Simple Ham Radio Antennas

If you can't see the video please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSioSzSiScc. If you live in deed-controlled housing governed by a HOA or CC&Rs, you may have to be creative and "stealthy" if you wish to pursue HF contacts on authorized Amateur Radio bands.  In this video from rcobo 101, we get an idea of what can be done if you're determined to get on the air.  This on-the-ground HF antenna was inspired by Tom Toia (K3MT) and his "grasswire antenna".  You can find a full explanation of this curiously effective ground hugging antenna by going to the left hand sidebar and checking under "amateur radio antennas--theory and practice" or by searching google under "K3MT grasswire antenna."  The original antenna designed by Tom used a coax feed line, a homebrewed 9:1 balun, and a ground radial wire or a copper ground rod.  In the version shown by rcobo 101, the antenna used 100 feet

If you can't see this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgOqP8uPEPc. Here's an interesting antenna design for radio amateurs exploring the 630 meter and 2200 meter amateur radio bands.  This classic antenna is basically a top loaded vertical designed for frequencies below the standard broadcast band (472 kHz and 137 kHz).  Even though this antenna is inefficient, a digital signal using the FT8 protocol should get you some contacts.  Good luck! 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). http://amateurradionewsinformation.com (Amateur Radio News & Information). http://www.southgarearc.org. https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. Be sure to check the blog sidebars for more antenna and propagation ar

If you can't see this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch/v=N-rUeIMYXbg. With the exception of a shaky introduction, this video does an excellent job of showing how an old mobile/cell phone antenna can be reused to make a new VHF/UHF antenna for the 2 m and 70 cm amateur radio bands.  The coaxial cable from an old mobile antenna can be converted into a "sleeve" or coaxial dipole antenna suitable for portable, emergency, or home use.  OH2FTG instruction's are clear and easy to follow.  Don't discard that old mobile antenna--recycle it as a new antenna. 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). http://amateurradionewsinformation.com (Amateur Radio News & Information). http://www.southgatearc.org. https://hamradiohawa

If you can't see this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfLUrVnnQUI. Although there are many excellent commercial grade HF dipole antennas on the market, nothing beats "rolling your own" from spare or surplus parts available in your home or at the nearest hardware store.  In this video from David Casler (KE0OG), we see how "scrounged" or repurposed wire, plastic, and other building materials can turned into a simple, effective, and inexpensive antenna for the 40-meter band (or any other Amateur Radio band you may have in mind).  Dave takes us step-by-step through the design, construction, and use of this uncomplicated, versatile HF antenna.  If you cut your antenna wires carefully, this antenna can be used on the 15 meter band, using the third harmonic of 40 meters.  If you choose to make this antenna, please use your tools safely and take your time.  Your reward will be a high-performance HF

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbuLpq8219g. The 3D printing wave is impacting Amateur Radio in a big way.  In this video from Kevin Loughin (KB9RLW), we see how easy and quick it is to design a custom center insulator for a dipole antenna using a consumer priced 3D printer, such as the Aldi 3D printer.  Kevin has produced a few videos explaining how to set up and use this fast evolving printer technology in your ham shack.  This video begins with a fairly straightforward project that can be mastered in a short time.  There are several good, basic programs available that will get you started:  TinkerCad and OpenSCAD.  For those with more experience, you may want to try the fusion360 program.  It won't be long before we can print out entire HF, VHF, and UHF transceivers.  Kevin's video is clear, concise, and well organized. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, plea