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Showing posts from January, 2020

Homebrew HF Mobile Antenna. Post 2131.

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If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwoH5aX72yQ. Installing a mobile HF antenna in today's modern vehicles can be a challenge, especially if your new car or truck contains a lot of non-metal parts. Despite the lack of easy antenna locations these days, K1GMM has found a way around these limitations and has made an effective, HF mobile antenna with a few selected parts. Here are some of his observations: "Put together the HF mobile setup in the vw cc. 1st call a station in Detroit responded. Nice. Not a lot of science to it but wanted to try to throw some things together and see if they worked. It does. Loads 40-6 with a 1.2-1.5 swr using the AT7000 auto tuner. Homebrewed the mount for the ic7000 control head out of some scraps of pvc and a little velcro. Antenna mount is a Comet RS940. Nice big trunk lip mount. 73 K1GMM Music/Drums by K1GMM" ---------- For the latest Amateur/H

Ham Radio - My second HF antenna. A stealth end fed wire for 80 - 10 m...

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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=oMchB-bML98. This is Post 2130 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Thanks to Kevin Loughin (KB9RLW) for this easily-made stealth antenna which works on all amateur/ham radio bands from 80 through 10 meters. Materials needed for the antenna project are modest: A wide band antenna "tuner". A 9:1 UnUn. 58 feet/17.678 meters of antenna wire. 40 feet/12.192 meters of wire for the counterpoise. The antenna may not work well if your home has a metal roof.  Here are some of  Kevin's observations: "I needed a second antenna for experiments and dual monitoring. Decided to try a stealth design. If you like my videos, please subscribe here: http://www.youtube.com/user/loughkb?s... If you want me to keep making more videos like this, consider becoming my patron at Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/kb9rlw/ Discuss this and

Make Your Own FM Vertical Sleeve Coax Antenna. Post 2129.

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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=hK0KX0YcvH0. Thanks to "electronicsNmore" for this wonderfully funny and thoroughly enjoyable tutorial on how to make a simple FM Vertical Sleeve Antenna from a length of coaxial cable.  "Dinosaurous Rex" lends a helpful hand (or is it claw?) in assembling this simple, effective FM antenna.  Make a few of these antennas for your "go-kit" or for that next mini DXpedition to the nearest park. Here are some remarks from the video producer: "If you're looking to make a fairly simple vertical FM antenna(Transmit or Receive) for small devices, then this video may be for you. All that's required is some coax(preferably 50 ohm with copper shielding, a small diameter brass/copper tube, solder and rosin flux, heat shrink tubing, and an RF connector of your choice. Using a SWR meter would also be extremely useful for very pr

HF Antenna in the attic ham radio magnetic loop antenna for HOA

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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=V9th_JBfMIk. This is Post 2138 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Thanks to Julian (OH8STN) for this creative antenna approach for radio amateurs living in deed-restricted properties.  In this video, we see how a magnetic loop antenna (in this case a Chameleon F-Loop) can be mounted in an attic to allow communications without drawing unwanted attention from neighbors or HOA committees. This antenna works best if your roof in non-metal.  Here are some of Julian's observations: "Hello Operators A former colleague and good friend in Ukraine, asked about a stealth antenna, and how it might work for his situation. The operator asked about magnetic loop antennas for HF, and if they could be would be completely hidden from view, by the surrounding community. In this video, I am using an attic mounted magnetic loop antenna, with a remot

Ham Radio antennas in an HOA environment. Post 2127.

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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=nw2QRGPWfQM. If you live in a deed-restricted property governed by HOAs and CC&Rs, then this video from "hamradiocomms" may help you get on the air. According to "hamradiocomms", his HOA restrictions aren't too oppressive, so some types of antennas can be erected: "Today on HamRadioComms I show my 1st HF antenna and 2m/70cm installation at my new down sized house in an HOA community. Vertical antennas are allowed here, and discreet wires. I'll be posting more videos about the new antennas I put up here." ------ 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://www.hamradioupdate.com. http://www.southgatearc.org. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://hamradiohawaii.wordpres

Rugged Radios: How to Install a UHF Connector

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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=jp3vl97pCi0. This is Post 2126 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. After several burned fingers and "cold" connections, I finally learned how to install UHF connectors on my coaxial cable feed lines.  Save yourself a painful burn and questionable connections by viewing the concise, easily understood tutorial from "Rugged.Radios." Here are some additional notes from the video that may help you avoid the soldering mistakes I've made: "This quick tutorial video will walk you through proper installation of a UHF connector to your coax antenna cable. Whether you're old one is damaged or you need to shorten the length of your existing antenna coaxial cable, this is an important tip for anyone working with radios. The UHF connector is a standard connector used for all Rugged Radios 2-way radios. Whether you'

VK2PRC Half Wave End Fed Vertical Antenna for DX.

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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=V0LkXnEZ0Nk. This is Post 2125 of a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Thanks to Alex (VK2PRC) for this excellent tutorial on building and testing a half wave end fed vertical antenna for 20 meter DX. Although propagation on the higher HF bands has been marginal, there is enough DX on 20 meters to make this project worthwhile. In this video, Alex takes us step-by-step through the design, construction, and testing phases of this useful, easy-to-make vertical antenna. Here are some additional notes from Alex that will help simplify the project: "A complete step by step guide for, making and tuning a 20 Meter HWEF vertical antenna including impedance matching coupler. If you are unable to make one for yourself, email me and I'll make one for you. NOTE: 1mm enameled wire MUST be used, NO other size!!!!!!! The common mode

#2 TEST: MINI 9:1 UNUN and 41m long Random Wire Antenna (part 3)

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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=KHNQLrKzYck. this is Post 2124 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. In this video, Paul (OM0ET) makes some final adjustments to his mini 9:1 UnUn and lengthens his random long wire antenna to 41 meters (134.48 feet).  He also attaches a better ground wire to his system.  Here are some of Paul's results: "Today I did a second test of my home made MINI 9:1 UnUn and 41m long Random Wire Antenna. I was finally successful and had in total 6 nice QSOs with 5W and small XIEGU X5105 transceiver. The test took one hour, including installing and removing the antenna. One QSO on 40M band was not recorded. PART 2: https://youtu.be/dEWBhym1tJ4 PART 1: https://youtu.be/z9fJLo63ne0 I will very appreciate if you will support my work and you became to my patron on Patreon ;-) https://www.patreon.com/om0et Thank you very much for watching m

#1 TEST: mini 9:1 UnUn Random Wire home made Antenna (part 2)

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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=dEWBhym1tJ4. This is post 2123 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. In this video, Paul (OM0ET) finishes his new mini 9:1 UnUn and begins testing the device "in the field." Here are some of Paul's observations: "I was tested my home brew mini 9:1 UnUn with random wire antenna 17,68m long. I was located in north-east part of Slovakia about 350m a.s.l. Radio propagations was poor. I ran 5W with XIEGU X5105 transceiver. I had just one QRP QSO today with SP1MVG/FF. I was not using the grounding on my UnUn. I will very appreciate if you will support my work and you became to my patron on Patreon ;-) https://www.patreon.com/om0et Thank you very much for watching my videos! 73 Paul OM0ET" -------------- In part three, Paul makes some adjustments and has better results. ---------- For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio ne

New Mini QRP 9:1 UnUn and Random Wire Antenna (Part 1)

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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=z9fJLo63ne0. This is post 2122 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. In this two-part tutorial, Paul (OM0ET) show us his new design of a compact 9:1 UnUn for portable QRP Random Wire Antennas. Here are some of Paul's observations: "This is my new design of the small 9:1 UnUn for portable QRP Random Wire Antenna. In this video I show you this small home made QRP UnUn and I do quick impedance test. In the second part I want to test this antenna in the real portable conditions... I will very appreciate if you will support my work and you became to my patron on Patreon ;-) https://www.patreon.com/om0et Thank you very much for watching my videos! 73 Paul OM0ET" --------- For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.blubrry.co

Ham Radio Station Grounding. Post 2121.

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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=Mht2YyWAH1I. Thanks to "Tinker John" (W5CYF) for this excellent discussion on RF Grounding for Amateur/Ham Radio.  Although grounding covers a multitude of purposes, John does a good job of sketching out the facts needed to make your ham shack "grounded" and safe for operation. Although the RF grounding steps outlined in this video are easy enough to implement, John does extend this precaution: "IMPORTANT: Effective and safe station grounding is a complex and often controversial subject. This video is not intended to be a how-to guide for safe and/or effective grounding. It is recommended that you seek qualified advice and instruction for your specific station and environment." ----- To be on the safe side, please ground your station according to guidelines contained in the latest edition of the "National Electrical

Solo antenna mast erecting - Ham Radio know how.

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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=T10k1NIJO2A. This is post 2120 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Thanks to "ColdestMoon" for this simple and safe way to erect a fiberglass mast. Here's what he says about the mast erecting procedure: "I show how easy it is to erect a mast suitable for ham radio antennas on your own using only 3 guy lines and a fibreglass pole. Its a bit windy, and apologies for the audio quality." Once you get the three guy wires set and anchored, all you have to do is "walk up" the mast and adjust the guy wires. It would probably be a good idea to have one of your fellow radio amateurs help you erect the mast. As the video shows, strong gusty winds can complicate the process. --------- For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www

Antennas 101 / How does an antenna work

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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=oiBi9RbNBUY. This is post 2119 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Thanks to "0033mer" for this concise, easy-to-understand tutorial on basic antenna theory.  The use of a bagel to demonstrate the pattern of a vertical antenna is pure delicious genius.  The video is both informative and fun.  This video would make an excellent presentation for your radio club or amateur radio license class. Here are some comments from the video producer: "This video is a tutorial that will describe how antennas work and the properties of different configurations. The common Dipole and 1/4 wave Monopole will be covered. Instructions on how to build your own Monopole at any operating frequency will be discussed. LoRa Antenna video: https://youtu.be/JeUexihrKZQ " ----- For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit

Stealth EZ End Fed Antenna and SG239 Smart Tuner an indoor antenna by G0...

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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=HHRPHLgLXg4. This post 1228 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Getting on the air from a deed-controlled property (HOA/CC&Rs) is difficult and often challenging. In this video from Chris (G0MRR), we see what one UK radio amateur has done to get on the air without neighbors noticing his efforts.  Chris's equipment is modest--A Yaesu FT-890 HF transceiver, a 9:1 UnUn, a length of wire, and a SG239 auto "tuner". Of particular importance is the use of a good ground condition, something which Chris addresses in his situation.  A metal roof can be a real hindrance to successful operating. Here are some of Chris's observations: "Yaesu FT890 with EZ End Fed Antenna and SG239 Smart Tuner gives great results and is ideal as a stealth antenna. visit www.webpagereview.co.uk for further details. See Also: http://www.

Installing HF Antenna on Stealth Van. Post 2117.

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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=VclUw_S6fzg. Thanks to Anthony ("biblesnbarbells") for this excellent tutorial on installing an HF antenna on a van. Anthony lays out all of his materials in a logical sequence, making it easy to follow his smooth installation. This installation can be modified for home or portable use. You can get most of the materials from these sources: "  BiblesnBarbells Store: http://astore.amazon.com/biblesn0d-20 Mikes Electronics: http://www.mikeselectronicsfl.com/ Hustler RM-10 10 Meter Resonator: http://astore.amazon.com/biblesn0d-20... Hustler MO-4 HF Mast: http://www.dxengineering.com/parts/hs... Comet HD-5M Heavy RS-840 Lip Mount: http://astore.amazon.com/biblesn0d-20... " ---------- For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio News and Information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http

Ham Radio - The simple coax cable emergency prepper antenna.

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If you can see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tafy51yUzQo. This post 2116 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. If you need a quick and easy 2 meter antenna, then this video from Kevin Loughnin (KB9RLW) is for you. All you need is some surplus coaxial cable, simple tools, and "F" or PL-259 connectors. Kevin does an excellent job of assembling this simple, classic version of the "sleeve dipole antenna". Make a few of these antennas for your emergency "go-kit" or for your next mini-dxpedition to the nearest public park.  A fun, educational project that will prove useful in emergency  and portable operations. Here are some remarks from Kevin: " old design that many new hams may not be familiar with. Easy to build with minimal tools, great emergency throw-it-together antenna. If you like my videos, please subscribe here: http://www.youtube.com/user/loughkb

Electric Car Mobile HF Radio Install. Post 2115.

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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=2DJdUfT_TnM. Radio amateurs have been installing their rigs and antennas on their vehicles for over 100 years. In this video, the "Ham Radio Crash Course" (John Nass) takes us step-by-step through the installation of an HF antenna in an electric vehicle. Like installations in liquid-fueled cars, bonding and grounding are important keys to a successful mobile antenna installation. RFI can be a major problem for electric vehicles as well, since the large batteries found in these vehicles can generate quite a bit of interference. If you follow the suggestions in this video, your installation will be successful.  The tips offered in this video apply equally to installations in hybrid and conventionally-powered vehicles.  Be sure everything that can radiate a signal is grounded. Here are comments from the video author that may help you get started: &