Simple Ham Radio Antennas

If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this title link into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PbOfZYzCUE.  Here's a multiband antenna classic that can give you hours of enjoyment, especially if you build this bit of radio history yourself.  This antenna has gone through a variety of alterations since it was first described in the 1920s.  In this video, Stan Gibilisco (W1GV) explains the history, concepts, and theories behind this half-wavelength antenna.  Stan also explains the baluns and feed lines needed to make this harmonic antenna a winner at your shack.  You might be surprised how well this antenna works at your location. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please check out the blog sidebars.  These news feeds are updated daily. Opinions expressed in this blog are mine unless otherwise stated. Thanks for joining us today! Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

Review/Summary for Alpha Loop 10-40 meters (http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/11354#143067). Accessed on 15 August 2016, 20:35 hrs, UTC. Please click title link or insert the link URL into your browser search box. Comment: Magnetic Loop Antennas have gained acceptance and popularity among radio amateurs as both emergency and portable antennas, as well as antennas that can be used in HOA/CC&R controlled housing. Although one can build a magnetic loop antenna (there are several good youtube videos covering the subject), you may want to buy a commercial model with a tested design and performance record. Such is the case with the Alpha Loop Antenna for 10-40 meters.  Based on the user reviews in this http://www.eham.net article, this magnetic loop antenna is ideal for portable operations and can be used in restricted housing situations without raising the suspicions of nosey neighbors. The Alpha Magnetic Loop Antenna is well-built, sturdy, and portable.  The materials are f

If you're having difficulty viewing this video, please insert this title link into your search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qI6zWMZ1dEU.  Here's a simple, easy to make J-Pole antenna suitable for portable or emergency use. Dave Tadlock (KG0ZZ) show us how to make a 2 meter roll up J-Pole Antenna using 300 ohm television twin lead.  You could also use 450 ohm ladder line if the tv twin lead isn't available. This antenna can be used in HOA/CC&R restricted apartments or homes without drawing unwanted attention. Keep one of these antennas in your vehicle or use it for camping or hiking trips. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please check out the blog sidebars. These news feeds are updated daily. Opinions expressed in this blog are mine unless otherwise stated. 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?v=sczo4fmP4yw.  Nicely done video from KB3PML on how to adjust the telescoping antenna elements of an old set of television "rabbit ears" to get on the air as an emergency antenna on the 2-meter amateur radio band.  KB3PML used a MFJ-SWR analyzer to adjust the length of each antenna element.  An easy, inexpensive way to get on the air with your 2-meter rig. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please check out the blog sidebars.  These news feeds are updated daily. Opinions expressed on this blog are mine unless otherwise stated. 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 broswer search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLDeuEyV_qM. Operating an amateur radio station in a HOA/CC&R controlled environment can be challenging. But, with a little creativity and a bit of "stealth" technology, you can return to the air and pursue your amateur radio activities.  In this video from MeOnTech (AF5DN), we see another way to operate in restricted environments without your neighbors getting too curious about ham radio.  The Maple Leaf Studios End Fed Easy-Tenna is easily erected, simple to hide, and covers 160 to 6 meters.  You could also trying making your own version of this antenna. When I lived in a restricted housing situation, I always followed this advice:  "Out of sight, out of mind."  There are many low-profile antennas that will give you hours of pleasure without upsetting the housing police.  For other hidden or stealth antennas ideas, vi

If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this title link into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fiMbK8pjfNU.  Here's an excellent presentation from VK3AQZ on how to tune a random length wire using the RX2 noise bridge...a very simple instrument that makes using a random length wire antenna fun and easy.  If you plan to transmit with this arrangement, be sure to use low power and install a proper ground radial or counterpoise system.  If you just want to use the random length wire for reception only, just follow the easy instructions given in this video. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please check out the blog sidebars.  These news feeds are updated daily. Opinions expressed in this blog are mine unless otherwise stated. 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?v=K8go9vCN99w.  Ham Radio and camping are a perfect way to get in touch with nature and enjoy worldwide contacts away from urban distractions.  In this video from "Tinker John" (W5CYF), we learn just how simple a field- portable amateur radio station can be while getting some good contacts in the process.  In "Tinker John's" camping station, he uses a MFJ-9420 20-meter QRP rig, a home made dipole antenna supported at 20-feet/6.09 meters, an antenna transmatch (i.e. "tuner"), and a sealed lead-acid battery delivering 12 volts at 7.5 Ah.  My portable station is similar, but, instead of the MFJ-9420, I use an even older Yaesu FT-7 QRP rig. Like "Tinker John", I've made many interesting contacts during my hikes to the woods and nearby state parks. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, plea