Simple Ham Radio Antennas

If you're unable to view this video, please insert this address into your browser search box: https://youtu.be/FbYfShh-OAU. This video by Stan Gibilisco (W1GV) provides an excellent tutorial on the design parameters of a three-element parasitic array HF antenna , known as a Yagi Antenna .  Stan provides all of the necessary formulas for the reflector, director, and driven elements of this antenna. If you're considering upgrading the performance of your amateur radio station , a simple yagi antenna may be a cost-efficient and effective way to add more "punch" to your signal.  You can either homebrew your yagi or opt for a commercially available yagi.  Of course, you'll probably need a modest tower and a rotator to direct your signal to the desired areas.  This would entail a consideable expense, especially if you want a yagi for the lower HF bands (80 to 20 meters).  However, a three-element yagi for 10 meters would be within most budgets and would require a

This is post #663. This is the final video on building a homebrew 20 meter dipole antenna from Dave (AF5DN). If you're having difficulty viewing this video, please insert this address into your browser search box: https://youtu.be/7Z5DEgQCEmo. In this video, Dave finishes his simple, homebrew 20 Meter Dipole Antenna and mounts it on the privacy fence surrounding his property in North Texas.  Dave lives in an area governed by an HOA and restrictive CC&Rs.  This antenna is mounted fairly close to the ground, so most of the signal will be high angle radiation.  A better location for this antenna would be in the attic of Dave's home, where it could get at least a 1/4 wavelength above ground (approximately 16.5 feet/5.03 meters).  Even a compromise antenna is better than no antenna.  If your restrictions aren't as severe as Dave's, you could use a single telescoping fiberglass mast to support the antenna as an inverted V or a 1/2 wavelength sloper.  For the latest A

This post #662. If you're having difficulty viewing this video, please insert this address into your browser search box: https://youtu.be/kyhQMilOwVI.  This is part 2 of  a 3-part series by Dave (AF5DN) on how to design, build, and use a homebrew 20 Meter Dipole Antenna.  Most of the parts can be obtained at Home Depot or at Lowes.  Construction is simple and requires only basic tools.  The only thing I would add would be a 1:1 balun from the dipole connector to your 50 ohm coaxial cable feed line.  Dave doesn't use a 1:1 balun for this project, and that omission doesn't seem to impair his performance on the 20 Meter Amateur Radio band.  Dave adds that he is running QRP (low power) and that may help him manage any excessive unbalanced currents on the antenna.  As a precaution, I would use a 1:1 balun and an antenna transmatch (tuner) to complete the project.  However, if the antenna is properly designed and cut to a length where SWR is below 1.5:1, I wouldn't worry

This is post #661. If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this address into your browser search box: https://youtu.be/P523GAymx7Q.  This is part one of a three-part series describing the process of designing, building, and using a homebrew 20 Meter Dipole Antenna.  Dave (AF5DN) takes you step-by-step in building this simple, inexpensive, and effective amateur radio antenna. Most of the parts are available at Home Depot or at Lowes.  The tutorial is clear and easy to follow.  All you need are a few simple tools, PVC pipe sections, wire, some 50 ohm coaxial cable feed line, and an antenna transmatch ("tuner") to complete the project.  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 difficulty viewing this video, please insert this address into your browser search box: https://youtu.be/IPJV45MbWzM.  Here's a fairly simple 2 element beam antenna for 20 meters that you can build over a weekend or on your vacation.  Andy Davies (GW0JXM), shows us the step-by-step process of designing, building, and using this portable antenna. At the end of this video, Andy gives us a sketch of the dimensions and the approximate cost for the elements and the mast.  Andy says the SWR is 1.11:1 and the 1.5:1 bandwidth is approximately 260 Hz.  The antenna and mast weight about 30 pounds/13.5 Kg, and would require a bit of effort to lift the entire assembly off the ground.  The gamma rod is 15 mm diameter copper rod and is 39 inches/99.06 cm long.  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