Posts

Showing posts from May, 2023

The Easy and Cheap Ham Radio Apartment Antenna.

Image
Many newly-licensed radio amateurs face daunting and almost impossible antenna issues.  Most of these problems are tied to lack of space or restrictions imposed by deed-restricted properties. In this video, newly-license technician class operator Max Carlisle solves his 2m/70cm antenna difficulty by using glass-mounted VHF/UHF mobile antenna from Tram. Max says he gets on the air without any problems with this antenna arrangement. 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 some comments from Max: 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:

The Amazing Kite Antenna-Full Parts List and Expenses.

Image
In this video, Callum (M0MCX) discusses the design, evolution, and use of kite antennas with James Day, a well-know kite antenna expert from the UK. If you can't see the video, please insert this URL title into your browser search box:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWuXoNxqEMk Here are some comments from Callum (M0MCX): We talk to James Day about his incredible experience of Kite Antennas. Which kite, how high, what antenna wire, - everything to go flying with your first Kite Antenna! James used this kite: https://www.kiteworld.co.uk/cgi-bin/s... And he used this wire: https://dxcommander.com/product/dx50-... Asda in the UK do these ground stakes: https://groceries.asda.com/product/ca... (Just use your favorite search engine to find a "PET STAKE") ----- Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).  

Window Screen Ground Plane Test.

Image
If you need an easy-to-install ground system for your 1/4 wave vertical HF antenna, try this intriguing idea from "Classic Clay Presents" (KO4MEX), Rather than using long lengths of wire, this ground system consists of a large window screen--something you can find at a hardware store or building supply outlet.  You roll up the screen and store it in your vehicle before going to the field for your next portable operation. According to this video, the window screen ground plane works well enough to make it a valuable antenna accessory. If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kf3NOQQwYtU Here are some notes from the video: Here is my interpretation of using metal window screen as a ground plane. Wow i was impressed! Despite poor band conditions it seemed to work almost just as well as the long radials and is much quicker to set up. I will be testing it more in the near future when the bands are b

Amazing performance of ARRL 40-10 EFHW on WARC Bands

Image
According to Dave Casler (KE0OG), the recently introduced ARRL 40m-10m end fed halfwave antenna has some additional qualities for those who enjoy experimenting with antennas. With a few modifications, this antenna can be used on the WARC Bands without much loss in performance.  Dave discusses some of these alterations in the spirit of getting more from an antenna designed for only a few amateur radio frequencies. If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUmHgf478q4 Here are some comments from Dave (KE0OG): We are going to respond to a comment, which suggests that we test it on all the bands. Watch to learn more abut this antenna that I have been using a lot. Subscribe:     / davecasler   . Giveaway Info: https://dcasler.com/giveaway/ Edited and Videographed by Aidan Jakeman To learn more about me, visit: https://dcasler.com/home/ To support my channel financially: https://dcasler.com/support (offe

Finalizing and elevating my tilt over mast-part 2.

Image
In part 2 of his tilt over tower and antenna maintenance series, Kevin (K7SW) completes the repair of his fan dipole antenna, removes damaged antenna parts, and elevates his tilt over mast to its full upright position. If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UT_wY9v70jI Here are some comments and suggestions from Kevin (K7SW): In this continuation of our antenna maintenance series, we're moving to the final steps: finalizing the Fan Dipole HF antenna, securing the cabling, and raising the 40-foot tilt-over antenna mast back up. For new hams who may be unfamiliar with the tilt-over mast system, this will be valuable information as to how this system works. Tune in to continue enhancing your knowledge and ensuring your antennas remain in peak working condition. More videos of home brew tilt up masts.     • KG0ZZ's Amateur R...       • Tilt-Over Crank-U...       • DIY budget tilt o...       • H

Antenna maintenance made easy-repairing fan dipole on a tilt over mast.

Image
Antenna maintenance can be simplified if you use a tilt over mast to support your antennas. In this two-part series from Kevin (K7SW), we learn how a simple tilt over mast can simplify antenna repair and maintenance. In this case, Kevin is repairing a fan dipole supported by a simple tilt over mast. If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3H3tLaZPz-Y Here are a few comments from Kevin (K7SW): Maintaining your antenna system is crucial for optimal performance, and in this video, we've got you covered. Join us as we take you through the process of repairing a Fan Dipole HF antenna and removing unused gear from a 40-foot tilt over antenna mast. This video aims to benefit new hams who may not have encountered a tilt over mast before, while also serving as a helpful reminder for experienced operators about the significance of regular antenna maintenance. Tune in to enhance your knowledge and ensure your

New carbon fiber mast for Ham Radio.

Image
If you need a heavy duty, durable, and stable antenna mast for your home or portable station, then please consider this carbon fiber mast reviewed by Sean (W9FFF)/the "Ham Radio Dude." Sean goes into great detail about the structure and use of this portable antenna mast.  This mast would be particularly useful in areas that experience severe weather. If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMcnnkj5ck0 Here are some comments from Sean (W9FFF): Check out this New Carbon Fiber Mast from GigaDude! This mast was sent to me by myself for the purpose of an overview. Tell your favorite Content Creators you want them to review the GIGADUDE now! As of 5/172023, the rest of the masts have arrived. Once feedback is acquired from other masts, this product will be available at https://shop.73qrz.com/products/preor... the normal price will be increased from the Beta cost currently seen on the website.

Small Hidden Antennas For Indoor Amateur Radio

Image
Here's another great hidden antenna for indoor ham radio. Simon Phillips shows us how he gets on the air with a simple antenna that remains hidden near his apartment balcony. Considering the restrictions encountered, this antenna performs very well in a crowded urban setting. If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8m-jVfs40DY Here are some comments from Simon: If you live in a flat with no garden you can still receive some reasonably distant signals using small indoor antennas or disguised antennas on the balcony. Some info too on how to reduce noise coupled from computer to radio. Keywords: FT4 FT8 Xiegu X6100 antennas HF amateur radio noise interference wsjtx wsjt-x sdrpla ----- Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM)  

Vertical Antenna Step-By-Step.

Image
Here's one of the easiest to understand Vertical Antenna tutorials online.  Michael Martens (KB9VBR) does an excellent job from design to final product in the well-paced video program. As an added bonus, Michael shows us how to incorporate the highly-rated "Wolf River Coil" into the overall design of this antenna. If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAIgx05QzQo. Here are some comments and suggestions from Michael (KB9VBR): We go 'Back to Basics' with the vertical antenna. I take you through the parts and setup of the Wolf River Coil Vertical Antenna System and show it in use at Cross Plains State Park, WI (POTA K-1448). As a bonus, patrons can view the full, unedited video of my Parks on the Air activations. Visit my page on Patreon for details: https://www.patreon.com/posts/pota-un... I do return QSL, if you made a contact with me and would like a QSL, please send me one