Posts

Showing posts from March, 2023

Tiny Noodle Antenna for HF Limited Spaces

Image
Here's another great antenna idea from Rudi (K7RAW)...using a "pool noodle" as an HF antenna. The antenna is closely related to a spirally-wound vertical helix, such as a metal "slinky" toy.  The antenna works amazingly well for it small size--a perfect fit for apartment and condominium dwellers. Rudi does an excellent job of explaining both the theory and practical applications of this fascinating antenna. If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tky7p_x2mA Here are some comments from Rudi (K7RAW): This is a BRAND NEW type of HF antenna for those with extremely limited space to setup a conventional antenna. It is derived from the Slinky Antenna but with a few upgrades. It is less than 1/5th the length of a normal dipole, yet performs similarly. No ground, radials, counterpoise, tuner or BalUn required. Just a coax feedline with a Mix 31 common-mode ferrite choke at the antenna e

The Easy and Cheap Ham Radio Apartment Antenna.

Image
If you need a simple, inexpensive indoor 2 meter antenna, then this project from Max Carlisle (KN6VNE) is for you. This VHF antenna is perfect for apartments, condominiums, and other deed-restricted properties. If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQDCExOL5m8 Here are a few comments from Max (KN6VNE): In my previous Ham Radio video, talking about my 1st Ham Radio rig and becoming a new Ham in 2022, I didn't talk enough about the antenna I was using. This video is to answer those antenna questions and show my simply solution to a VHF Ham Radio antenna in my apartment. What do you do when you're in an apartment, with no balcony, and you can't drill through the walls? The antenna: https://www.ebay.com/itm/222829256083 Main dual band radio: https://amzn.to/3Omyvyp SWR / Power Meter: https://amzn.to/3gekvdD Into cars and airplanes? Subscribe, thumbs up, and share! Heavy Metal Horizons

Design and Build of an EME Dish.

Image
An exceptionally well-made tutorial on how to design, build, test, and use a basic EME dish antenna from Skip Macaulay (VE6BGT). Skip deserves praise for making an antenna that many radio amateurs dream of.  This antenna is a true work of art. If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vq1GE1EmiXE Here are some comments from Skip (VE6BGT): This is a show and tell on how I went about building my 21 foot moonbounce dish back in 2015 to 2016.. Also some good and poor videos at the end of how it was finally installed and the oops moment... ----- Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).  

Ham Radio, a Bike, and the Great Outdoors: Share Your Bicycle Mobile Operation.

Image
For an interesting field operating experience, take Amateur Radio on a bicycle mobile operation. In this video from Bob of the "HOA Ham" video channel, we see how easy it is to go bicycle mobile to the nearest park for some interesting contacts. If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJiNR--ZLLo Here are some comments from Bob: Ham Radio, a Bike, and the Great Outdoors: Share Your Bicycle Mobile Operation. Join the Bikes On The Air Facebook Group. https://www.facebook.com/groups/bikes... Items used in video: ➽ Protective Wrap -- https://amzn.to/3HcuGrS ➽ Manpack Collapsible 7 Element Whip Antenna -- https://amzn.to/3KvaEt7 ➽ Xiegu G90 -- https://amzn.to/3xEIZ5K ➽ Bioenno Power BLF-1209WS 12V 9Ah -- https://amzn.to/3zqFD7D ➽ Wolf River Coil Silver Bullet Mini -- https://www.wolfrivercoils.com/order.... ➽ G90 PowerPole Adapter -- https://ebay.us/R1aUDP HOA Ham Facebook

Multiband EFHW Base Antenna with 49:1 UnUn (homemade).

Image
Thanks to Paul (OM0ET) for this vital accessory for all End Fed Halfwave Antenna Systems--a 49:1 UnUn. Paul takes us step-by-step through the design, building, and testing phase of this UnUn. As designed, this UnUn will enable operations on the 40m-20m-15m-and 10m Amateur Radio Bands. If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browsers search box:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-_2aBqcjI8 Here are a few comments from Paul (OM0ET): 12,094 views Dec 14, 2022 #antenna #homemade #efhw CORRECTION: Toroid core is used FT240-43 (not 140-43) My new home made Multiband End Fed Half Wave Antenna which has been designed mainly for 40M band (7MHz), but this antenna tunes also on 20M-15M-10M without any traps or additional coils. This antenna is made for 100W RF input power and is 19,129m long. SWR on 40M band is 1:1.1 within the phone section and less than 1:1.5 within a whole band. The 49:1 UNUN box is weather proof and all holes for components I drilled were

DIY 10 Meter Dipole for under 10 Dollars.

Image
You don't need much in the way of money or equipment to build a "quick, cheap, and easy" dipole antenna for the 10 Meter Amateur Radio Band. According to Mike (K8MRD), you can design and build an efficient 10 meter dipole antenna for under $10 (USD).  Almost any kind of wire can be used for this simple antenna. Just follow the suggestions in this video and you'll be on the air in no time. If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHyEMdHVMWc ----- Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).  

How to build an emergency UHF Ground Plane Antenna

Image
Thanks to the "SurvivalComms" video channel for this simple, effective UHF emergency antenna. Most of the materials for this project can be obtained at your neighborhood hardware and building supply store.  You may have most of the items in your "junk box."   Make one of these field expedient antennas for your "go-box" and put it in your vehicle for your next portable operation. If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JgNjZwouCx8 Here are some comments from the video: "When all else fails and you need to get on the air. Building a UHF ground plane antenna out of RG6 TV coax, a BNC bulkhead connector, duct tape, and a multi tool." ----- Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).  

Vertical Extended Double Zepp Antenna For 2 Metres (and more).

Image
If you want strong, omnidirectional performance on the Amateur Radio 2-meter band, then please try this vertical extended double zepp antenna from Peter Parker (VK3YE). The antenna is easily made from locally available materials and can be used on the 6-meter band as well. If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-t8NBL67fc Here are some comments from Peter (Vk3YE): A very simple but very good omnidirectional vertical antenna for VHF FM simplex and repeaters. But that's not all. What is it? It's a extended double zepp antenna for 2m. And it does 6m as well. Watch to find out how easy one is to build. PS: If you liked this video please consider supporting Amateur Radio VK3YE by: * Subscribing on YouTube, * Checking my books page at https://books.vk3ye.com * Shopping on Amazon via: https://amzn.to/3iiDQXv , or * Shopping on eBay via: https://ebay.us/i9DuWP (then if you buy something I'll

How to make a 2 meter Yagi and get 7db for 7 bucks.

Image
If you need a simple, inexpensive 2 meter antenna with significant gain over a dipole, then please consider this project from Chuck (KK6SUY). The antenna is based on a "QST" article published in April 1993. Just follow the suggestions contained in this post and you will soon have an antenna just as good as some commercial products. If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cD8dWC13ckU Here are some comments from Chuck (KK6SUY): In this video I show a article from QST magazine that is from April 1993 on how to build a 2 meter Yagi for 7 bucks. With inflation you might actually be able to build it for the price of a Fast Food Meal Lol. article; http://www.arrl.org/files/file/Techno... As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Aluminum arrows: https://amzn.to/307NdF1 Nylon Threaded Rod: https://www.mcmaster.com/threaded-rod... Threaded Rod: https://amzn.to/3wvGh Jackery 240 sol

How I got on 630 meters.

Image
  " The lack of commercial amateur radio equipment for the bands below 160 meters forces hams to get creative, and there are as many ways to get on 630 meters and 2300 meters as there are hams operating on those bands. Mark, AE2EA, shows the approach that he took to get on 630 meters by utilizing a repurposed non directional beacon, a modified HP downconverter, and a reconfigured 80 meter dipole antenna." If you enjoyed this video, consider becoming a member of the Antique Wireless Association at: https://antiquewireless.org/homepage/... Subscribe to the Antique Wireless Museum channel and you'll receive news of our latest video uploads. If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGWTdNh75CE Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

HAM RADIO: The Coat Hanger Antenna 2m/70cm Dipole.

Image
  Here's a simple, effective 2m/70 antenna that can be made from two metal coat hangers and some materials found in your "junk box." Mike (M0MSN) does an excellent job of converting two ordinary objects into a fully functional VHF/UHF antennas. The antenna is easily concealed and would make an excellent stealth antenna for radio amateurs living in deed-restricted apartments and homes. If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PniH4ua4p50 Here are some comments from Mike (M0MSN); A really quick antenna for 2 metres and 70 centimetres, made from just 2 metal coat hangers and a small length of strip connector just add the fun. Next time coax traps on the DX commander I do hope you enjoy it and subscribe for more.. Many thanks Mike - M0MSN To get notified of the next upload .click that bell and subscribe.. ----- Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

How I built a simple 160m top band transmitting antenna for L4.50 that actually works!

Image
Here's an intriguing way to get on the 160 meter Amateur Radio Band using a small urban lot and a very inexpensive cash outlay for parts. Clint of "Oxford Shortwave Log" shows how he designed, built, and tested this limited space antenna for "Top Band." If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXCaHcGkAEM Here are some comments from Clint: Hi there, this video demonstrates how it's possible to build a transmitting antenna for top band that doesn't involve 100's of metres of wire or significant height - and it actually works pretty well. Thanks for watching. Keep safe. 73s ----- Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).  

How To Put Up A Portable Antenna | SOTApole

Image
Thanks to Richard Newstead (G3CWI) for this "step by step guide" to erecting portable antennas using "lightweight telescoping masts." Richard is the co-founder of the SOTA Program (Summits On The Air), and he brings years of operating in the field to this video. Richard's presentation is clear, direct, and "down to earth", and is easily understandable by both newly licensed radio amateurs as well as experienced hams. If you can't view the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box Here are some comments from Richard (G3CWI): Lightweight telescopic masts have become the go-to way for supporting antennas for portable ham radio operating. This video shows how one is used to support a dipole antenna. I do not monetise my videos on YouTube so you don't have to watch their adverts. That means that, unlike most others, I earn nothing from my channel. If you would like to encourage me and support my work, feel free to buy me a be

10 Meter Double Bazooka Dipole, RadioWavz Antenna, Antenna Review with on-air contacts.

Image
If you want a 10 meter antenna that exhibits some gain and high bandwidth, please try this "Double Bazooka Antenna" from RadioWavz. In this video, Eric Hofer (KJ4YZI), shows you how to set up and test this antenna using on-air contacts.  This antenna should be added to your SOTA (Summits On The Air) and POTA (Parks On The Air) field operations. If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKamEK2-0gs Here are some comments from Eric (KJ4YZI): Check out the performance of this RadioWavz 10 meter HF double bazooka dipole.. I am very familiar with the bazooka design. This is a great option for portable and home deployment for technician class operators, as well as general and extras.. Links below: SUBSCRIBE to HamRadioConcepts https://www.gigaparts.com/radiowavz-1... https://www.radiowavz.com/ https://www.gigaparts.com/nsearch/?lp... https://www.gigaparts.com/nsearch/?lp... https://www.gigaparts.c