Simple Ham Radio Antennas

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bt5AAH4hVgs If you live near an ocean beach and currently enjoy warm weather, you may want to try this simple 10 meter magnetic loop antenna from Australian ham Peter Parker (VK3YE). The results of this simple antenna are impressive, given the small size of the magnetic loop.  Proximity to the ocean is a definite plus for this antenna. Peter has produced a nice collection of video tutorials for your library.  Here are some of his remarks: "Pedestrian mobile on 28 MHz with FT817 & 40cm magnetic loop antenna. PS: Like these videos? Wish to support this channel? If so please store this link to Amazon Shopping as a bookmark or favourite. https://www.amazon.com/s?k=amateur+ra... Then when you buy something I receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you). Or check my books page to see if any appeal. http://home.alphalink.com.au/~parkerp... &

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsGXJxNkfb8 Thanks to John Saunders for this quick video describing his home made 40 meter ground plane antenna.  According to John, you can assemble this portable antenna is only five minutes. The antenna is simple and can be stored in a small bag or pouch.  Most of the antenna materials can be bought locally or through online vendors. Here are some of  John's comments: "This video is about a simple portable 40m ground plane antenna that will go up in only five minutes flat! Background music: Bama Country - Country by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license ( https://creativecommons.org/licenses/... ) Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-... Artist: http://incompetech.com/ " ----- For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. ht

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VWBUDJv2n0 Radio amateurs have used all kinds of objects to support their HF/VHF/UHF antennas--including in this case a helium filled balloon.  According to the video's producers, Glenn (N6GN) and John (K6PZB), results were excellent during the brief test with an approximate 40 dB signal improvement over previous antennas. Here are some of their comments: " helium balloon supported antenna tethered and fed by a surface wave transmission line provides more than 40 dB increase in signal strength of amateur radio communications. This is essentially the same presentation given by N6GN at ARRL Pacificon in October 2011. Related SWTL projects & theory in ARRL QEX May, July, November 2012. Available at http://www.sonic.net/~n6gn " ----- For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiA

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuakP-C6NTM Thanks to "North Carolina Prepper" for this impromptu video on using a magnetic loop antenna in deed-restricted properties (HOA & CC&Rs).  Although copper tubing is the key component of this loop antenna, you can make a similar loop from stiff wire or even coaxial cable. Here are some observations and links from "North Carolina Prepper": "Playing with a magnetic loop antenna. you can make them really cheap with just wire. There are plenty of plans on the internet. I used these 2 websites http://www.nonstopsystems.com/radio/f... and this one http://www.66pacific.com/calculators/... " 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.sou

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlLwhcQk4TE .  This is post 2156 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. This excellent, easily understood video shows how to determine the proper feed line length so you can tune all amateur/ham radio HF bands.  You should use this feed line in conjunction with a balun and a wide-range antenna "tuner." 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.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. https://www.eham.net. https://paper.li/f-1576465810 (breaking amateur/ham radio news). Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cv_RnLpZ9gw .  This is Post 2155 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Radio amateurs living in urban apartments or in deed-restricted housing often have a difficult time getting on the air because of limited antenna options. In this video, Australian ham Peter Parker (VK3YE) gets around the limited antenna space problem by building a fairly compact magnetic loop antenna for the 40 meter Amateur/Ham Radio band. Here are some of Peter's observations: "A description and demonstration of an ultra-simple but 100 watt capability 7 MHz magnetic transmitting loop for units and apartments. There are no hard to get parts or complex workshop skills required to build. Instead of the expensive vacuum variable capacitor, the loop is brought to resonance with a length of RG213 coax (approx 1.85 metres for a 3m circumference loop for 7 MHz).

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWq4tgLH-yI While most antenna masts these day seem to be built from various metals, telescoping fiberglass poles, and PVC pipe, a few adventurous radio amateurs are returning to "classic" wooden masts that were common a century ago. In this post from Peter Parker (VK3YE), we see how simple a wooden antenna mast can be if you are careful in designing and building the structure. Here are some of Peter's observations: "Timber mast suitable for supporting lightweight wire antennas. The mast is 6 metres tall plus a 2 metre top extension. It tilts over for easy work on antennas. The antenna supports dipoles for 40, 20 and 10 metres, coming off the one feedpoint. 15 metre operation is provided by the 40m dipole. 80 metres is covered by adding loading coils to the 40 metre dipole. The antenna is similar to VK5AH's dipole except the

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrREQyMI7RI Open wire feed line is an excellent way to connect your transceiver to a HF dipole antenna.  Used with an antenna "tuner", balanced feed line can make your antenna cover several Amateur/Ham Radio HF bands. In this video from Peter Parker (VK3YE), we learn how to make this inexpensive, durable feed line from locally available materials. Here are some guidelines from Peter: "Open wire feedline is a cheap and low-loss feedline ideal for feeding HF dipoles. Open wire can tolerate significant impedence mismatches without adding much loss and in conjunction with a balanced antenna coupler allows multiband operation on a single dipole. Unlike a coax fed antenna the length of the dipole is not critical but for best efficiency aim for a minimum 3/8 wavelength at the lowest operation frequency (ie 30 metres for 3.5 MHz or the 80

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KHzsKYsZL0 Here's a simple solution for building a multi-band HF dipole antenna that doesn't require an antenna "tuner", loaded elements, or antenna traps. In this video, WD0AKX (the "Radio Ham Guy") shows us how to design, build, and test what is called a "Fan Dipole" Antenna.  If you cut the wire for each band carefully, you won't be forced to use an antenna "tuner" to bring a single wire into use on multiple HF bands. As designed, this antenna covers the 40-20-15-10-and 10 meter bands.  Although an antenna "tuner" is not needed for this antenna, you can use one to "tweak" each band if you so choose. ------------ For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these web sites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.blubrry.com/arrlaudi

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ree8NtpEEW4 .  This is post 2151 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. In this intriguing video from Steve Ellington, we learn how to build a super antenna covering 11 amateur/ham radio bands.  Although this antenna is a bit more complex than your average dipole or 1/4 wavelength vertical, most radio amateurs should be able to build this versatile antenna with a little patience and creativity. Steve explains how he created this antenna: "What started out as an 8 band antenna now covers 11 bands. The EFHW transformer can be bypassed with this relay which turns the antenna into a 130' end fed. It now resonates on 160, 60 and 6 meters when in the bypassed position. If the 160m antenna appears to be too long, insert a series capacitor in the antenna lead between the boxes. I found that I needed .0015uf. Voltage rating needs to be at l

To access this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FaCYojMScaU . An exceptionally well-done presentation on basic antenna theory and practice. Here's a general synopsis of the presentation: "This video was made for a junior electromagnetics course in electrical engineering at Bucknell University, USA. The video is designed to be used as the out-of-the-classroom component and combined with active learning exercises in class. This video covers some vary basic facts about antennas, or devices that are designed to couple electrical energy from circuits into waves propagating through free space." ----- 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

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-COCfj2D5Q .  This is Post 2149 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Another way of getting nearly full dipole performance with a short antenna is to apply linear loading to your antenna. In this video from Tim (G5TM), we get a good general discussion of both the theoretical and practical applications of this antenna design. Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM). Here are some of Tim's observations: "An overview of the linear loading experiment findings and some information on antenna lengths for you. Here are the other videos in my Linear Loading journey: 1. Shortening a 40 meter quarter wave vertical: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmqEa... 2. Shortening a 10 metre dipole using linear loading: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dcdk4... 3. Short 40m dipole for a small garden: https://www.youtube.

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GhswQ0l3Qvk .  This is Post 2148 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Over the past several years, I've used a variety of coaxial cables and even more connectors to complete my antenna experiments.  My best source of coaxial cable has been my neighborhood cable TV installer, who often has suitable lengths of RG-59 / RG-6 cable after a major cable installation.  I've found RG-59 and RG-6 (73-75 ohm impedance) a good substitute for 50 ohm RG-58, RG-8, and RG-8X coaxial cable.  The mismatch isn't too great, and an antenna "tuner" can make the cable suitable for dipoles and inverted Vs. The only negative side of RG-59/RG-6 is the need for F connectors and adapters to convert F connectors to the common SO-239 found on many coaxial cables and transceivers. In this excellent tutorial from "Helpful DIY", we get a co

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JvSfvrkXAoQ .  This is Post 2147 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Thanks to Stuart (KB1HQS), for this imaginative approach to building a simple VHF Discone Antenna.  Other than some audio problems, the video is fascinating, creative, and just plain "cool." As Stuart explains, you don't need much to get on the air with this antenna: "This is a brief video showing how to build a DIY discone antenna out of items you may have in your house. While the sound/video quality is terrible due to my camera dying, the content proves a point: you don't always have to buy an antenna to make contacts. 73, Stuart KB1HQS.com ★ FOLLOW ME HERE ★ Website: KB1HQS.com Twitter: @KB1HQS" ----- For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio News and Information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arr

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box:    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmWlOisao-I  This is post 2146 in a continuing series on simple ham radio antennas. If you have a large rural property, you may want to design, build, and use a Rhombic Antenna--something David Casler (KE0OG) calls "The King of Antennas."  The Rhombic is excellent for point-to-point communications and exhibits a very low takeoff angle--a definite plus for DX. Here's David's analysis of this classic DX Antenna: "There was a time, back in the 1930s and 1940s, when the rhombic antenna was the king. A remarkable antenna that had phenomenal directivity and an extraordinarily low elevation angle made it the antenna of choice for point-to-point HF links. Here's a little history, plus an exploration using EZNEC+. Phenomenal antenna! Subscribe: https://youtube.com/davidcasler . Ask Dave Playlist: https://goo.gl/inaQeB . Tip Jar: http

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vxft-rYHGDw . Thanks to Michael Martens (KB9VBR) for this simple, inexpensive, and totally elegant 2 Meter Ground Plane Antenna.  This antenna is suitable for both home and portable use. Here are some general comments from Michael about this antenna: "Are you looking for a fun and easy antenna project? The 1/4 ground plane might be just the ticket. This particular ground plane is constructed out of an SO-239 chassis connector, so the radiator is attached to the center conductor of the connector and the radials each come off the base. Resources: SO-239 Chassis Connector: https://amzn.to/2vWrddF Iso-Tip Solderpro 90 kit: https://amzn.to/2PnzRtW Support Ham Radio Q&A by shopping at Amazon: http://amzn.to/2kO6LH7 Read my blog: http://www.jpole-antenna.com Colophon: Camera - Panasonic GH4: https://amzn.to/2GV2Og1 Lens - Panasonic 12-35 f2.

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLq3nBQppqg A great multiband HF antenna is the classic "Delta Loop."  The antenna is simple, fairly inexpensive, and offers a small bit of gain over a dipole antenna. In this well-made video from Rob Wagner, we see several delta loop configurations and and learn how these loops compare to a dipole antenna. Here are some of Rob's observations: "This video describes my experiments with a new antenna for me, the horizontal loop a.k.a. sky loop antenna. We talk about the design and installation, and strengths of this antenna in terms of low noise. There are some examples of this antenna in action in comparison to dipoles. For more information go to the Mount Evelyn DX Report: http://www.medxr.blogspot.com.au SUBSCRIBE to this channel. Thanks for watching!" ----- For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please v