Posts

Portable Amateur Radio Satellite Antenna. Post #1483.

Image
If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0niy7Sy96Q. In this informative and easy-to-understand video, Dave Tadlock (KG0ZZ) takes us step-by-step through the design, construction, and use of a small, hand-held portable Amateur Radio dual band (2 meter/70 cm) satellite antenna.  While this antenna is a bit complex, Dave's building process and suggestions will make assembly fairly simple.  This antenna is suitable for both home and portable use.  Use this antenna to copy Amateur Radio satellites during the upcoming ARRL Field Day on 23-24 June 2018.  For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday afternoon). https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. https://amateurradionewsinformation.com (Amateur Radio News & Informa

Ultimate Bugout Bag Radio. Post #1482.

Image
If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDYSF5KAA8M. In this video, Julian (OH8STN) discusses the ultimate survival communications radio, the features it has, what makes it so useful, and how it can provide reliable contact when you're out in the field. In Julian's view, the "ultimate survival radio" must be low cost, multi-band capable, low weight, sturdy, and battery-powered.  Julian uses the popular Yaesu FT-817 series of transceivers to illustrate his point.  He also refers to several portable antennas that can be used in field or emergency operations.  Overall, this video is an excellent introduction to survival communications. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday afternoon). https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. http

Roll Up Slim Jim Antenna for Emergency & Preparedness. Post #1481.

Image
If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=196-sS2yYak. If you need an efficient, easy to use portable 2 m/70 cm antenna for field or emergency use, please consider the "Slim Jim" VHF/UHF antenna from Nelson Antennas.  In this video, Coach Helder (W2NTC) discusses the indoor and outdoor use of this antenna for emergency and preparedness communications.  Testing was done with a Yaesu VX-8DR transceiver. Of course, you could always build your own version of this versatile antenna.  But, if you want to have a ready-made 2 m/70 cm antenna that works right out of the box, then consider the antenna described in this video.  It certainly doesn't hurt to have a spare antenna in your shack or vehicle. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday

Ham Radio HF/VHF Antenna Lengths Chart. Post #1480.

Ham Radio HF/VHF Antenna Lengths Chart. Post #1480. http://www.hamuniverse.com/hamantennalengths.html. Author:  N4UJW (http://www.hamuniverse.com. Accessed on 03 May 2018, 0436 UTC, Post #1480. Please click link to read the full article. Comment: N4UJW from http://www.hamuniverse.com has created a handy, useful, and easy-to-understand chart for those building their own HF and VHF antennas.  You can use this chart to determine the lengths of 1/4 wave verticals, 1/2 wave dipoles, and full wavelength loop antennas.  Antenna calculations are based on the general formula 468/F(MHz)=Length in feet.  Loop antennas follow the general formula1005/F(MHz)=Length in feet.  Copy this chart and file it with your antenna documents. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these web sites: http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday afternoon). http://www.southgatearc.org. https://www.eham.net.

40 Meter Inverted V Antenna-Build, Tune & Test. Post #1479.

Image
If you can't view the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbq1UgwM_go. What started out as a "snow day" project for Barbara Justice and her children ended up as a 40 meter/20 meter fan dipole configured as an inverted V antenna.  Barbara says a few modifications also allowed her to use the antenna on 40-20-15-10 and 6 meters.  Despite the antennas low height above ground, the overall results of this winter activity produced a useful, multiband HF antenna at a modest cost. The video takes you-step-by-step through the building, configuration, and use of this versatile antenna.  The assembly process is organized, efficient, and simple.  Just follow the instructions and you'll have an efficient multiband HF antenna in just a few hours. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which