Posts

10 GHz: An Introduction to X-Band for Amateur Radio. Post #1304.

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If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3FR72wHHCeM. If the current solar cycle is making HF operations difficult and tedious, why not try some of the Amateur Radio microwave bands, such as the popular 10 GHz Band (X-Band)?  Equipment is readily available and instructional videos such as this one are available online.  With the advent of improved antennas, better transceivers, and manageable power supplies, it's possible to make many daily contacts via EME, meteor scatter, and knife-edge refraction. In this video, Gordon West (WB6NOA) and Tim Tucker (AE6LX) demonstrate the antennas, feed lines, transceivers, and operating procedures that will insure you success on this microwave band. 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:/

HF tape measure horizontal dipole antenna. Post #1303.

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If you can't views this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PiU6x9aZT7A. I'm familiar with steel tape measures as elements for 2 meter yagis, but I've never seen the same principal applied to the HF bands.  In this video from KI4PMI and NC4FB, we see how common steel tape measures can be used for antennas covering 40 through 06 meters.  According to NC4FB, you change bands by adjusting the length of the steel tape measure. An ingenious, creative, and inexpensive way to use common materials as antenna elements.  This antenna covers amateur radio frequencies from 40 through 06 meters.  You can have plenty of fun working with this type of antenna. 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 u

The 80m Amateur Radio Band & NVIS. Post #1302.

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If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NABWhIHJwdc. If you enjoy portable operations and find it difficult to contact stations on 80 meters, you may want to make a NVIS (near vertical incident skywave) antenna covering this great "rag chew" and daytime regional band. In this video, Gil (Commsprepper) shows us how to make a simple NVIS antenna that delivers excellent local, state, and regional coverage up to 400 miles/648 km.  This video shows Gil's 135-foot/41.15 meters NVIS antenna suspended over a wooden bridge.  He reports excellent local and regional coverage from this simple installation. Eighty meters is an excellent band for portable and local emergency operations. 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://ww

160 Meter Folded Counterpoise Inverted L Antenna. Post #1301

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If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZoYyIuYdaU. Here's an interesting variation of the classic Inverted L Antenna that can get you on the 160 meter Amateur Radio band without taking up much space.  The antenna is based on work done by Guy (K2AV) and built by Steve Ellington. Steve's antenna has a vertical height of 70-feet/21.34 meters and a horizontal length of 80-feet/24.39 meters.  The elevated folded counterpoise is 66-feet/20.12 meters long and mounted 8-feet/2.43 meters above ground. Hopefully, this antenna can get you on 160 meters. 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/1330289353 (Amater Radio Ne

How To Build A QRP Dummy Load. Post 1300.

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If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browswer search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9FLgWoyfsY. Here's a simple, effective QRP dummy load for field or portable operations.  In this video, Randy (K7AGE) takes us from beginning to end in making this useful station accessory.  Randy says the dummy load can handle 20 watts without a problem. The dummy load also has a test point that you can use to meter your voltage and calculate the power of your transmitter.  A nice, basic project that will be useful for years to come. For the latest Amateur Radio News and Information, please visit these web sites: 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/kh6jrm/1439289353 (Amateur Radio News & Information). Other sites of interest: Hawaii Science Digest