sub up and going in just a short time. Bret of "Survival Comms" does an excellent job of taking us through the design, construction, and adjustment of this simple, effective antenna.  Make one for your emergency "go-kit" or for that impromptu mini-dxpedition to your local park. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl...

2014 Field Day - Yo Yo Dipole with KF5JNU. Post 1891.

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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=Ri2UM0mTEKQ. If you're thinking about using a different kind of antenna for the next ARRL Field Day or for a portable DX-Pedition of your own, you can't go wrong with this simple, easy to erect dipole from "HamRadioFun.com." Gerald (KF5JNU) used one of these compact, inexpensive antennas during the 2014 ARRL Field Day.  He does a good job of explaining the theory, set up, and use of this portable antenna.  You can configure the antenna in many ways, ranging from a straight horizontal dipole to slopers and inverted vees.  Even if you don't use this antenna all the time, it will make a perfect companion for your ham radio "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...

Four hours QRP portable in the 2019 John Moyle 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=_5PoVG9foH8. Do you need a little inspiration to join the ARRL Field Day Event? Then this fascinating video from Peter Parker (VK3YE) should help you join the semi-contest and emergency communications exercise, even if you can't meet with your fellow radio amateurs at their Field Day site. In a little over four hours, Peter made 50 contacts from a local park using only his Yaesu FT-817, a telescoping fiberglass rod (i.e. "squid pole"), an end fed 20 meter/65.6 ft wire, and a radial wire along the ground.  You don't need fancy equipment to join the festivities.  You might want to include a simple L-match antenna "tuner" to round out your portable station.  Because of work requirements, I've often "camped out" in my backyard with a simple dipole antenna, antenna "tuner", a deep charge marine battery/solar pa...

How to Set up a Home-based Field Day Station. Post 1889.

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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=MeumSDLXBKM If you can't go to your radio club's field day site, why not set up a "Field Day" mini-expedition in your backyard?  I've faced this issue several times in the past where work precluded any trip to my nearest Field Day site. In this video, Tracy of "Outdoors on the Air" shows us a simple way to join the Field Day adventure right in the backyard of your own home or apartment.  Home-base stations compete in their own category (1-D for use of commercial power and 1-E for emergency power).  Armed with a simple dipole antenna, an antenna transmatch (i.e. "antenna tuner"), a spare HF transceiver, a laptop computer for logging purposes, and a deep-cycle marine battery with solar panels, you're ready to go. Tracy does an excellent job of making the Field Day experience simple and fun.  Why not involve the n...

Ham Radio Satellite Home Brew Antenna. Post 1888,

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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=whbccNdqAtA. Here's another simple, quickly made satellite antenna suitable for use at the upcoming ARRL Field Day or at your home station. In this video, the "Amateur Radio Guy" uses a surplus microphone stand, some stiff copper wire, and his UV5r 2 m/ 70 cm hand-held transceiver.  He calls this homebrew project "really cheap and really simple..."  Why not make one of these antennas for the ARRL Field Day?  This is an easy way to get points and experience the thrill of working Amateur/Ham Radio Satellites. 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://bigislandarrlnews.com. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://hamradiohawaii.wordpre...

Portable Amateur Radio Satellite Antenna. Post 1887.

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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=b0niy7Sy96Q An interesting way to collect some extra points and experience for the upcoming ARRL Field Day is to contact the wide variety of amateur/ham radio satellites available for this event. If you don't have an antenna to do the job, then this simple, inexpensive portable amateur radio satellite antenna may be the answer.  The antenna covers both the 2 meter and 70 cm amateur radio bands, and can be used with your HT or dedicated VHF/UHF transceiver. Dave Tadlock (KG0ZZ) takes you step-by-step through the design, construction, tuning, and on-air tests needed to make a fully functional satellite antenna. An article by Sean Kutzko (KX9X) entitled "Get on the Satellites for ARRL Field Day" is available here:  https://www.amsat.org/get-on-the-satellites-for-field-day.  Sean's article originally appeared in the June 2018 edition of ...

AMSAT Field Day on the satellites-AMSAT. Post 1886.

AMSAT Field Day on the satellites-AMSAT Source:  https://www.amsat.org/field-day/ Author:  Bruce Paige (KK5DO), AMSAT Director of Contests and Awards. Accessed on 03 June 2019, 0050 UTC. Summary: The annual ARRL Field Day is set for 22-23 June 2019--an event that attracts up to 40,000 U.S. and Canadian radio amateurs at they "take to the field" to test their emergency communications skills. Operating concurrently with the ARRL, The Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation (AMSAT) promotes its own version of Field Day concentrating on field operations using amateur/ham radio satellites.  The event is open to all Amateur Radio operators and follows the same rules applicable to the regular Field Day operation.  AMSAT encourages the use of all amateur satellites, both digital and analog. Bruce Paige (KK5DO), the AMSAT Director of Contests and Awards has assembled a basic information package for radio amateurs desiring to use satellite contacts as part of their Fie...

Say Goodbye to that G5RV! Look at the ZS6BKW. Post1885.

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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=MbXmAcf9MmI&app=desktop. If you're a bit disappointed in the performance of your G5RV HF antenna, try this modification of Louis Varney's (G5RV--SK) classic antenna. Marck (AE4J) and his friends have adopted a design by ZS6BKW which offers a few improvements over Varney's pioneering antenna.  The most conspicuous departures from the G5RV are the length of the antenna elements and the matching section. According to Marck, the each horizontal element is 46 ft, 10 in / 14.274 m long, with the 450 ohm matching section (ladder line) measuring 39 ft, 1.5 in /11.926 m long.  With the exception of the 450 ohm ladder line, most of the antenna materials can be found at your local hardware store or building supply outlet.  The only major drawback to this antenna is the use of two supporting structures such as trees or masts.  An inverted Vee conf...