Posts

Building a trap dipole for 7 and 14 MHz. Post #1271.

Image
If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbEAwAG1KMA. According to Peter Parker (VK3YE), "A trap dipole is a good choice if you only want operation on two or three bands and don't want to adjust an antenna coupler to change between them."  In this well-produced, easily understandable tutorial, Peter takes us step-by-step through the design, construction, and use of a trap dipole for the 40 meter (7 MHz) and 20 meter (14 MHz) amateur radio bands.  Of course, you could design this antenna for other bands, such as 80/40 meters and 15/10 meters.  Other than winding some coils, the antenna is simple, effective, and fairly inexpensive.  This antenna would make a good weekend project. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http:/www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://www.arrl.org. http://

What is a loading coil? Post #1270.

Image
If you can't view this video, please insert this URL title into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LF8-UrXqUVA. A good, basic discussion of the theory and use of loading coils.  Loading coils are used to reduce the physical length of a resonant antenna and are found in a variety of home made and commercially-available antennas.  This video from Carl Lewis simple, hands on, and to the point.  Keep a copy of this video in you ham radio library for future reference. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast whic is updated each Friday afternoon). https://paper.li/kh6jrm/1430289353 (Amateur Radio News & Information). Other sites of interest: Hawaii Science Digest (https://paper.li/f-1476233615). Hawaii Intelligence Digest (https://hawaii

J Pole Antenna for 2 Meters. Post #1269.

Image
If you can't view this video, please insert this URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UABXDyu_hsE. Here's a nice weekend project that will improve the performance of your 2 Meter equipment.  In this video from "drez20001", we get a complete tutorial on how to design, build, and use a J Pole Antenna for the popular 2 Meter amateur radio band.  The antenna is sturdy, portable, and will give you modest gain on this popular band.  The only drawback to this antenna is the cost of copper pipe used for the antenna sections.  You could substitute aluminum for the copper and save some money.  Another alternative to using copper would be to build the antenna from PVC pipe and use #14 AWG house wire for the radiating elements. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.or

2 minute portable HF vertical antenna: Using velcro tape for mounting. Post #1268.

Image
If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://wwww.youtube.com/watch?v=WHCNNRX8944. Here's another clever idea from Peter Parker (VK3YE). In this video, Peter shows us how a telescoping fiberglass rod, some wire, and a roll of velcro tape can get you on the air in less than two minutes.  This small antenna kit could be stored in your vehicle or home for portable or emergency operations. If you can't find velcro tape, use any type of binding material, such as twisty ties, bungee cords, or plastic garbage bag ties with serrated edges.  A simple solution to an issue that has plagued many portable stations. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast that is updated each Friday afternoon). https://paper.li/kh6jr

2-Meter/VHF HAM Radio Emergency Setup. Post #1267.

Image
If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMjwDSgo1so. Amateur Radio emergency communications and portable stations are making headlines in hurricane-ravaged areas of the Caribbean and in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.  Radio amateurs are using emergency antennas, portable rigs, and alternative energy sources to get messages out of the heavily damaged island. Perhaps, it's time for you to build an emergency station for local emergencies. Here is a portable 2-Meter/VHF Ham Radio station suitable for quick deployment worldwide.  In this video from The Philippines, "NapstersGear" shows us a simple, easy-to-erect 2-meter ground plane antenna that should be in your emergency "Go-Kit."  The antenna takes only a few minutes to assemble and use.  Most of the components for this antenna can be rolled up and carried in a bag. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, pleas