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=P7lxt8EatDw This is post 2468 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. The importance of a good ground plane is amply demonstrated in this antenna experiment conducted by Australian radio amateur Peter Parker (VK3YE). Peter does an excellent job of showing how a top-loaded HF vertical antenna coupled with a superior ground system (i.e. the ocean) performs. For years I worked at a commercial AM broadcast station in Hilo, Hawaii that used a salt water marsh as its ground plane.  Although the antenna was quiet short for its frequency (180 ft/54.87 m at 850 kHz), the station had an exceptionally strong daytime and nighttime signal. So, If you're forced to use a compromised vertical antenna, please try improving your ground radial or counterpoise system. Here are some general comments from Peter: Describing a ground tuning unit. A useful accessory if usi

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbON7DAqz9M This is post 2467 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Whether you are a beginning radio amateur or an experienced "old hand" on the ham bands, you can't go wrong with the "classic" HF monoband dipole antenna. Dipoles, whatever their configuration, are easy to design, simple to build, and affordable. In this video, Soul (DH7LM) says it's best to begin with simple, proven dipole designs before you branch out into more sophisticated and complex antenna projects. The basic monoband HF dipole can be modified to cover several amateur radio bands if you use balanced feed line, a 4:1 UnUn, and a wide-range antenna "tuner." Here are some general comments from DH7LM: Overtime, I came to realize how important radiation patterns are - and how the classic monoband dipole shines here. Especially if you are a begi

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ElzB4TYn9xI This is post 2466 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. The recently opened 4-meter Amateur Radio Band is now available in some EU nations as well as the UK. Thanks to "Oxford Shortwave Log" for this ultra simple coaxial sleeve antenna for this new  band.  So far, results have been good with this simple antenna.   Here are some general comments from the author: Hi there, i found this design on the internet and it's working perfectly for chats with my Harwell ARS friends on the 4m band. I'm being copied on the other side of Oxfordshire at S9+60 dBs with just 5 Watts TX power. You can't say fairer than that lol. Thanks for watching. Keep safe. 73s, ---- 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=8-tZ7r6UEx0 This is post 2465 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Thanks to Gil of the "RadioPreppers.com" website for this timely article about portable ham radio operations. Gil does a good job of describing the equipment you need to make field opertions successful.  Most of these suggestion are applicable for permanent home installations as well.  It's always a good idea to have backup supplies and equipment if an emergency should arise. Here are some general comments from Gil: Some things, you can't live without... The kind of stuff you find yourself using all the time. These are what I wouldn't want to be without for portable survival radio... Help me out a bit, get extra content: https://www.patreon.com/radioprepper Clearing Up Some Confusion About End-Fed Wire Antennas. https://youtu.be/0zF7bDoqkG4 Ten Pieces of Rad

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser searchbox: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFdBgDzW7cc This is post 464 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Thanks to Steve (K1GMM) for this intriguing variation of the classic fan dipole. In this case, the antenna is a vertical "Fan" antenna with rf fed at the bottom of the antenna.   As designed by Steve, this antenna covers 160 meters as well as 30 to 10 meters.  You can add as many vertical elements as you want.  Just be sure to have an excellent ground radial or counterpoise system for this "beast."   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=aAE8NiJ6tGA This is post 2463 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Thanks to "Modern Ham" for this easy to understand guide to acquiring and working Amateur Radio Satellites. If you follow these brief instructions, you'll be contacting ham radio satellites with very few problems. Here are some general comments from the author: This video takes you through every step of working Amateur Radio Satellites, mainly AMSATS. From preparation, tools, and execution. Unfortunately, we didn't make a contact in the video, but it still serves as a good example. AMSAT Satellite Frequencies: https://www.amsat.org/fm-satellite-fr... Heavens Above App: https://play.google.com/store/apps/de... IOS: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/satel... You can determine your grid square here: http://levinecentral.com/ham/grid_squ... My Setup: Radio : Ba

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrrJxWK0NNM This is post 2461 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Thanks to Kevin Loughin (KB9RLW) for this inexpensive way to get antenna insulators. You can also check out the "bargain" bins at "Dollar Stores" and neighborhood "garage sales." According to Kevin, a modest purchase a few years ago will keep him supplied with antenna insulators for a long time: I spent less than $10 many years ago and this supply of antenna insulators will probably last my entire life. ----- 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=euS7FgB96xs Thanks to Johnny of "Signal Search" for this interesting collection of portable ham radio antennas--all of which can be built easily and inexpensively. Among the antennas mentioned are the Dipole, L-dipole, and the 33-foot/10.06-meters "long wire." These antennas are suitable for both home and field use. ----- Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es Happy Holidays de Russ (KH6JRM).  

A modern retelling of the "classic" Ham Radio "Night Before Christmas" Video. Views expressed in this post are those of Cyndi (KD4ACW), Gary (KN4AQ), and the Southgate Amateur Radio Club (http://www.southgatearc.org). Accessed on 24 December 2020, 2332 UTC, Post 2460. Enjoy this bit of holiday cheer! Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM). A Ham's Night Before Christmas Need a little more Christmas cheer in the hamshack ? Revisit this ham radio Christmas classic,  A Ham's Night Before Christmas . I wrote this poem, adapted from the famous poem A Visit from St. Nicholas (but more commonly called T'was The Night Before Christmas) by Clement Clarke Moore, way back in 1996, so the poem almost now qualifies for QCWA . Later I recorded it as audio, added music, and finally produced a video.... and then a High Def video. You can find the whole story here. The poem text, audio (no music) and audio with music are all freely available for you to read or play on the air (cho

  If you can't see the video, pleas insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I144kzJxzDA This is post 2459 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. If you have an old satellite dish on your property, why not convert it to a slot antenna for the 2 m and 70 cm amateur radio bands? In this quick video, Jim (AG6IT) shows us how to change a piece of unwanted gear into something useful. Here are some comments from Jim: a 40 inch slot cut in a parabolic dish, fed with a so239 jumper about 4.5 inches from the end of a slot, yields a stealthy antenna which can be used for 2m and 70cm. Vertically polarized and blends in nicely. Everyone has a dish on their eve now days. Enjoy! AG6IF Jim ----- 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=6V6FgTXNciM This is post 2458 in a continuous series of simple ham radio antennas. Thanks to Peter of UK's "Watersstanton" for this nostalgic and frighteningly true account of World War II antennas that saved many lives.  Some of these radios and and antennas are still workable to day. Perhaps this video will encourage you to experiment with home made radios and stealth antennas. Here are some of Peter's comments: A light hearted look, and some serious answers, to those who cannot erect antennas outside. You can check out all our products on: https://hamradiostore.co.uk ----- 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=IrWLqixFFuc This is post 2457 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Although I build most of the antennas at my home, there are a few commercial antennas worth your time and effort. Among them is the Hustler 4-BTV from DX Engineering. In this video from "learnelectronics", we get an excellent step-by-step assembly procedure for this HF vertical antenna.     This antenna has gained several outstanding reviews from fellow radio amateurs.  If you can't build your own antenna, then try the  4-BTV.  Just take your time and make all adjustments carefully. ----- 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 searchbox: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGUmJeGFS0Y This post 2456 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Thanks to Julian (OH8STN) for this excellent and informative video on one of my favorite HF antennas:  The HF Delta Loop.  Julian takes us from concept and construction to testing and use on the air--all from a scenic winter landscape. The antenna covers 40 meters through 10 meters and is suitable for both permanent and portable operations. Here are some comments from Julian: Hello Operators. Today we're coming to you from the solar powered Field Station in order to test a prototype portable Delta loop antenna for #ham #radio portable ops. This is a multiband Delta loop antenna, capable of operating from i0m through 10 m amateur radio bands. It can be set up as an inverted Delta Loop, or in a vertical configuration depending on your needs. This is an interesting ham radio antenna

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0Ymcs2D7ks&ab_channel=KB9VBRAntennas This is post 2455 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Thanks to Michael Martens (KB9VBR) for this exceptionally clear discussion of the Off Center Fed Dipole Antenna.  If you follow Michael's suggestions, you'll have an effective, efficient HF antenna for your home station. Don't forget to include a 4:1 balun and a wide-range antenna "tuner." Michael made this antenna for the 2020 ARRL Field Day event. Here are some general comments from Michael: I build an 80 meter off center fed dipole antenna for this year's ARRL Field Day Event. MFJ 913 4:1 balun: https://amzn.to/3hplfbn Isotip butane soldering iron: https://amzn.to/3e1QWFJ Rigexpert AA-600 antenna analyzer: https://amzn.to/3e2RoUa Weaver Leather Throw Weight: https://amzn.to/2CigRek Support Ham Radio Q&A by shopping

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqE_W_0Le0k&ab_channel=RichRodgers This is post 2454 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. If you have sufficient space and a few trees, then this 80 meter full wavelength loop antenna is for you. Rich Rodgers (WB5YBZ) does a wonderful job of describing this antenna he built for his home station. According to Rich, this antenna is resonant at 3.650 MHz. Although you can erect this loop by yourself, you may want some help to speed up the construction and rigging of this large HF antenna.   Your reward will be quiet HF antenna with a bit of gain over a dipole. You can get multiband performance by using a wide-range antenna "tuner", a 4:1 balun, and parallel feed line, such as 450 ohm window line. Full wave HF loop antennas are ideal NVIS (near vertical incident skywave) antennas for local, state, and regional communications. ----- Thanks

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dx0TEOTDf4w&ab_channel=RadioPrepper This is post 2453 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Radio amateurs have used almost anything metal to build antennas. In this video from Gil of the "Radiopreppers.com" network, we see how locally available copper tape can be used to create a "stealthy" 2 meter antenna.  This antenna is good news for those of us living in deed-restricted housing (HOA/CC&Rs). Here are some general comments from Gil: Copper tape can be used not only as shielding but as an antenna element. I bought mine on Ebay. Garden supply stores or hardware stores might carry it. You can imagine many uses on windows and other surfaces. Shirts and mugs: https://teespring.com/stores/radio-pr... Help this channel: https://www.patreon.com/radioprepper Twitter: https://twitter.com/Radio_Preppers Facebook: https://www.f

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKuLDnwuy8M&ab_channel=DaveTadlock This is post 2452 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. The inverted V dipole antenna is a simple, reasonably efficient HF antenna for those operating in restricted spaces.   A dual band, 40/80 meter, inverted V using coils is a popular way to cover the low HF bands while conserving space. In this well-made video, Dave Tadlock (KG0ZZ) shows us how to adjust the coils to get maximum performance from this antenna system. ----- 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=u0qfSMWyjaw&ab_channel=104%27sWorld This is post 2451 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. When I lived near a beach on the Hawaiian Island of Oahu (Haleiwa), I used a salt water dummy load made from a UHF connector, an old Mason jar, an odd assortment of resistors, and some clear salt water from the ocean to make a crude, but workable dummy load for my old HW-101.  The finished project kept my rig happy for several months until I was able to buy a Health "Cantenna" dummy load. In this video from "104's World", we see a few examples of this basic antenna accessory. This revised design is cheap and easy-to-build. ----- 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=1BBg6vRybCo&ab_channel=KA5WPM This is post 2450 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. End-Fed Halfwavelength Antennas (EFHW) are effective, simple antennas for both home and portable use.  Unlike dipole antennas which can be easily matched to 50 or 72 ohm coaxial cable, EFHWs exhibit a high impedance, necessitating a transformer to protect your transceiver. In this well-made video from KA5WPM, we learn how to make a 49:1 transformer suitable for use with EFHW or random length long wire antennas. Here are some general comments from KA5WPM: This video shows how I made my 49:1 transformer for my End Fed Half Wave antenna. (EFHW)... (Click "SHOW MORE" below to see the Amazon links)...You will learn what you need to order and where you need to order it from and how much it will cost... and finally the results I am getting with this piece of

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiUjDnzL5Vw&ab_channel=FuzzThePiGuy This is post 2449 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. If you want to add some extra "punch" to your 70 centimeter signal, you may want to consider this 4-element Yagi design from "Fuzz The Pi Guy." With careful attention to element and feed line length, you could get as much as 8.5 dBi gain over a dipole antenna. Be sure to create you elements and reflectors carefully. Reflectors should be a bit longer and directors a bit shorter than the driven element. Here are some general comments from the builder: More information on my website at http://www.fuzzthepiguy.tech/copper-4... =================================== Homemade copper antenna made from 1/2 copper and 3/8 soft copper for 70cm. Click the link to my website for antenna plans. #HamRadio #Antenna #Yagi ----- Thanks for joining us

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rH8WVTCHLkQ&ab_channel=OnTheMicwithMike This is post 2448 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Thanks to "On the Mic with Mike" for this handy accessory to your ham radio station. This easy-to-make antenna "tuner" will improve the performance of any 20 meter end-fed antenna. The kit is compact and lightweight--perfect for both home and portable use. Here are some of Mike's comments: In this video I put together the MEF-1 monoband antenna tuner. I specifically put it together for 20m use (14MHz) and I show the process of the build in a little montage of clips with some info along the way. Big thanks to Tim (2E0TWG) for gifting me the kit :) Copyright license: Bush Week by Nihilore https://soundcloud.com/nihilore Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music promo

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehjKrJ-TH_w&ab_channel=ChappyHappy This is post 2447 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. If you need a basic, easy-to-make HF Loop Antenna, then this project from "ChappyHappy" is for you. Most of the materials can be acquired locally and construction requires only a set of simple tools. Here are some general comments from "ChappyHappy": HF Loop Antenna DIY - Simple & Easy to Build Advantages: Simple & Cost Effective, Suitable for Indoor Installations, Compact in Size, and High Directivity ----- 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=6M95Kkk7rlM&ab_channel=WD9DCW This is post 2466 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Thanks to WD9DCW for this intriguing 2 meter antenna which offers an excellent front-to-back ratio and significant signal gain. The antenna consists of a quad reflector + driven element + yagi directors.   WD9DCW provides several link suggestions to help you design, build, test, and use this antenna. This antenna works on aurora and tropo openings, as well as simplex DX and local repeater operations.  Please take your time and pay attention to detail.  Your efforts will be rewarded with superior signal reports. ----- 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=BmHoQrDfw-0 This is post 2445 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. How would you like to build a lightweight, portable 3-element VHF yagi antenna that would give you approximately 7.2 dB of forward gain? If this project appeals to you, then this well-made tutorial from Michael Martens (KB9VBR) will provide a reliable guide to designing and building this versatile 2 meter antenna. Here are some of Michael's observations: The 2 Meter band tape measure beam antenna is a 3 element Yagi with about 7.2 db of forward gain. This lightweight antenna is perfect to use for fox hunts or as a portable directional antenna for public service events. Instructions: http://www.jpole-antenna.com/2017/02/... Parts List 1 25 foot 1 inch wide steel tape measure 1 10 foot piece of 3/4 inch Schedule 40 PVC Tube 2 3/4 inch PVC Cross connectors 2 3/4 inch PVC T conne