Simple Ham Radio Antennas

If you can't see this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8Zh1_Mntz0. Here's a simple 2-element phased vertical array that will give you some interesting results.  In this video, Peter Parker (VK3YE) tests a half square antenna on 14 MHz (the 20 meter Amateur Radio Band).  The antenna consists of a wavelength of wire bent into a wide inverted "U" suitable for long distance HF contacts. According to Peter, the antenna is simple and easy to make:  "Take 22 meters (72.16 ft) of wire and set up two poles 11 meters (36.08 ft) apart, with equal lengths hanging down. Connect one to an antenna coupler and load it against short counterpoise wire (s)." You may be surprised just how good this antenna is. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is

If you can't view the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https;//www.youtube.com/watch/v=FzBDf-JEa3w. A nicely done tutorial on how to install a mobile radio in your vehicle from Pete Hadley (K6BFA).  Peter does an excellent job of  showing how he mounted his mobile rig and antenna without drilling a large number of holes or defacing the body of his vehicle.  Notice how he kept all cables and wires safely out of sight.  This video should give you lots of ideas if you're planning on going mobile over the next few days. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday). https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://amateurradionewsinformation.com (Amateur Radio News and Information). Be sure to check the blog sidebars for more antenna and propa

If you can't view the video, please enter this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fmm63d2Zyv4. Operating a mobile HF/VHF/UHF amateur radio station is one of the fun activities enjoyed by licensed radio amateurs.  There are many contests and operating events specially designed for the mobile operator.  Mobile operations can expand your ham radio enjoyment while you get acquainted with the vast expanses of our country. The installation of mobile antennas can be a bit tedious, considering the limitations, grounding problems, and power issues involved in today's modern trucks and passenger cars.  In this video, Creg Cottrell of Rugged Radios walks us through choosing the right mobile radio antenna, understanding ground planes, selecting mounting locations, vehicle mounting options, and basic trouble shooting associated with mobile antennas.  An excellent video tutorial with many helpful suggestions for the mobile operator. For the lates

. If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5P6OfZYzCUE. One of the things I enjoy about antennas is the opportunity to build some of the classic antenna designs used in the early days of Amateur Radio.  The Windom Antenna is a good example of an early antenna design which continues in a variety of variants today. The modern Windom Antenna is a close cousin of the original off-center-fed dipole created by Loren Windom (ex-W8GZ) back in the early 1920s.  Windom's original idea was to design an off-center-fed (OCF) horizontal antenna to present a feed point impedance of around 600 ohms, close enough to match the surge impedance of a single-wire feed line.  Nowadays, variants of the Windom Antenna are fed by coaxial cable and a variety of balanced feed lines. In this video from Stan Gibilisco (W1GV) we get a thorough understanding of the theory, design, construction, and use of a "moder

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oH3GAnjB_Wo. Here's a short video from the "HamRadioConcepts" youtube channel explaining the attractions of the 30 Meter Amateur Radio Band (10 MHz).  This video calls the 30 Meter Band a "hidden gem" because there's less noise and better propagation than some other ham bands. Especially interesting is a discussion of how digital modes such at FT-8, PSK31, CW, and JT65 can be used effectively on this band.  All it takes to enjoy this non-contest band is a simple dipole or vertical antenna.  Many modern transceivers include this band in their layouts in addition to the more "classic bands" we use everyday on HF.  Thirty meters is also a good place to practice and improve your CW skills. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://arrl.org. http:/