Simple Ham Radio Antennas

Random Wire Antenna Lengths (http://www.udel.edu/~mm/ham/randomWire/). Accessed on 21 May 2016, 06:33 hrs, UTC. Author:  The University of Delaware. Comment: A properly designed random wire antenna is a joy to use.  It's portable, inexpensive, and easy to store. However, there are a few design parameters that you must follow if you want to use random wire antennas.  This easily understood tutorial from The University of Delaware will give you the key design basics for this antenna. Among the topics discussed are:  The antenna lengths to avoid and the importance of using a ground radial or "counterpoise" system.  For best results, use at least a 1/4 wavelength antenna for each band you use.  An antenna transmatch (i.e. "tuner") and a ground radial system will keep rfi out of your shack and improve the efficiency of the random wire.  If you want multiband capability from 80 meters through 10 meters, consider using the original design from W3EDP.  This

Antennas: How many do I need? (http://www.hamradioschool.com/antennas-how-many-do-i-need/). Accessed on 19 May 2016, 21:04 hrs, UTC. Author:  Bob Witte (K0NR). This well-written article was prompted by a question raised in a Technician License Class Bob was teaching.  The question is far from simple, because it involves the type of operating a new licensee wishes to pursue.  Of course, Bob is correct when he says, "You can never have too many antennas." But, for the newly licensed ham, that question boggles the mind.  Bob answers that question by focusing on a few basic antenna parameters: What bands do newly licensed hams want to explore?  If the answer is VHF/UHF, FM simplex, and FM repeaters, then there are a few good choices, including the Diamond X-50A, the Comet GP-3, and the Arrow Open Slot J-Pole. If the new license wants to add HF to the mix, he/she can chose from a wide selection of wire antennas, such as a multiband dipole, an end-fed wire with tuner a

If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this title link into your browser search box: https://youtu.be/yM6TGiFkdMM.  I ran into this interesting video from W4EDF while I was searching for Field Day antennas.  The ARRL Field Day will be held on 25 June to 26 June 2016 at thousands of remote and public areas across the United States and Canada.  Field Day is the largest amateur radio emergency exercise of the year.  Field Day also has become a popular contest for hams around the world.  In this excellent video tutorial, W4EDF shows us how to assemble and deploy a guy-supported painter pole fan dipole antenna.  This antenna was used at his 2014 Field Day site with good effect.  Materials, wires, knots, poles, and guying techniques are shown throughout the video.  Perhaps this simple multiband antenna will be your choice at your Field Day site.  For the latest Amateur Radio news and events, please check out the blog sidebars.  These news feeds are updated daily.  

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