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Showing posts from June, 2021

HF Mobile-Things To Consider

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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=DD3_s4IIvDg This is post 2669 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Thanks to AE4VJ for this excellent introduction to HF mobile operations. The video discusses HF Mobile installations, grounding, and antenna options. Here are some comments from AE4VJ: This is NOT the "end-all be-all" for your mobile instillation as each will be different. This is to get you thinking and to bring attention to what you need to consider if you're interested in HF mobile. I don't like drilling holes where they aren't easily concealed and I like for things to look as factory as I can. These are the bigger challenges, but the biggest task is GROUNDING so this is they approach we take today. HF Mobile is CRAZY fun! You don't have to worry about running out of range of a repeater, you can get some WAS/DXCC Credits while on the road and, if y

Comparing a folded dipole antenna with a regular dipole

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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=dsyuotZyU_g This is post 2668 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Thanks to Kevin Loughin (KB9RLW) for this interesting antenna comparison. Kevin describes the advantages and disadvantages of each antenna design. Although the basic half-wavelength dipole will fulfill most daily requirements, you may want to build a folded dipole antenna, which exhibits a bit more bandwidth.  Kevin does an excellent job of explaining the construction practices and performance issues of both antennas. Here are a few comments from Kevin: I did some comparisons between a regular old wire dipole and a folded dipole made out of window line. Both cut for 20 meters and both installed similarly. 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

Homemade antenna mast 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=OSbuHE6-TLE This is post 2667 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Thanks to Steve (AD4XT) for this "home brew" antenna mast project.  Steve says the 30-foot/9.146 meter structure is strong, weather resistant, and capable of supporting a variety of HF wire antennas. Here are some of Steve's comments: 30' Homemade antenna mast for ham radio. I did not want to wait 20 years for a tree to grow where I need one. No guy wires at the height that I am using. Enjoy, 73 I am good on qrz. Ad4xt ----- Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).  

Ham Radio HF Vertical Antenna for small gardens and backyards

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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=IPsQJaVimO8 This is post 2666 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Thanks to Peter of UK's Waters & Stanton Ham Store for this easily-made HF vertical suitable for both portable and home use.  Radio amateurs with small backyards will welcome this antenna which gives good performance despite its limitations. Here are some comments from Peter: Here is an interesting design that you can build yourself. Ideal for small gardens yet full size performance. Build your own 49:1 Matching Transformer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4PHyg... Spider Poles https://hamradiostore.co.uk/amateur-r... ----- Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).  

Planning a backyard Field Day operation

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Because of COVID-19 restrictions, many radio amateurs in the U.S. will participate in the annual ARRL Field Day as solo stations operating from their home shacks. In this video from Chris (K2CJB), we see one ham's approach to Field Day as a solo operation. Although the video was presented in 2020, the suggestions offered in this presentation are still valid. If you can't see the video, please insert this URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUWiL906Qw8 Here are a few comment from Chris: This video discusses all the preparations that go into my backyard ham radio Field Day 2020 operation. The music is my original music. ----- Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).  

Saltwater 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=9tIZUhu21sQ This is post 2664 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. If you enjoy experimenting with amateur radio antennas, then this fascinating video hosted by Daniel Tam (KE6FRY) may interest you. Daniel describes and demonstrates what he calls the "Sea Water Antenna", a project sponsored by SPAWAR Systems Center Pacific. Here's a general description of the antenna: SPAWAR Systems Center Pacific has developed a technology that uses the magnetic induction properties of sodium chloride (salt) in sea water to create UHF/VHF/HF antenna. SHOW LESS ----- Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).  

Feed-point connector for Inverted V 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=4uPk0lAEwhc This is post 2663 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Thanks to Dave Tadlock (KG0ZZ) for this useful and inexpensive accessory for HF dipole antennas. You can find most of the materials for this feed-point connector at the nearest hardware or building supply outlet. Keep a few of these simple connectors for ARRL Field Day or for your next portable operation. ---- Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).  

Ham Radio Go-Box for Preppers

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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=kPB4WD5F9Ns This is post 2662 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Every radio amateur should have an emergency "go-box" for portable operations.   This go-box designed by "Great Lakes Prepping" is the ideal package to accompany your ARRL Field Day, SOTA, or POTA operations.   This go-box provides excellent coverage of the 2m and 70cm amateur radio bands. Here are some comments from the video: This is the complete walk-through of my recent amateur radio "go box" build. Taking inspiration from dozens of other ham radio and prepping enthusiasts, I designed and built this handy all-in-one communications center and charging station that can be easily transported and deployed anywhere. Featuring a dual-band radio, I can communicate over the 2m and 70cm bands. For the full parts list and to download the CAD design files

Antenna radials down to Earth

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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=DAygiXW8-0E This is post 2661 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Another great video tutorial from Peter of UK's Waters & Stanton Ham Store. In this video, Peter shows how to improve the ground radial system of vertical antennas. Here are some of Peter's comments: Here is a short video with a bit of chat and a cheap tip on connecting radials to your vertical antenna. ----- Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).  

Spiderbeam's Light 7m Antenna Mast

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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=_TR8Ba2SiFc This is post 2660 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. If you need a lightweight, easily portable mast for your next "field operation", please consider the masts manufactured by Spiderbeam. In this video, Gil of the "Radiopreppers.com" website analyzes the performance of the new 7 meter (22.9 ft) telescoping mast from Spiderbeam.  This antenna mast would be a welcome addition to your emergency "go-kit" or ARRL Field Day package. Here are some comments from Gil: Just like its big brother the Spiderbeam 12m mast, which I have been using for years and almost every time I operate portable, the much lighter and shorter (collapsed) 7m model does not disappoint. There is a 10m model also. Those two are perfect for traveling, much stronger than a fishing pole while still quite affordable. Thumbs up from me! Masts: h

Chameleon Emcomm III Portable 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=H5AHKAz3Zh4 This is post 2659 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Thanks to Michael Martens (KB9VBR) and Joe (KD9CJX) for this useful, fun, and informative review of the Chameleon Emcomm III Portable Antenna.  Despite a chilly winter day, this antenna was easy to deploy, test, and take down.  If you need a lightweight, compact antenna for ARRL Field Day or for any portable operation, please consider this antenna among your choices. Here are some general comments from Michael: We're setting up for Winter Field Day and testing out the Chameleon Emcomm III Portable HF Antenna. The EMCOMM III Portable antenna is specially designed for short to long range portable and man-pack HF communications and is ideal for hiking, backpacking, and both tent and Recreational Vehicle (RV) camping. Thank you to Joe, KD9CJX, for providing the antenna and review

What is a 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=Fu-HubyHP3Q This is post 2658 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. If you need a cheap, easily-made antenna for ARRL Field Day or for your next portable operation, please consider the three examples discussed by "The SmokinApe." In this video, we examine the pros and cons of Long Wire Antennas, Random Length Antennas, and End-Fed Half Wave Antennas. Here are some comments from the video: What the Heck is a Long Wire Antenna ?- Ham Radio In this video we discuss Long Wire, Random Wire and End Fed Halfwave antennas for Ham or Amateur Radio. Please leave any; questions, comments, suggestions or recommendations below! Please consider supporting TheSmokinApe Channel on Patreon Here: https://www.patreon.com/TheSmokinApe Links to products in the video: https://www.amazon.com/shop/TheSmokinApe As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying p

KM4ACK End Fed Half Wave 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=lzJQqwkWwfA This is post 2657 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Thanks to Josh Nass (KI6NAZ) for this "hands on" assembly of the KM4ACK End Fed Half Wave Antenna. Josh takes you step-by-step through the process of making this affordable antenna kit. This antenna will be a welcome addition to your emergency "go kit" or your ARRL Field Day package. Here are some comments from Josh: KM4ACK is producing a really nice End Fed Half Wave antenna kit. Today I build and test the antenna. https://tinyurl.com/yxztlgnt KM4ACK on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSQh... Ham Radio Crash Course Merch: http://www.hamtactical.com Monthly newsletter, stickers, private content: https://www.patreon.com/hoshnasi Links to products in the video: https://www.amazon.com/shop/hamradioc... As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifyin