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=8ZmyvtMvEGY. This video is another great production from Ray of the "Radio Workshop" in the UK.  In this video, Ray provides all of the theory, construction practices, and uses of the classic "doublet antenna."  This old design can be used for both single and multiband use, depending on what feedlines and antenna lengths you choose. If you prefer the multiband approach, then this video is for you.  The concept is simple:  build a dipole antenna for the lowest frequency of use, feed the antenna with balanced line (300 ohm tv ribbon, 450 ohm ladder line, or homemade 600 ohm balanced line), run the balanced line into an antenna "tuner" that handles balanced line or connect the balanced line to a 4:1 current balun, and use a small length of 50 ohm coaxial cable to connect the balun to your antenna "tuner."  Place the "

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ji19-6LPog0 Here's another clever magnetic loop antenna for radio amateurs unable to erect antennas because of CC&R and HOA restrictions. Kevin Loughin (KB9RLW) calls his creating a "spiral loop antenna" for 20 meters.  The video does a good job of explaining the theory, construction, and operation of this magnetic loop antenna variation.  Most of the materials can be found in your ham shack or at the nearest home improvement and building supply outlet.  This is a fun and educational project that will deliver good performance at a moderate cost. 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 on Friday). http://ama

If you can't view this video, please insert title URL into your browser search box (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTsYRyEkCkQ). This is post #1312 in a continuing series featuring simple ham radio antennas. In part two of Kevin's (KB9RLW) mini magnetic loop transmitting antenna, we see how a few minor changes can enhance the performance of this small, "stealthy" antenna.  According to Kevin, this is final version of his mini magnetic loop antenna, which was made "from scrounged junk in my basement."  Kevin says the antenna "works surprisingly well" using only 0.5 watts in the WSPR mode.  This antenna will give radio amateurs living in deed restricted homes, apartments, and condominium units an way to get on the air without rasining the suspicions of nosey neighbors. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.co

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9KSDvjycyw. This is post #1311 in a continuing series on Simple Ham Radio Antennas. Experimenting with magnetic loop antennas is fun, educational, and often rewarding, especially for radio amateurs living in deed-restricting homes, apartments, or condominium units. In this video, Kevin Loughin (KB9RLW) creates a working magnetic loop transmitting antenna from parts he found in his ham shack.  Despite some limitations, the antenna works and serves as a template for further magnetic loop designs.  Perhaps, this video will encourage you to build your own antennas. 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 on Friday). https;//pa

New product for antenna testing (http://www.sotabeams.co.uk/wsprlite-flexi). Accessed on 13 November 2017, 0125 UTC. Author:  SOTABEAMS. Please click link to read the full article. Comment: On Saturday, 11 November 2017, UK antenna manufacturer, SOTABEAMS, announced the release of a new antenna tuning system called WSPRlite-Flexi. According to SOTABEAMS, the new antenna device covers from 6 meters through 630 meters--just right for radio amateurs experimenting on the 630 meter band (472 kHz to 479 kHz). Here are some of the features of the Flexi System: "The Flexi also incorporates a number of new facilities including a unique interference avoidance algorithm to help it avoid interference from other WSPR users. When combined with the  DXplorer.net  website, WSPRlite provides a unique way to look at antenna performance and to see how propagation varies in real-time. Details at: www.sotabeams.co.uk/wsprlite-flexi " --------------------------------------------

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/v=ehjKrJ-TH_w. Here's a simple, cost-effective, and easy to build HF receiving antenna using parts found in your ham shack or at the nearest building supply or home improvement center.  For those radio amateurs living in deed-restricted apartments and homes, this compact, lightweight antenna can be used to receive shortwave and ham radio signals without upsetting your neighbors.  The antenna is highly directional and can be used to sidestep noise and interference in your home. Although this loop is not designed to be used with transmitters, it can give your some flexibility in your receiving antennas.  You could always design and build a transmitting magnetic loop antenna to complement this receiving antenna. You then would be totally "stealthy". For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.i

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSioSzSiScc. The K3MT Grasswire HF antenna designed by Mike Toia (K3MT) may be the ultimate stealth or portable antenna. You lay the antenna on the ground and start operating.  The antenna is nearly invisible. In this video from AC2RJ (rcobo 101), we see how simple and effective this antenna is.  AC2RJ says he laid out 100-feet/30.48 meters of speaker wire on the ground of his backyard and quickly got contacts on 20 and 40 meters.  An antenna "tuner" and a decent earth ground, radial system, or a few counterpoise wires will improve the efficiency and performance of this emergency antenna. You can find Mike's original article by checking the left hand column of this blog under the "pages" section.  Mike gives you all the theoretical and practical construction tips for this antenna.  If you follow Mike's instructions, you'