Simple Ham Radio Antennas

Amateurlogic90: Everybody's Talking About Antennas (http://www.southgatearc.org/news/2016/may/amateurlogic_90.htm). Accessed on 18 May 2016, 04:26 hrs, UTC. Amateurlogic is one of the better amateur radio-themed programs online.  In this edition (program 90), a distinguished panel of guests discusses some interesting antennas you may want to try out in your spare time.  Included in the 1:02:10 program: Tommy's Antenna Hangings. Emile's Wet Noodle Antenna. George builds a Hula Hoop Antenna. An interesting, information-packed program.  If you can't download the video from the http://www.southgate.org site, please use this URL:  http://www.amateurlogic.com/downloads.htm. For the latest Amateur Radio news and events, please check out the blog sidebars.  These news feeds are updated daily. Thanks for joining us today!  Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

Earths, losses and vertical antennas (http://www.robkalmeijer.nl/technek/electronica/radiotechniek/hambleden/radcom/1992/10/page35/index.html). Please click link to read the full article and to view examples of Bobtail Curtain antennas. Author:  Rob Kalmeijer. Rob Kalmeijer has assembled an easily understood tutorial on the design, construction, and use of Bobtail Curtain Antennas.  Bobtail Curtain Antennas are excellent low-angle vertical radiators exhibiting a broadside, bidirectional pattern. These antennas offer modest gain and some directivity. Most Bobtail Curtain arrays are used for single band use, but can be adapted to other bands with a sturdy antenna transmatch (i.e. "tuner").  HF Bobtail Curtains use a lot of space especially for frequencies of 7 MHz and below.  A 10 meter Bobtail Curtain Antenna is certainly manageable and can be used to good advantage when the band is open.  The illustrations accompanying the tutorial will give you a general idea of the di

If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this title link into your browser search box: https://youtu.be/FgJVuEq5Its.  Bobtail curtain antennas are a lot of fun to design, build, and use if you have plenty of help erecting them. For HF amateur radio bands, the top phasing sections can be quite long and cumbersome.  I've built a few bobtail antennas for 10 meters and those projects were  doable by myself.  If you "want to get your feet wet" in designing this antenna, why not follow Peter Parker's (VK3YE) example and build one for the 70 cm amateur radio band (432 MHz)?  The antenna won't be too large and will be easy to handle.  This could be the antenna you're looking for to hit that distant repeater or to use for portable operations.  This antenna can be made from common parts found in a home building outlet or in your neighborhood hardware store.  For the latest Amateur Radio news and events, please check out the blog sidebars.  These

If you're having trouble viewing this video, please check insert this title link into your browser search box: https://youtu.be/OqzofoHDu-U.  If you live in an antenna-restricted area governed by a HOA or CC&R agreement, an attic antenna will get you on the air without being seen and, hopefully, heard by neighbors.  In this video, Stan Gibilisco (W1GV) shows you how to design, build, and use an attic antenna that will give you hours of enjoyment without raising the curiosity of nosey neighbors or your association board.  Remember the old rule:  "Out of sight, out of mind."  Good luck.  For the latest Amateur Radio news and events, please check out the blog sidebars.  These news feeds are updated daily. Thanks for joining us today!  Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

If you're having trouble viewing this video, please check insert this title link into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjHyXi1SrZs. Here's a handy, simple, and useful RF current indicator for your end-fed antenna using only 3 parts.  Peter Parker (VK3YE).  A nice addition to any ham shack. This project would make an excellent presentation at your next club meeting. For the latest Amateur Radio news and developments, please check out the blog sidebars.  These news feeds are updated daily.  Thanks for joining us today!  Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this title link into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?=v4x5inJcajw.  Another great antenna tutorial from Peter Parker (VK3YE).  In this video, Peter shows us how to design, build, test, and use a half-square antenna for the 10 meter amateur radio band.  Although half-square antennas are used for single bands, they can be used on several ham bands with a few modifications.  Peter set his antenna up on a nearby beach and got some interesting contacts with the Canary Islands (EA8AYT/M) on 10 meters, N1UP on 20 meters, and even a contact on 40 meters.  I'm sure Peter's proximity to the seashore helped launch his signal at a low angle.  Half-square antennas are easy to build, give a broadside signal, and offer a modest gain of between 2 and 3 dB over a dipole. Peter's antenna is easily made and can be use both at home or in the field.  For the latest Amateur Radio news and events, please ch

If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this title link into your browser search box: https://youtu.be/L5B_0Psor9Q.  Broadband ferrite transformers are used in many radio and antenna baluns.  In this video, Peter Parker (VK3YE) shows us some applications of ferrite transformers and how to make baluns for antennas.  Well-done, easily understood video.  For the latest Amateur Radio news and events,  please check out the blog sidebars.  These news feeds are updated daily.  Thanks for joining us today!  Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).