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=51wEe-1IQ. Now that the solar minimum is coming, more radio amateurs are finding the joys and challenges of working the lower HF bands,  such as 40,80, and 160 meters.  One of the major problems working the lower HF bands is getting an efficient, cost effective antenna for these frequencies.  Antennas for 160 meters can be quite large, requiring a good-sized piece of property to accommodate these "skyhooks."  In this video by "AllAmericanFiveRadio", we see Dave and a friend use a variety of approaches in building, launching, and using this large antenna.  Key to the success of this project was the use of a pneumatic weight launcher to place antenna wires near the top of several trees.  The device is quite clever and effective.  In the past, I've used a slingshot and a bow and arrow to launch lower HF band antennas.  This launcher cert

Easy SWR Adjustment Calculator for Vertical and Dipole Antennas. Post #1440. https://www.momcx.co.uk/quick-swr-calculator-for-vertical-and-dipole-ham-radio-antennas/. Author:  M0MCX. Video:  "DX Commander". Please click link or enter title URL into your browser search box to read the article and to view the video by "DX Commander." Comment: Here's a handy adjustment calculator and spreadsheet for choosing how much to trim your antenna elements to resonance.  This helpful antenna trimming tool will come in handy if you need to add or cut wire from your dipole or vertical antenna elements during portable, emergency, or Field Day operations.  Just download the program and you're ready to go. For the latest Amateur/Ham 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 afternoon). https://hamradiohawaii.wo

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GpoJsdLSiU. Operating an Amateur/Ham Radio station from a deed-restricted property (HOA.CC&R) is often a daunting challenge.  If outdoor HF antennas aren't permitted in your area, perhaps a dipole antenna mounted in your attic will get you on the air without raising the ire of the "antenna police."  If your ham radio station is in a wood frame home with non-metal shingles, this idea from K5ACL (SignalSearch) will solve most of your antenna problems.  The video takes you step-by-step through the design, construction, and use of an attic HF antenna.  Another approach would be to use some kind of magnetic loop antenna, either home-built or commercially made. For the latest Amateur/Ham 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 pod

Ham Radio-Old TV rabbit ears as a junk box 2 meter antenna. Please click link to see the video.  If the video doesn't respond, please enter this title URL into your browser search box:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XdZeY-KihH8. Author:  Kevin Loughin (KB9RLW). Comment: Kevin has done an excellent job of explaining how to convert an old TV rabbit ears antenna into a simple, inexpensive, and effective 2 meter antenna.  I've built several of these 2 meter antennas from discarded televisions found at my local recycling center.  Like Kevin, I enjoy "re-purposing" old parts and equipment for my various amateur/ham radio projects.  This antenna is small, lightweight, and totally "stealthy" for those living in deed-restricted housing (HOAs and CC&Rs).  Kevin takes you step-by-step through the antenna making modifications.  This is an easy, rewarding, and ultra cheap project that can be used for both home and portable operations.  Views expressed in

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RHyZIkyzwRw. If you enjoy antenna experiments, you may find this 2 meter full wave loop an intriguing project.  This antenna is based on the original Ed Fong Dual Band VHF/UHF (2m/70cm) J-Pole PVC Pipe Antenna.  Most of the materials can be bought at your neighborhood hardware or building supply outlet.  With a good set of tools and a few hours of work in your shack, you will have an antenna with some interesting characteristics.  You could even use this antenna in stealth mode to avoid nosey neighbors in deed-controlled housing (HOAs and CC&Rs). For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://hamradiohawaii.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://amateurrad

Multi-band hf loop antenna. https://www.surriel.com/radio/multi-band-hf-loop-antenna. Accessed on 20 March 2018, 0028 UTC, Post #1436. Author:  Rik van Riel (AB1KW). Please click link or enter title URL into your browser search box to read the full article. Comment: If you're forced to use one HF antenna for your Amateur Radio activities, you may want to consider this simple, effective multi-band loop antenna from Rik van Riel (AB1KW). According to Rik, this loop will permit operation on all Amateur Radio bands from 80 meters to 10 meters.  The antenna uses 86 meters (approximately 242 feet of wire for the multiband loop), which is bit small for 80, 17, and 12 meters, a tad large for 40 and 30 meters, and just right for 20, 15, and 10 meters.  An antenna transmatch  (i.e. "tuner") can compensate for some of the length measurements. Rik does an excellent job of discussing all aspects of designing a resonant hf loop antenna, examining the gain and radiation pat

If you can't see this video, please enter this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch/v=ggGaceHgHcM. If you have a small yard and don't have room for a full-sized HF dipole antenna, N4TMA may have a solution for your.  N4TMA made this video for a friend, showing how a bit of ingenuity, some old CB antennas, some extra wire, a few mounts, and other material available locally can get you on the air with a decent signal.  If you're willing to accept a few trade offs in terms of power, bandwidth, and efficiency, you can have a functioning HF antenna ready for your next QSO in just a few hours. Remember the old saying:  "A compromise antenna is better than no antenna." For the latest Amateur/Ham 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 afternoon). http://amateurradionewsinformati