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Showing posts from October, 2019

KB9VBR Antennas: Crossband vs. Portable Repeaters. Post 2039.

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KB9VBR Antennas: Crossband vs. Portable Repeaters Source:   https://mailchi.mp/8b2aa79f4b80/keltu3ojml-3042385?e=60d1762173 . Author:  Michael Martens (KB9VBR). Accessed on 31 October 2019, 1555 UTC, Post 2019. Summary: Radio amateur Michael Martens (KB9VBR) publishes a monthly antenna newsletter which is filled with helpful suggestions on maximizing your VHF/UHF antennas. Here's a selection from his current newsletter.  Please click the appropriate links to read the full articles: See how I get on the air with  my portable kit . . .  Cross-Band Repeat with the Yaesu FTM-400XDR You may have seen it in the user manual of your radio‚ in a radio advertisement‚ or talked about in an online forum. I’m talking about cross-band repeating. But what is it- how does it work- and most importantly- how can you use it. I’ll talk about this somewhat misunderstood radio feature- so let dig in.  Read More . . . Retevis RT97 Portable Repe

9A4ZZ COIL Antenna. Post 2038.

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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=WyYoHYr_1YE. If you want to experiment with a HF helical coil antenna, then this short video from 9A4ZZ may prove interesting. This antenna uses a large coil wrapped on PVC pipe.  The closely wound coil is tapped for the various HF bands of choice.  An inexpensive steel tape measure is used to form a simple  elevated counterpoise. The antenna seems to work well, considering the losses involved.  You may be able to make this antenna using locally found parts and PVC pipe found at your local recycling center or neighborhood yard sale. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.blubrry.com/arrlaudionews/ https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. https://www.eham.net. http://www.hamradiou

40 Meter Inverted V Antenna - Build, Tune & Test! Post 2037.

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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-vpRMQWanw. Here's a simple way to build, tune, and test an inverted V antenna that covers the 40-20-15-10-6 meter Amateur Radio bands. In this video, Greg Alexander creates an interesting inverted V/Fan Dipole combination that uses mostly locally available materials.  Only a single feedline is need for this antenna.  Greg lays out the construction procedure very well and all parts should go together without major issues. ---------------------------------------- For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.blubrry.com/arrlaudionews/ https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. https://www.eham.net. http://www.hamradioupdate.com. http://www.southgatearc.org. Thanks for joining us tod

Beverage Antennas (ARRL Podcast). Post 2036.

Beverage Antennas (ARRL Podcast). https://blubrry.com/arrl_the_doctor_is_in/50546173/beverage-antenna/ Produced and narrated by Steve Ford and Joel Harris of the ARRL. Views expressed in this podcast are those of Mr. Ford and Mr. Harris. Accessed on 29 October 2019, 0115 UTC, Post 2036. Source: HQ ARRL, 225 Main Street, Newington, CT, 06111 or consult the title URL at the top of this post. Summary: The "Doctor" discusses one of the great "classic" receiving antennas--the Beverage Antenna.  Steve Ford and Joel Harris do an excellent job of explaining the theory, history, construction, and use of this legendary "wave"antenna named after engineer Harold H. Beverage. Although Beverage developed this "ground-hugging" antenna back in 1921, the antenna continues to find use in the Amateur/Ham Radio community as well as by commercial and military entities using the VLF and MW frequencies. --------------------------- For the latest Amateur

Ham Radio - The 2-meter twin lead J-pole antenna. Post 2035.

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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=b84ZRGuw1oU. If you want a simple, inexpensive, and high performance VHF antenna, then this easily-made 2-meter twin lead J-Pole Antenna from Kevin Loughin (KB9RLW) may be for you. All you need are some simple tools, 54.75 inches/136.525 centimeters of 300 ohm television twin lead, a few connectors, and your 2-meter HT.  Kevin takes us step-by-step through the design, construction, and use phases of this handy portable antenna.  You can roll up the antenna and put it in your "Go-Kit" for portable or emergency use. Kevin says his project is based on a design from WB3GCK (https://www.qsl.net/wb3gck/jpole.htm). ------------------------ For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.blubrry.com/arrlaudionews/ https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com.

3 Best HF Antennas For Ham Radio Beginners (Effective). Post 2034.

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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=WWB_MNdCNns. Thanks to Lucien (DH7LM) for this remarkably straightforward, excellent guide to selecting the easiest, cheapest, and more efficient HF antennas for beginners and seasoned hams alike. In this video, Lucien discusses three HF antennas that deliver good performance at a modest cost: Dipole End-Fed Half Wave (EFHW) Ground Plane These HF antennas are winners because they are simple, efficient, and easy to make. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.blubrry.com/arrlaudionews/ https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. https://www.eham.net. http://www.southgatearc.org. http://www.hamradioupdate.com Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

Bobtail Curtain Antenna. Post 2033.

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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=6dU2b0AHD1M. Here's a great antenna for the ARRL Field Day.  Stan Gibilisco (W1GV) does a good job of explaining the theory, construction, and use of this bidirectional, monoband broadside array for the Amateur/Ham Radio HF bands. This antenna is by no means a simple affair--you may need help in erecting this array.  You'll find the effort expended in making this antenna well worth your time.  I remember using a 10 meter Sterba Curtain several years ago at a local DX-pedition and found the performance excellent.  With HF propagation now favoring the lower HF bands (160-80-40 meters), you may find the classic "Sterba Curtain" a welcome addition to your antenna "farm." ----------------------- Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

#28: My QRP "go kit" backpack with IC-703+ 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=yIZVBKND_II. Every radio amateur should have a "Go-Kit" for portable or emergency operations. In this well-organized and easy to understand tutorial, W2AEW show us his personal "go-Kit" made from easily obtainable materials. W2AEW explains how he assembled his portable QRP station: "This video shows my portable ham radio station "go kit". It is contained in a backpack from PowerPort ( http://www.powerportstore.com/ ). My lovely wife had the pack embroidered with my callsign before she gave it to me. She also bought me the ZM-2 tuner kit, as well as the AstroFlight Whattmeter (thanks to Jerry N2GJ for the suggestion!). It's wonderful having a supportive spouse! The antennas are the Par Electronics tri-band end-fed antenna, and the Super Antennas MP-1 multiband vertical antenna. The tuner is a z-match style tuner

Ham Radio via Bicycle Mobile on 6m with IC703. Post 2031.

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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=_tknnqTC-7A. Bicycle mobile operations are becoming more popular these days, especially when deed-restricted properties and other impediments hinder Amateur/Ham Radio activities. In this video, Steve (WG0AT) shows us his 6 meter bicycle mobile system and documents some of the ham stations he contacted along his bicycle trip.  According to Steve, he was surprised just how well his system worked: "I was absolutely amazed how well a short whip antenna and QRP/5 watts work on 6m But the best part is working 6m from my bicycle! It's a real thrill to have stations come back to you and be able to tell 'em your QRP Icom 703 and to boot your on a bicycle (albeit at rest) using a Buddipole whip on your handlebars! How cool is that?" Why not make a portable system like Steve's? Imagine riding and operating bicycle mobile as you travel to you

5 Min Emergency Antenna. Post 2030.

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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=XgyH6JQ3XHo. Here's a quick and easy way to make an emergency HF antenna for your ham station or for portable operations. Jerry  H. Kolins (K2PFW) shows us how a convenient legth of coaxial cable and a few simple tools can get you on the air in just a few minutes.  As Jerry shows, the outer shield of the coax becomes the "other half" of a regular 1/4 wavelength dipole "oriented in the vertical direction." I've seen this type of antenna often called a "sleeve dipole." Why not make an emergency antenna for your favorite amateur/ham radio band and keep it in your "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.blubrry.com/arrlaudionews/ https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://hamradiohawaii.wor

Antenna Types and Terminology: AD#30. Post 2029.

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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=U0WB-3UToLg. Here's another excellent video tutorial from David Casler (KE0OG).  In this video, Dave discusses a wide variety of Amateur/Ham Radio HF antennas from simple dipoles to complex gain antennas. Dave explains complex antenna theory and operation in an easy-to-understand, informal style, which makes this video suitable for both newly licensed hams as well as experienced radio amateurs. This video would make an excellent presentation for your radio club or for an upcoming licensing class.  Nicely done presentation! For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.blubrry.com/arrlaudionews/ https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. https://www.eham.net. http://www.hamradioupdate.

How To Build A Nested Faraday Cage - Protect your Electronics From An EMP

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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=jGJYvOPP9O0. During the past few days, I've urged my fellow radio amateurs to protect their ham stations and other sensitive electronic equipment from power surges, RFI, and EMP (Electromagnetic Pulse).  EMP can come from a variety of natural and human-made sources.  EMP can damage your antennas and transceivers if you don't take steps to protect them. Fortunately, you can lessen the danger of EMP damage by building a "Faraday Cage". In this well-paced and thoroughly detailed tutorial, "Reality Survival & Prepping" discuses how to build a nested Faraday Cage for your electronic equipment. Here's a list of some materials needed for this project: "This faraday cage is using a nested system with multiple different materials that should protect your electronics from a wide range of the electromagnetic pulse frequenci

An inexpensive 3-Band Magnetic Loop Antenna

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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=B-tYtbTts0s. Here's another great antenna idea for radio amateurs living in deed-restricted homes or apartments.  Why not build a simple magnetic loop antenna for home or portable operations? In this video, Dennis Blanchard (K1YPP) describes an easy method to build a simple magnetic loop antenna covering three popular HF bands (40/30/20 meters). This clever, imaginative magnetic loop antenna can handle 100 watts input and costs around $20.00 USD. Although magnetic loop antennas have some drawbacks, they will get you on the air at minimum cost.  Better a compromise antenna than no antenna at all. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.blubrry.com/arrlaudionews/ https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https

Deploying an Off Center Fed Dipole Antenna for Ham Radio. Post 2026.

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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=D4P5DdvsLys. If you're tired of your usual HF antenna, why not try a popular variant of the "classic dipole", such as the Off Center Fed Dipole? In this well-constructed tutorial, Johnny (W5KV) does an excellent job of  explaining the general theory and construction of the OCF dipole as he shows us how he deploys a popular HF ham radio OCF antenna. As you would expect, erecting the OCF may be a bit more complicated than installing the traditional horizontal 1/2 wavelength dipole.  With a little time and perhaps some help from a fellow ham, the job can be done without major problems. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.blubrry.com/arrlaudionews/ https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bi

How To Build A FARADAY Cage that actually works. Post 2025.

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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=EiNQbWZFe-E. It's not a matter of "if" but one of "when" an EMP incident will sweep past our planet, potentially endangering your digital and solid state radio equipment.  Something akin to the 1859 Carrington Event could make life quite precarious for a world now overly dependent on digital devices. In this video from "Survival Lilly", we learn how a surplus military ammunition case case can offer EMP protection for your small communication devices such as HTs, small VHF.UHF/HF transceivers, and even your credit cards and IDs.  If you're ambitious, you can make larger Faraday Cages from large metal trash receptacles or old kitchen appliances such as decommissioned stoves and refrigerators. This video offers a variety of ways to protect your radio equipment from natural and human-caused EMP. For the latest Amateur/H

Ham Radio Grounding System & Lightning Suppression. Post 2024.

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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=mRrDQPdmxtc. If you live in an area plagued by thunderstorms and lightning, you may find this video from KF7P ("Signal Search") helpful in designing a system to protect your amateur radio equipment. KF7P shows us what he did to increase the survivability of his ham radio station.  It's best to be over prepared than under protected. While my QTH doesn't experience the weather extremes experienced by KF7P, I do find a few thunderstorms often knock out our locally generated power when lightning strikes a utility pole in my neighborhood (Hawaii Island).  I've always made it a practice to detach and ground all antenna feed lines when I'm not on the air. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.blubrry.com/arrlaudionews/ http://

Kitchen Foil Hula Hoop Loop for 15 to 10 m. Post 2023.

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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=gQWbWWvGapw. If you need a super-cheap, easy-to-make magnetic loop antenna, try this suggestion from Australian radio amateur Peter Parker (VK3YE). All you need is an old "Hula Hoop" from a neighborhood garage sale, some coaxial cable, wire, and a willingness to experiment.  According to Peter, this homemade magnetic loop antenna works well between 21 and 30 MHz. Put your recycling knowledge to good use and make this "bare-bones" HF antenna. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.blubrry.com/arrlaudionews/ 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).

Ham Radio and EMP. Post 2022.

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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=7PR2ExR7mX0. In our last post, I briefly review an article on Extreme Solar Events which could impact your neighborhood, home, and amateur radio station.  If Coronal Mass Ejections (CME) are sufficiently powerful, massive parts of our communications infrastructure could be rendered unusable. One of the unfortunate results of a "Carrington Event" would be EMP (Electromagnetic Pulse),which could produce serious damage to your home, including your ham radio station or any other solid state device. In this video from Stan Gibilisco (W1GV) we get a good overall view of EMP, what it can do to our digital lives, and how we can mitigate some of the serious issues caused by EMP. One of the easy ways to protect your radio equipment would be to store your transceivers (HF/VHF/UHF), "tuners", and electronic tools in a "Faraday Cage."

Protecting communications from the next Carrington Event

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Protecting communications from the next Carrington Event. Post 2021. Source:   https://www.universetoday.com/143677/power-grids-and-satellites-are-more-at-risk-from-extreme-solar-storms-than-we-thought/ Accessed on 14 October 2019, 0450 UTC, Post 2021. Please click the above link to read the full story. Summary: Most radio amateurs have heard about the devastating effects of the 1859 Carrington Event which destroyed much of the world's rudimentary telegraph systems of that time.  A renewed study of that solar event has painted a grim picture of what a similar event could do to our modern world, which is so dependent on sensitive digital devices.  Extreme solar storms and coronal mass ejections could  make many of our solid-state devices inoperable.  The threat to our health care and transportation infrastructure would be severe. Scientists and researchers studying the Carrington Event believe similar solar outbursts occuring in 1872, 1909, 1921, and 1989 were almost as

An All-Band Antenna for small spaces. Post 2020

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Here's an interesting idea from Ed (KH2I) and the AH2G Club Station in Hagatna, Guam.  Ed has made a simple vertical dipole antenna that covers all amateur radio bands from 80 meters through 10 meters.  The antenna is easily made with locally available materials. Here's the complete antenna description: AN ALL-BAND ANTENNA FOR SMALL SPACES Whether for portable, camping, or just for a small back yard, here is an antenna that is quick and easy to erect, and will get you on ALL bands from 80 through 10m.   THE VERTICAL DIPOLE What is so special about this antenna? Low cost to construct Single lightweight pole required Ground-Independent  (does NOT requires radials) Efficiency rivals a good vertical with 32 radials (except on 80m) With the right matchbox, it covers 80 through 10m If you want more information about this antenna, please contact Ed at: AH2G P.O. Box 445 Hagatna, GU, 96932-0445 Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de

HF tape measure horizontal dipole antenna. Post 2019.

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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=PiU6x9aZT7A. An amazing amount of materials can be used to make HF antennas.  In this video from NC4FB and KI4PMT, we see an old VHF/UHF construction process applied to the amateur radio HF bands--namely, using inexpensive steel tape measures to make horizontal dipole elements. According the description of this innovative HF antenna, the tape measure variant performs well on all amateur bands between 6 and 40 meters. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.blubrry.com/arrlaudionews/ 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).

My low cost 10 meter antenna DIY. Post 2018.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o74VTSaBGwU If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o74VTSaBGwU. How would you like to build a cheap, effective, and easy-to-assemble 10 meter mobile antenna?  You can if you follow the resourceful tips outlined in this excellent video from the "HamRadioConcepts" Video Channel. The antenna was made from about $3.00 worth of parts from the 2015 Melbourne, Florida Hamfest.  The original 20 meter Hamstick was modified for the 10 meter amateur radio band at almost no cost. Antenna design and experiments are part of the challenge and fun of Amateur/Ham Radio.  You don't need lots of cash to enjoy the "radio art" if you're willing to use your imagination and a little creativity. "Ham Radio Concepts" says the intent of the project " is to show the newcomer or the seasoned operator WHY it is fun to experiment and homebrew. This

Indoor Bent Vertical Dipole 10-20 Meters. Post 2017.

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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=g_AX0csSkVw. If you are forced to use indoor antennas because of deed restrictions (HOA/CC&Rs), you may find this indoor bent vertical from KL7JR interesting. Basically, the antenna is a vertical helix wrapped around some PVC pipe.  Used with an antenna transmatch (i.e. t"tuner"), the antenna provides coverage between 10 and 20 meters.  A cheap, effective antenna for apartment dwellers. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.blubrry.com/arrlaudionews/ https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://www.hamradioupdate.com. https://www.eham.net. http://www.southgatearc.org. Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

Ham Radio - Get on 630 meters with a bucket variometer! Post 2016.

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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=jdoaT-nHkfc. One of the major challenges to using the 630 meter amateur radio band, is the shortage of commercially produced transmitters, receivers, antennas, and loading coils.  Although there are several companies that market these devices, it may be best to experiment with something you build yourself. In this video from Kevin Loughin (KB9RLW), we see a fairly simple way to "homebrew" a "bucket variometer" that will get you on the 630 meter band. Kevin takes us step-by-step from theoretical design to finished product.  According to Kevin, the device works well and will give you many hours to explore one of our newer bands. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.blubrry.com/arrlaudionews/ https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com.

The 49:1 Half-Wave End-Fed Antenna Transformer, Part 2. Post 2015.

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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=G2x67h7-cwI. In this post, Gil ("Radio Prepper") finishes his 49:1 Half-Wave End-Fed Antenna Transformer begun in our previous article (Post 2014, 07 October 2019). Now he field tests the device on a variety of amateur radio bands, including 6 meters and 30 meters.  The transformer performed well from 80 meters through 10 meters. Gil does an excellent job in combining theory and practice to produce a video that is clear, concise, and well-paced. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.blubrry.com/arrlaudionews/ 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).

The 49:1 Half-Wave End-Fed Antenna Transformer, Part 1. Post 2014.

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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=MgZap6xWZLs. One of the drawbacks to end-fed and random length wire HF antennas is the high mismatch between the antenna (often more than 2000 ohms impedance) and your HF transceiver (normally, around 50 ohms impedance).  The resulting SWR will be enough to harm your rig. One way to reduce SWR and RFI concerns with these antennas is to use a 49:1 antenna transformer.  In this video from the "Radio Prepper", we get an excellent introduction to the theory, construction, and use of the 49:1 balun.  According to the "Radio Prepper", this transformer works well with wire lengths of 134 feet/40.85 meters and 67 feet/20.42 meters. Make one of these 49:1 transformers for your emergency "go kit" or for the next ARRL Field Day.  A simple, easy solution for matching your HF rig to end-fed half wave or random wire antennas. For the lates

Random Wire antennas presentation. Post 2013.

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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=gUwBIG_8vTI . This expertly presented video tutorial on random wire antennas was made by Terry Snyder (WB3KBN) at the November 2018 meeting of the Harrisburg Amateur Radio Club.  Terry does an excellent job of explaining the theory and practice of using random length wire antennas, paying particular emphasis on the wire lengths "not to use."  This video would make an excellent program for your Amateur Radio Club or for an amateur radio license class. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.blubrry.com/arrlaudionews/ https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. https://www.eham.net. http://www.southgatearc.org. I've changed the URL for this website.  Although the old URL

Antenna Coax Cable Window Pass Through – Radio/TV. Post 2012.

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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=KRmbezrkGoc. Thanks to "Tinker John" (W5CYF) for this simple, quick, and inexpensive way to bring your antenna coaxial feed line into your shack.  Although several companies sell similar devices (DX Engineering and MFJ), you may have more fun making your own pass-through panel, "Tinker John" does an excellent job of showing us how to make this practical and often necessary tool for your ham shack. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.blubrry.com/arrlaudionews/ https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. https://www.eham.net. http://www.southgatearc.org. Just a quick note:  I've changed the URL for this site.  Although the old URL (https://kh6jrm.blogspot.co

Moxon Antenna A Great First Beam. Post 2011.

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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=jUiKZ3EIiIc. If you need a compact, simple, and inexpensive 2-element HF beam for your amateur radio station, then the "Moxon Antenna" or "Moxon Rectangle" is for you. The Moxon Antenna is a simple and mechanically robust two-element parasitic array antenna that exhibits modest gain and some directivity.  The antenna is named after it inventor Les Moxon (G6XN). In this video from HC1ZIX, we get an exceptionally clear discussion of the theory, design, and advantages of this easily-made antenna.  Why not build this antenna for your home or portable station?   You may be surprised just how well this basic "rectangle antenna" performs. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.blubrry.com/arrlaudionews/ https://oahuarrlnews

Feeding a Large Loop. Post 2010.

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If you can't see this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmAJGZPx3Jo. There are several ways to feed a large (at least 1 wavelength in circumference) loop antenna. Stan Gibilisco (W1GV) shows an easy way to use either 50 ohm or 75 ohm coaxial cable as your feedline.  Although the loop can use 50 ohm feed line, the SWR would be approximately 2:1, assuming the loop's impedance measured between 100 and 120 ohms.  The SWR would drop a bit if you used 75 ohm coaxial cable and a 50 ohm coaxial cable matching section. With this arrangement, you would have an excellent monoband HF Loop.  An antenna transmatch (i.e. "tuner") would allow use on a few other amateur radio bands. For my 40 meter horizontal loop, I use 450 ohm ladder line into a balanced "tuner" to enable multiband capability from 40 meters through 10 meters.  Either feed line arrangement should give you hours of excellent contacts,

home made MAG loop for 7-10-14 mhz. Post 2009.

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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=josWRM_L2-k. In his notes, G6URM apologizes for misnaming his antenna a "Delta Loop."  Other than that small error, the video is well-made, easy-to-understand, and a joy to watch.  According to G6URM, the antenna was "made from a lump of HELIAX and some junk box stuff."  Great design for those living in antenna-restricted homes or apartments.  Just a quick note:  After many years of using my old blogspot URL, I've finally switched to a custom URL from Google Domains.  Although https://kh6jrm.blogspot can still be used, my new URL is https://www.simplehamradioantennas.com. Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

Coax cable portable magnetic loop for 80 and 160m. Post 2008.

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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=kg_jyG8GQiI. Here's another fascinating portable antenna from Australian radio amateur Peter Parker (VK3YE). In this video, Peter uses some extra coaxial cable to create a magnetic loop antenna for the 80 and 160 meter Amateur Radio bands.  The accompanying tuning box will allow operations on 15 meters as well.  A nice, simple, inexpensive antenna for both home and field use. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.blubrry.com/arrlaudionews/ 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).