Simple Ham Radio Antennas

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch/v=hZ6i2wqa8vo. Here's an interesting three-band HF antenna you can build with commonly available materials and a little creativity. According to AB8XX, this ground plane antenna covers the 20, 30, and 40 meter amateur radio bands, is omnidirectional, and offers a low angle of radiation.  The feed point is approximately 20-ft./6.09-m above ground level.  Also intriguing in this article is the homebrewed antenna launcher based on a design published in the March 2009 issue of "QST."  The antenna spreaders are made from PVC pipe. 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 which is updated each Friday afternoon). https://paper.li/kh6jrm/

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?=Lcoh5JXZOA. Here's a strange, very shortened antenna that works well on the 30 meter amateur radio band (10.000 mHz to 10.150 mHz).  According to the author of this post, The 9-inch/22.86 cm vertical "halo" radiation section is made from AWG #10 wire and the loading coil uses 2-inches/5.08 cm of PVC pipe wrapped with AWG #26 to #14 wire.  The antenna displays a SWR below 2.0 for all frequencies in the 30 meter amateur radio band. Apparently, this experimental antenna works, although I suspect efficiency will be very low. 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 which is updated each Friday afternoon). https://paper.li/kh6jrm/143028

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3j3BsYbzwvw. If you want to squeeze a bit more gain out of your HF horizontal dipole antenna, you may find the Extended Double Zepp Antenna a useful alternative to the traditional 1/2 wavelength dipole.  Stan Gibilisco (W1GV) does an excellent job of explaining the theory, construction, and operation of this antenna. The Extended Double Zepp Antenna is basically a collinear array of "two 5/8 waves in phase", giving a theoretical gain of 3 dB. Be sure to use balanced feed line such as 450 ohm ladder line, 300 ohm television twin lead, or homemade 600 feed line with a balanced "tuner" or a 4:1 current balun/"tuner" combination connected to your rig. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.Hawaii ARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com.

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rujoKVOhK8. Radio amateurs residing in deed-restricted apartments, condominium units, and homes face severe antenna challenges.  In this video from "Ham Radio Concepts", we see some tests and reviews of stealthy, ultra lightweight dipole antennas made by N9SAD.  Considering the limitations faced by these antennas, they perform quite well.  If you're discouraged by your HOA/CC&R regulations, you may want to consider one of these stealth antennas from N9SAD. 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 which is updated each Friday afternoon). https://paper.li/kh6jrm/1430289353 (Amateur Radio News & Information). Other sites

If you can't views this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unIiqNuzHNI. If you enjoy working the lower HF bands (160 meters through 40 meters), tall structures such as trees are a must to get antennas high enough to make DX contacts a regular event.  Over the years, many radio amateurs have made antenna launchers that will shoot your antennas over trees and other structures. In this video from Tinker Tom (W5CYF), we learn how to build a simple and inexpensive antenna launcher that will cost you less than $25.00 and take only 30 minutes to assemble.  The components are simple:  a slingshot, a support arm, and a casting fishing reel with a sinker attached.  Tinker Tom has used this basic tool to launch antenna wires to heights between 75 and 100 feet (22.86 to 30.48 meters) above ground level. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oa