Simple Ham Radio Antennas

Compact Multi-band Field Day Antenna (http://www.nc4fb.org/wordpress/compact-multi-band-field-day-antenna-80-10-meters/) Accessed on 23 May 2017, 20:45 hrs, UTC. Author:  NC4FB. Please click link to read the full article. Comment: How about a new and different HF antenna for the 2017 ARRL Field Day on 24-25 June 2017? In this post, NC4FB offers a variation on the popular G7FEK nested 1/4 wavelength compact Marconi antenna that fits into a space of 46-feet/14.02 meters long and 24-feet/7.31 meters high.  This antenna offers a low angle of radiation, covers 80 through 10 meters, and is coax-fed.  An antenna "tuner" is required to optimize antenna performance. Construction guidelines are here: http://www.g7fek.co.uk/software/G7FEKantennas.pdf. NC4FB offers his opinion on this cleverly designed multi-band HF antenna: My friend KI4PMI and I always like to try something different each ARRL National Field Day.  This year we selected the G7FEK as one of the ant

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NeWOvIx8bms. Camping and ham radio are great companions. In this video, we get a basic tutorial on how to combine both hobbies into one enjoyable pursuit.  Some of the suggestions shown here can also be applied to the upcoming ARRL Field Day exercise on 24-25 June 2017.  If you're assigned to the late evening operating crew, you'll be glad you set up your tent and operating position as explained in this video.  Most of the materials for this camping operation can be obtained locally or from equipment you already have in your ham shack. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these web sites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.wordpress.com. http://www.kh6jrm.info (breaking news for radio amateurs). http://www.arrl.org. Other sites of interes: http://hawaiiscien

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser searchbox: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXo0XucRpt0. Here's another intriguing portable antenna idea from NG9D.  In this video, we learn how to design, build, and use a 3-band HF "Lambda" antenna, so named because it resembles the Greek letter "Lambda." Basically, the antenna approximates a 1/4 wavelength 40 meter vertical with a single 1/4 wavelength elevated radial wire or counterpoise.  This antenna requires an antenna "tuner" for multiband HF use.  The video covers construction tips, "no solder" assembly, and how to make a homebrewed feed line. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.wordpress.com. http://www.kh6jrm.info (breaking news for radio amateurs). http://www.arrl.org. Other sites of interest: https://ha

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IkNxByRYhGY. Australian radio amateur Peter Parker (VK3YE) is well known for his work with portable HF antennas.  In this presentation before the Eastern and Mountain Radio Club, Peter discusses various antennas suitable for HF Pedestrian Portable Operation.  Peter offers a wealth of suggestions regarding antennas, batteries, radios, and support structures that will facilitate "radio on the go".  Especially interesting is the explanation of his bamboo pole-supported Slim-Jim antenna for 20 meters and his small, hand-held loop antenna.  A great presentation. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuaarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.wordpress.com. http://www.kh6jrm.info (breaking news for radio amateurs). http://www.arrl.org. Be sure to check the

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPdtN6AtXmI. You don't need a lot of fancy, expensive equipment to enjoy an effective portable ham station for outdoor operations, such as the upcoming ARRL Field Day.  In this video from Lynn (NG9D), we see just how simple it is to put up a random wire antenna (about 75 feet/22.86 meters) using a tree as support. Lynn completes his portable station with some Ten-Tec QRP cw gear, a MFJ antenna "tuner", a power supply, a simple ground radial/counterpoise system, a simple hand key, and a short length of coaxial feed cable (about 20 feet/6.097 meters). Lynn's set up is light and thoroughly portable. This station can be carried on your back or left in your vehicle for emergency use.  Why not participate in Field Day as a 1B station at the nearest park or even in your own back yard? For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please vis

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=up8WL4CPVY8. Here's another great Field Day Setup, courtesy of Tracy (VE3TWM) and Randy (VE3OZR).  This QRP operating "camp" was erected in Rattlesnake Park, Ontario, Canada and used two antennas, a Yaesu 817 HF transceiver, and some excellent outdoor shelters.  According to Tracy (VE3TWM), the horizontally polarized antenna was a 66-foot/20.12 meters long HyEndFed 4 band HF antenna, while the vertically polarized antenna was the EZ Military Antenna from Alpha Antennas.  As you can tell from this short video, both Randy and Terry had a great time grabbing elusive Field Day contacts from this beautiful park.  Hopefully, this well-organized portable station will give you some good ideas for your Field Day operation. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnew

I you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_HyTYek318. Here's all you need to know about the ARRL Field Day from preparation to antennas.  This podcast from 22 June 2016 features expert advice and helpful suggestions from Bob Heil, Gordon West, George Thomas, Don Willbanks, and Amanda Allen.  Although there are some controversial issues over tuning portable vertical antennas, this issue of "Ham Nation" is fundamentally sound on both theory and practice.  The 2017 ARRL Field Day is set for 24-25 June. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.wordpress.com. http://www.kh6jrm.info (breaking news for radio amateurs). http://www.arrl.org. Be sure to check the blog sidebars for more antenna and propagation articles. Opinions expressed in this blog are mi