Simple Ham Radio Antennas

If you're having difficulty in viewing this video, please insert this URL into your browser search box: https://youtu.be/6QwBiz_LB9M.  This simple, easily build antenna "tuner" is suitable for random wire antennas, especially end-fed half wavelength wire antennas.  A good, basic tutorial from Stan Gibilisco (W1GV).  There are commercial versions of this tuner available from several manufacturers, including MFJ.  But, you'll have more fun if you build your own antenna "tuner."  For the latest Amateur Radio news and events, please check out the blog sidebars. These news feeds are updated daily.  You can follow our blog community with a free email subscription or by tapping into the blog RSS feed. Thanks for joining us today!  Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert the following URL into your browser search box: https://youtu.be/0Jnp4BDST8U.  If you're looking for a lightweight, easy to build, and simple to operate portable or emergency antenna, then this homebrewed magnetic loop antenna from the "RadioHamGuy" (WD0AKX) may be just what you need. Most of the materials were obtained from local hardware stores or from WD0AKX's shack.  The antenna is designed to cover amateur radio frequencies between 20 MHz and 30 MHz.  The instructions in this video are clear and well illustrated.  This would make an excellent weekend project.  For the latest Amateur Radio news and events, please check out the blog's sidebars.  These news feeds are updated daily.  You can follow our blog community with a free email subscription or by tapping into the blog RSS feed.  Thanks for joining us today!  Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

A good, basic introduction to the theory, design, and building of a 10 Meter Ground Plane Antenna from Dave Tadlock (KG0ZZ). If you have difficulty in viewing this video, please insert the following URL into your browser search box: https://youtu.be/aLgFeTpIX4A.  Most of the materials for this simple, efficient antenna can be found at the nearest hardware store or building supply outlet.  I built one of these antennas a few years ago using material and wire from the Home Depot Store in Hilo, Hawaii .  If you mount this antenna at least a half wavelength above ground (approximately 16.5 feet/5.03 meters), you will get some excellent performance on 10 meters.  Of course, propagation will play a significant role in helping your signal go beyond your immediate neighborhood.  If you mount this antenna at ground level, but sure to install a good radial ground system.  For the latest Amateur Radio news and events, please check out the blog sidebars. These news feeds are updated dail

If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this URL into your browser search box: https://youtu.be/CxX-MmiQTxs. Very nice video describing the portable station of Barry Kery (KU3X).  Well-thought out, simple, and effective selection of equipment for portable or emergency use.  The equipment includes a Yaesu 897D transceiver, a cw paddle, a clock set to UTC , an RF choke , a 12-volt Gel Cell battery, and a homebrewed vertical antenna using a Hustler 22-inch/55.86 cm short mobile mast, air tuned coil, clamps, and an adjustable metal rod at the top of the coil.  The arrangement includes four radial wires, each being a 1/4 wavelength piece of wire corresponding to 40, 20, 15, and 10 meters.  This system can be set up in minutes and can be stored as part of your emergency radio equipment in your car or van.  For the latest Amateur Radio news and events, please check out the blog sidebars.  These news feeds are updated daily.  You can follow our blog community

If you have trouble viewing this video, please insert this URL into your browser search box: https://youtu.be/y3_LIQ6G6e4. An excellent video from Lynn (NG9D), showing just how easy it is to build and erect a full wave loop antenna covering the amateur radio bands between 20 and 10 meters. You can change the polarization by attaching the feed line at various points around the full wave loop.  You will need an antenna transmatch (i.e. antenna tuner) to tune out the reactance as you switch bands.  I prefer using 450 ohm ladder line or 300 ohm television twin lead for my feed lines. These feed lines are attached to a 4:1 balun and then connected to my trusty Drake MN-4 antenna transmatch with a short length of RG-8X coaxial cable.  The loop is a quiet receive antenna and should give you about 2dB gain over a dipole antenna.  Loops are fun to make and can be assembled from materials around your shack or from the bins at the nearest hardware or building supply store. Have fun!  For the