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Showing posts from April, 2021

The making of a link coupled antenna tuner

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If you can't see the video, please go here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nh4zWR1SQ3I This is post 2608 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Thanks to Jaumais for this exquisite, homebrew balanced link antenna "tuner." Although I don't possess the tools or expertise to make this device, I was impressed by how beautiful and well-made the final product turned out to be. Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).  

Keeping Your Dipole Well Fed

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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=0Lna5B91doA This post 2607 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. A good, basic discussion of how dipole antennas work and some of the misconceptions surrounding this "classic" HF antenna. Dave Casler (KE0OG) does an excellent job of showing us the advantages and disadvantages of using a variety of dipole antenna configurations. Here are some comment from Dave: Oggie Don Gardner, KC3RDV, has questions about feeding a dipole. He doesn't want the coax hanging down in the middle of the yard and is looking for options. We look at center-fed dipoles, off-center-fed dipoles, and end-fed dipoles. 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): http://www.dcasler.com/tip-j

G4NSJ-The HF360 Vertical HF 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=nCKhCGjchj4 This is post 2605 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Thanks to Ray (G4NSJ) of the "Radio Workshop" for this critical review of the HF360 HF Antenna. Ray conducts a series of basic tests on this antenna and finds some serious flaws. Here are some comments from RaY: I've installed an HF360 vertical HF aerial which apparently covers 80 to 10 metres. Here are my findings. ----- Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).  

Ham Radio-An end-fed half wave cage 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=SzxyjWyiuC4 This is post 2604 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Thanks to Kevin Loughin (KB9RLW) for this fascinating comparison between a single wire antenna and a "classic" cage dipole. This antenna was designed for the 20m and 10m Amateur Radio Bands. According to Kevin, the cage antenna was more broadbanded than the simple wire antenna--something you may need for a home or portable ham station antenna. Here are some comments from Kevin: Another comparison between a single wire and a cage arrangement. This time on the end fed half wave antenna. Link to the separator part on thingiverse: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:482... ​ 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.

Homebrew Ham Radio Antenna Mount for Camping

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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=UocnYx7HPEI This is post 2603 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Amateur Radio and camping go together quite well--you get a chance to enjoy nature in fairly quiet surroundings while pursuing ham radio contacts with your emergency communications gear. In this video from "Tinker John" (W5CYF), we get several suggestions on how to mount your antenna during that camping trip. Here are some comments from John: A slightly modified 2 inch clamp makes an easy and handy antenna mount for 'hamstick' style antennas. Suggested items that may be related to this video: https://www.amazon.com/shop/w5cyftink... ----- Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).  

Field expedient long-wire 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=LZ1WgqJefmg This is post 2662 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Thanks to "Commsprepper" for another great idea for making an emergency HF antenna.  In this case, a Chameleon Antennas' Hybrid-Micro base is used to support a random length long wire antenna. Here's some more information: Short video on my field expedient long-wire antenna with Chameleon Antennas' Hybrid-Micro base. http://chameleonantenna.com/ ----- Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).  

The Doublet Antenna-A Ham Radio Classic

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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=xq07cBl_TbM This is post 2601 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. One of the pleasures of Amateur Radio is the option of antenna experimentation.  Building your own antenna is educational, sometimes frustrating, and often inexpensive. In this video from Johnny of "Signal Search", we design, build, and test the "classic doublet antenna." If you need a multiband HF antenna, then the doublet antenna is worth considering.  Have fun! ----- Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).  

Alex HamPack Magnetic Loop Antenna Review

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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=qBqCHyGScV0 This is post 2600 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. If you need a compact, "stealthy", and portable HF antenna, then the new Alex HamPack Magnetic Loop Antenna may be for you. Peter of UK's Waters & Stanton Ham Radio Store gives us an excellent review of this easy-to-use portable antenna. This antenna would be a good choice for those living in deed-restricted housing. ----- Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).  

Ground radials for vertical antennas

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The key to an efficient vertical antenna is a good ground radial or counterpoise system. In this video from Callum McCormick (M0MCX) we get a few suggestions on how to design, install, and test an experimental ground radial system. If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0qSRjltgoo This is post 2599 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Here are some comment from Callum: I have made a decision made to cut 32 radials at 10m long. That's 4 wavelengths of radials for 80m band - my lowest target frequency. At 40m, that's 8 wavelengths and for 20m band, I am running 16 wavelengths! I should be OK. Callum. M0MCX. #vertical ​ #antennas ​ #hamradio ​ 00:00 ​ Intro 1:08 ​ Cutting the Fence 2:50 ​ Design for 3-element Array 3:28 ​ Radials ----- Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).  

20 Meter Delta 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=Rq-9TAcCnxE This is post 2598 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Thanks to Denis (VE3BF) for this easy-to-build 20 meter loop antenna.  Most of the materials for this basic antenna can be found at the nearest hardware store, home improvement outlet, or your ham radio "junk box." You can get multiband coverage by using balanced feedline and a wide-range antenna "tuner." Here some general comments from Denis: An easy, inexpensive gain antenna that you can build for 20 meters. The inspiration for the project came from these two web sites: https://rsars.files.wordpress.com/201... ​ and http://w5sdc.net/delta_loop_for_hf.htm ----- Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).  

Putting up my HF Apartment Antenna (End-Fed Dual Band)

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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=wNCMhD8cHl0 This is post 2597 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Here's another interesting idea for deploying a HF antenna for apartment dwellers. "Modern Ham" does a nice job of describing his dual band (20m/40m) antenna which uses a balcony and a nearby tree for support. Here are comments about the antenna: So I bought the antenna listed here: https://www.ebay.com/itm/HF-End-Fed-D... ​ I am in an upstairs apartment so it was a challenge coming up with a way to get an hf antenna up. The best conclusion I could come to was an end fed dual band antenna for 20-40 meters It's not the best job, but I've gotten a few contacts and it's a start. I do hope it doesn't cause any problems with the landlords. Make sure to check out my blog, and shop over at: https://themodernham.com ----- Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es

SOTA Southern Desert Region Antenna Selection

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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=v_2P3cuUa8g This is post 2596 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Thanks to Jerry (KG6HQD) for this truly outstanding guide to SOTA (Summits On The Air) antennas and related equipment. If you like to combine camping, hiking, and amateur radio operations, then this video is for you. Jerry discusses not only basic equipment requirements, but also outlines what camping gear you should take with you if you plan to operate in remote areas. Here are a few comment from Jerry: Every so often we need to slow down and enjoy the process. In this video I make a concerted effort to slow my entire process down until I get a little pile up. Spent a lot more time on this summit than normal and mat have found a new way to activate my SOTA peaks. I show some portable QRP antennas I use and talk about a few ham radio tricks and tips. Hope you enjoy and please rem