Posts

Winding a 1:4 Current Balun with 15 turns. Post 797.

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If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this title link into your browser search box: https://youtu.be/IR-8T0QjUjM.  In this video from N7JFP, we learn how to make a simple 1:4 current balun for connecting your rig to antennas using 300 ohm television twin lead, 450 ohm ladder line, or homebrew feed lines.  Such antennas, used in conjunction with a 1:4 current balun and a well-made antenna transmatch (i.e. "tuner"), can give your dipole, vertical, or loop multiband capabilities.  N7JFP uses this current balun on his 40 meter Delta Loop, which allows him to work stations on 20, 15, and 10 meters as well.  Most of the components can be bought at the nearest home improvement outlet, neighborhood hardware store, or through amateur dealer outlets online.  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).

Simple Ham Radio Antennas--$20 HF Portable Antenna Project. Post #796

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If you're having difficulty viewing this video, please insert this title link into your browser search box: https://youtu.be/leriedrz1Es. Here's another of those "wordless" tutorials that is pleasant to watch and fairly easy to follow.  Well-produced video on how to make a $20 HF Portable Antenna that covers 20 meters, 12 meters, 11 meters (CB), and 10 meters.  This antenna from "mrhighlander2003" is based on a design from Frank W. King (KM4IE). Basically, this is a base-loaded vertical helix with "stinger" wire on top.  I've built a few of these for single band use (usually 20-meters), and they have worked well with a decent ground plane or radial system.  According to "mrhighlander2003", here are the SWR readings for the bands he covers with this antenna: 20 meters (14.300 MHz)--1.11 to 1. 12 meters (24.95 MHz)--1.23 to 1. 11 meters (27.205 MHz)--1.01 to 1. 10 meters (28.400 MHz)--1.00 to 1. You may want to build one of these

Simple Ham Radio Antennas--5/8 wave J-pole antenna for 145 MHz. Post #795.

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If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this title link into your browser search box: https://youtu.be/fEdy7mbZ5ms.  In this video from Pityu Nagy (YO6PNQ), we learn how to make a simple, inexpensive 5/8 wavelength antenna for the 2 meter amateur radio band.  You can make this antenna for any frequency in the band, although Pityu has chosen 145 MHz for operations in his country. The J-Pole is made from copper tubing, a piece of steel whip from an old CB antenna, and various parts gathered from around his shack.  According to Pityu, the antenna shows a SWR of 1.2 to 1 at 145 MHz.  The antenna is grounded at the bottom, giving the antenna some protection from lightning.  A great weekend project.  For the latest Amateur Radio news and events, please check out the blog sidebars.  They are updated daily.  Thanks for joining us today! Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

Simple Ham Radio Antennas--Balanced vs Unbalanced Antennas. Post #794.

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If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this title link into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?=D18019R5W-4. A comprehensive review of two classic HF antennas for amateur radio use:  The dipole and the ground plane antenna.  Excellent video from Stan Gibilisco (W1GV), who covers basic theory, design, and operations of these two simple, easily- made HF antennas.  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).

Simple Ham Radio Antennas--The Eggbeater Antenna. Post #793.

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If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this title link into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9DEoSsgHlE.  Here's an interesting antenna you can use for satellite communications on either the 2 meter or 70 cm Amateur Radio bands.  In this case, John (KB2HSH) designs and builds a two-element Eggbeater Antenna that will bring in plenty of amateur satellite signals.  John provides a materials list, assembly instructions, and design parameters for the phasing line.  All this without a single spoken word. An interesting, if somewhat novel approach, to a video tutorial.  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).