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Showing posts from May, 2020

Military HF Radio-Episode 5-HF Antennas

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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=wdrIOKXF7jE .  This is post 2254 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Much of what I learned about communications and antennas came from my service in the USAF.  I used that knowledge to work in the broadcast field for 40 years and to secure my Amateur Radio License. It's good to see some of the outstanding military communications videos brought back to life by Matthew of "Military HF Radio." This video is part 5 of an excellent tutorial on HF communications and HF antennas.  The video covers a lot of antenna theory, construction, and testing in just over a half-hour.  The discussion of the T2FD (terminated folded dipole antenna) is especially noteworthy. This video would be excellent for amateur radio licensing classes or amateur radio club meetings. ----- For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please vi

Beverage Antenna: Field Installation Techniques

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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=l91JL2ImEbk .  This is post 2252 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. If you need an excellent receiving antenna for HF and MF bands, then you can't beat the "classic" Beverage Antenna from the early 1920s.  Although significant space is needed to deploy this antenna, the rewards are great. In this expertly done video from Steve (VE6WZ), we get a full tutorial on the theory, design, construction. and use of the Beverage Antenna.  Here are some of Steve's comments: "Various methods for construction and installation of a Beverage RX antenna in the field. Described are methods for wire layout, tree clearing, wire support and both feed-point and termination installation using tree supports. Also shown is how the relay boxes for multiple Beverages, and the broadside phasing boxes are deployed in the field." -----

How to build a dipole antenna for 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=khZRVZnugio .  This is post 2251 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. It doesn't take a lot of money or equipment to get on the air for the upcoming ARRL Field Day or for portable operations. In this video from Johnny (W5KV) of the "Signal Search" youtube channel, we see how only a few components can put you in touch with radio amateurs worldwide.  Why not make this simple antenna for ARRL Field Day station? Here are some of Johnny's comments: "In this video, we'll discuss how to construct a dipole antenna for Amateur Radio using 50 ohm coax, a cutting board, and some simple hardware. Amateur Radio doesn't have to be an expensive hobby. 73 de W5KV." ----- For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://ww

How to use sportatic E for long range 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=1q8rpDif8OQ .  This is post 2250 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Sporatic E propagation arrives in late spring and early summer, and provides enhanced range for Amateur/Ham Radio bands from 10 meters to 2 meters In this video from Josh Nass of the "Ham Radio Crash Course", we get a complete review of everything you need to know about Es and its impact on VHF bands (including 6 meters). Here are some of Josh's comments: "Ham Radio DX joins us again on another interview to talk about his experience on how to work sporadic E for long distance comuncation from 10 meters through 2 meters. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCo_j... - State of the Hobby Survey https://www.radiosoth.org/2020/05/202... - Youtube Hamfest! www.youtubershamfest.com - NCDXF International Beacon Network https://www.ncdxf.org/beacon/ - Spi

The Doublet Antenna, QSOs and observations, pt 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=sli_OXoOugM .  This post 2248 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas.  In this video, Kevin Loughin (KB9RLW) continues with part 2 of his design and build of the "classic" Doublet Antenna. Here are some of his remarks: "Thoughts and observations after using the doublet for awhile. Plus a couple of QSOs, one of which was stellar. Original design and build video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tA4lo... 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 other videos on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kb9rlw/ " ----- For the latest Amateur/Ham news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arr

The Doublet-an old but good multi-ban single dipole 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=tA4loiihJwE .  This is post 2247 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. One of the best all-around HF antennas is the multi-band doublet. The antenna is simple, inexpensive, and covers several HF bands with the aid of a parallel feed line and a balanced antenna "tuner." In this well-made video, Kevin Loughin (KB9RLW) presents a two-part series on the theory, design, construction, and use of this versatile antenna. Here are some of Kevin's remarks: "One of the antennas I've wanted to play with for awhile. In this video, we look at the antenna and it's design, and then my build of the antenna. In part 2, we'll look at it's performance and try it out on the air. Link to web site mentioned in the vid: http://webclass.org/k5ijb/antennas/Al... Link to the PDF mentioned: http://www.orarc.net/MultibandCenterf

How to model and build your own Fan Dipole for HF

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Here's another great, inspirational tutorial from the "DX Commander" (Callum-M0MCX).  If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbOY3OADpo8 . This is post 2246 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. The classic "Fan Dipole" antenna is simple, inexpensive, and fun to build.  Callum describes how to build and configure this versatile antenna for your ham station. Here are some of Callum's observations: "Grab a coffee, sit back and enjoy. Buying wire antennas is such a waste of time when you can easily achieve remarkable results with a fan dipole. You can go inverted V or flat top, have as many bands as you want, there's no restriction. I discuss the problem getting 40m and 15m working together and explain why there is no limit to the number of dipoles you can build off one feedpoint. And of course, you can also build a "maypole" style as

Portable Ham Radio Field Antennas

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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=0EkFR6BsQ7w .  This is post 2245 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. The 2020 ARRL Field Day will be different, thanks to the restrictions imposed by COVID-19.  Many radio amateurs in the U.S. will be operating at home or in very remote areas under limitations imposed by local, state, and federal officials. This doesn't mean you have to forego the experience just because you're locked down at home.  This is the perfect time to experiment with antennas and build some "skyhooks" for future operations. Josh Nass from the "Ham Radio Crash Course" youtube channel has assembled an excellent, well-paced tutorial on portable ham radio field antennas for your next radio contest or ARRL Field Day.  This video was shown at a recent meeting of the Crescenta Valley Radio Club.  Keep a copy for your reference library. Her

40 meter double bazooka build

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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=rWDU3S6goso .  This is post 2244 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Thanks to Bill (WX4AR) for this concise, accurate, and simple way to build  a "classic" double bazooka antenna.  Bill takes you step-by-step through the entire design, building, and testing process.  The addition of an antenna "tuner" will help you keep SWR as low as possible.  A good, reliable 40 meter antenna made from materials you may already have. ----- 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

Coaxial Dipoles

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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=Cs3uX_OwtSg .  This is post 2243 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. In this videocast from the 21 November 2012 edition of "Ham Nation", Bob Heil explains the theory and practical applications of coaxial dipole antennas.  A good, basic introduction to another kind of dipole 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/ 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).

Six Meter Folded Dipole 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=qbje13U6hC4 .  This is post 2242 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Thanks to Claude Jollet (VE2DPE) for this easily understood video on how to build a six meter folded dipole antenna.  Although the tutorial is quite clear, I did miss a spoken audio track. According to Claude, materials for the project are simple and easily obtained: "A ham radio six meter folded dipole antenna made of ladder line, fed with ladder line and matched with a step down 4:1 coaxial balun at the bottom of the transmission line. Cut to resonate at 50.4 MHz. SWR is below 1.3 between 50.0 and 51.0 MHz." ----- For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.blubrry.com/arrlaudionews/ http://www.hamradioupdate.com. http://www.southgatearc.org. https

2 meter/70 cm telescopic dipole, homebrewed

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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=N4GAug1MqDM .  This is post 2242 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Here's quick and easy VHF/UHF antenna suitable for both home and portable operations.  Make one for your "go-kit" or even for the next ARRL Field Day. KB3TQO does a good job of designing and making this simple, effective antenna for the 2 meter and 70 centimeter bands. Here are some comments from KB3TQO: "Homebrewed an adjustable dipole for use on the 2 meter and 70 cm bands that can easily break down to stow in any small pocket. Cheap and easy." ----- 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://hamradiohawa

Simple to make 2m/70cm antenna project for portable use

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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=Lq5t9Nwjt-U .  This is post 2241 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Thanks to Paul Foulkie for this great antenna idea.  This portable 2m/70cm antenna is suitable for both portable and home operation.  You should be able to find most of the materials at the nearest building supply center or neighborhood hardware store.  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).

Homemade Full Wave Dual Band Antenna for 2 meter and 70 CM's

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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=MYWTxbUW3Rs .  This is post 2240 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. If you're in an experimental mood, you may want to try this fascinating VHF/UHF antenna from "Fuzz The Pi Guy." Here are some of the important details of this antenna project: ==================================== "More information on my website at http://www.fuzzthepiguy.tech ===================================== Here are the measurements of the 1/2 inch copper pipe that is needed to build this antenna. 1- 12 inch 2- 2 inch 2- 3 inch 2- 5 7/8 inch 6- 7 1/2 inch 12- Elbows 1/2 inch 1- 1/2 inch PVC TYPE C Conduit Body" ................................................................. ................................................................. ----- For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http

MFJ Duplexer-two radios one antenna or vice versa

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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=i9ttJn7Qy_s .  This is post 2239 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Here's a handy device from MFJ that allows two radios (2m/70cm) on one antenna and vice versa. David Casler (KE0OG) does a good job of explaining the theory and use of this useful tool.  Here are some of his remarks.: "A look at the MFJ-916B duplexer with SO-239 connectors (also available with N connectors and also available with an outdoor version). You can use this to connect a 2m radio and a 70cm radio to share a single, dual band antenna, or use it with a dual-band radio to connect to a separate 2m antenna and 70cm antenna. Interesting device! Subscribe: https://youtube.com/user/davecasler . Ask Dave Playlist: https://goo.gl/inaQeB . Tip Jar: http://ke0og.net/tip-jar To learn more about me, visit: http://www.dcasler.com/about/ Tip jar (on my website): h