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=PT1kSQjQIkM. Do you want a multi-band HF antenna, but don't have an antenna transmatch (i.e. "tuner") to keep SWR low as you select your favorite band? Then, a multi-band HF "Fan Dipole Antenna" may be what you're looking for.  The antenna consists of dipoles for each band connected to a single 50 ohm coaxial cable feedline.  In this video, Cory (N0ECK) and Alex (KD0YNH) take us step-by-step in designing, building, and using this simple, effective HF antenna.  According to Alex and  Cory, this antenna will work well on 80, 40, 20, and 15 meters without an antenna "tuner".  Be sure there is separation between the dipoles to reduce signal cancellation.  For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarr

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UcRuJvPEPrU. If you've ever wondered what the 6 meter band holds for you, then check out this informative and laid back video from "Ham Radio Concepts" (KJ4YZI). The idea for this video came from a recent ARRL VHF contest which encouraged KJ4YZI to investigate the nature and challenges of "The Magic Band." The "magic" of 6 meters lies in its borderline location between HF and VHF, with the band showing characteristics of both HF and VHF.  Antenna requirements are modest, with a simple vertical or horizontal dipole offering plenty of contacts. KJ4YZI does an excellent job of explaining the theory, operations, antennas, and equipment needed to work this slice of the radio spectrum.  As an added feature, you get the antics of Sophie, the official mascot of KJ4YZI's ham shack. If you want a challenge in this time of

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BrvgcxVqwng. Another excellent video tutorial from Dave Tadlock (KG0ZZ).  In this video, Dave reviews the basics of building HF/VHF cubical quad antennas. His presentation is clear, concise, and helpful. Dave does a good job of explaining the theory, construction, and operation of cubical quad antennas in a variety of operating environments. He also reviews the formulas used in calculating dimensions and spacings between elements.  Although cubical quads have been used extensively on the VHF/UHF amateur radio bands, they can also be found on some of the HF bands, including, 20, 15, 10, and 6 meters.  On lower HF bands (i.e. 40, 80, and 160 meters), quads tend to be quite large and bit unwieldy. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislan

If you can't view this video, please enter this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dw1rz0CVn90. In this video, Julian (OH8STN) does an outstanding job of building two man-portable magnetic loop antennas which can complement your "Go Kit" or backup antenna system.  The video supplies specifications for two different antennas, based on the Chameleon Magnetic Loop Antenna.  Either of these antennas can be used in portable or emergency situations, where space and weight are considerations. 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. http://amateurradionewsinformation.com (Amateur Radio News & Information). Other sites of interest: Hawaii Science Digest (http://hawaiisciencedigest.com)

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcnWkbiD79c. Operating on 160 meters from a deed-restricted home, apartment, or condominium unit can be a difficult challenge.  You can still pursue contacts in "The Gentlemen's Band" if you use some creativity and willingness to experiment with the materials you have on hand. In this video from "Ham Prepper", we see how a "junk bin special" can get you on 160 meters without nosey neighbors reporting you to the "housing police." In this case, "Ham Prepper" used some 300 ohm television twin lead, a MFJ-989c antenna transmatch (i.e. "tuner"), and a quarter wave length of wire for 160 meters to get on the air.  Although this antenna could be improved considerably with a better ground radial or counterpoise system, it does work.  You do what you can with what you have around you.  This video s